Huawei Adds Samsung-Style Privacy Display to New Trifold
▼ Summary
– Huawei has launched the Mate XT 2, its third trifold phone in China, which adopts an inward-folding design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold.
– The device features a new privacy-enhancing OLED display that narrows viewing angles to protect content from side viewers, available as an optional upgrade.
– Unlike previous models with exposed accordion-style screens, the Mate XT 2 folds both sides of its 10.2-inch flexible screen inward for better protection.
– Key specifications include the Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, improved IP59 water resistance, and a triple rear camera system.
– Pricing starts at ¥19,999 ($3,000) in China, while international release plans remain uncertain amidst Samsung’s discontinuation of its own tri-fold model.
Huawei has officially launched its third-generation trifold smartphone in China, a device that clearly draws significant inspiration from Samsung’s recent design language. The new Mate XT 2 mirrors the inward-folding architecture seen on the Galaxy Z TriFold and distinguishes itself as the first foldable to feature an integrated privacy-enhancing display, a technology previously introduced by Samsung with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
While the original Mate XT debuted with an accordion-style fold that left portions of the fragile screen exposed, this latest iteration prioritizes durability. By folding both sides of the 10.2-inch flexible OLED panel inward, Huawei ensures the display remains protected when closed. This structural shift marks a departure from the previous models’ outward-facing aesthetic, aligning more closely with modern expectations for robust foldable hardware.
The standout innovation, however, is the optional privacy OLED screen. Similar to Samsung’s implementation, this feature narrows the viewing angle by activating specific pixels that emit light directionally. From a side profile, the screen appears nearly black, effectively shielding content from prying eyes, while remaining fully visible to the user directly in front of it. This advanced capability is not standard across all configurations; it is exclusively available on the top-tier model equipped with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which carries an additional cost of ¥1,000 (approximately $150).
Under the hood, the Mate XT 2 is powered by Huawei’s latest Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. The device also boasts improved durability with an IP59 water-resistance rating and features a sophisticated triple-rear camera system. Pricing begins at ¥19,999 (around $3,000) for the base configuration upon its launch in China today.
Despite the competitive landscape, Huawei continues to push boundaries in the premium foldable market. Samsung’s own Galaxy Z TriFold was discontinued shortly after its initial release last year, though industry leaks indicate that Samsung is still developing a successor. Meanwhile, Huawei moves forward with its refined approach to trifold technology, combining familiar form factors with unique privacy solutions.
(Source: The Verge)
