Huawei MateXT: The "Explosive" Three-Fold Screen and the Future

Huawei MateXT: The "Explosive" Three-Fold Screen and the Future It's that time of year again, the most anticipated tech event of the year, where the tech world gathers. Just as Cook finished unveiling the iPhone 16 series, Yu, from across the ocean, once again took the lead

Huawei MateXT: The "Explosive" Three-Fold Screen and the Future

It's that time of year again, the most anticipated tech event of the year, where the tech world gathers. Just as Cook finished unveiling the iPhone 16 series, Yu, from across the ocean, once again took the lead. On the same day as Apple's autumn launch event, Huawei presented its most "explosive" product this year the Huawei MateXT. And it's not just me who thinks it's explosive, just look at social media and online marketplaces, it's a complete frenzy. On Weibo, related topics about the MateXT have topped the trending list, overshadowing all the gossip from the entertainment industry. Is this still the Weibo I know? On shopping platforms, scalpers have already smelled the opportunity, countless posts about pre-ordering and grabbing the MateXT are popping up. Well, well, well, seems like the consumer winter is only impacting me

The noise hasn't subsided yet, but the wind of poverty has blown me awake. After the initial excitement, I am curious, folding screens have been around for five years now, so what makes this triple-folding MateXT so exciting for the tech world? With these questions in mind, I'm here to share my thoughts with you.

The "Fold Upon Fold" Experience Doubles

Back in March, Huawei publicly revealed a patent for a "folding screen device". At the time, industry experts speculated that Huawei had already begun developing projects related to triple-folding screen phones.

The patent image for Huawei's "folding screen device".

During the launch event, I noticed that the MateXT utilizes a "Z-shaped" triple-folding structure, extremely similar to the patent drawings previously disclosed. Okay, all the pieces fit, they kept it under wraps and delivered a big surprise! Based on the demonstrations during the launch, the MateXT's usage modes are similar to a scene from a historical drama where an emperor is reviewing his reports. The opening and closing movements create a sense of ritualistic grandeur.

Of course, just futuristic aesthetics and a "cyber emperor" experience isn't enough to impress someone who has seen their fair share of foldable phone models. So, Yu, you can't just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. We need to know what makes this triple-folding screen device so special.

First, let's talk about display experience. When folded, the MateXT is similar to current horizontal folding models with a regular 6.4-inch screen, with an aspect ratio close to 20:9, offering a similar experience to a traditional smartphone. However, when unfolded, wow, a stunning 10.2-inch screen is revealed, essentially a phone that comes bundled with a tablet. Worth noting, this large screen has an aspect ratio close to 16:9, resulting in a larger display area when watching videos, leading to higher screen utilization. Remember, previous horizontal folding models didn't offer much more display area compared to traditional phones when watching movies or TV shows. Rejoice, foldable phones are finally leaving the "Tom and Jerry" era behind!

Second, the MateXT has developed various ways to utilize its "hovering" mode. For example, when travelling, you can use the single-screen mode to check in for your flight; while waiting at the airport, use the double-screen mode to handle some paperwork; and during your flight, you can fully unfold it to watch a movie comfortably.

I bet some of you are already thinking, "You're only talking about the advantages, what about the disadvantages of a triple folding screen?" Like how heavy and thick is it? How strong and durable is the structure? Don't worry, let me gather my thoughts.

Cooling Off After the Shock of a New Form

During the launch event, Huawei mentioned that the MateXT, when unfolded, has a minimum thickness of only 3.6 cm. This is significantly thicker than previous foldable phone models when unfolded. They didn't disclose the thickness or weight when folded, but with a few taps on my phone, I found a complete "3D data" for the MateXT on their website.

Image from the MateXT product detail page.

Emmm no wonder Nan, who previously stopped making phones, took a shot at triple-folding screen phones. After all, there are physical limitations that cannot be ignored with this form factor. Maybe in a few generations, with advancements in manufacturing technology, triple-folding screen phones can achieve a balance between form and portability, just like current dual-folding models.

On the other hand, regarding the durability of triple-folding screen phones, which is a concern for users, I haven't had the chance to try it out yet. This is a "cloud review", so I can only offer some "cloud speculation" and "cloud evaluation".

The MateXT's "Z-shaped" triple-folding structure has two bending points, incorporating both the traditional inner and outer folding hinge structures. This means the flexible screen panel will experience more complex bending movements. Especially the "middle layer" when folded, the panel's lifespan will be more tested due to the force applied to the two bending points.

During the launch event, Huawei didn't disclose any further details about the MateXT's screen panel. However, there were rumors in the market that the screen panel for this triple-folding screen phone comes from a partner BOE. Back in 2022, BOE announced that they had successfully developed F-OLED flexible N-shaped folding display technology, solving the product realization challenges faced by the industry regarding flexible three-segment folding technology. According to data, for this solution, the inner folding R3 water drop type folding has a lifespan of 200,000 cycles, while the outer folding R5 has a lifespan of 100,000 cycles.

Just based on folding lifespan, this is slightly inferior to dual-folding phones, such as those from Huawei and other competitors. However, considering Huawei has mass-produced and iterated on both inner and outer folding models in the past, their hinge technology experience is more comprehensive and richer, leading to an expectation of a longer folding lifespan.

However, I did notice that the foldable phone's screen panel is not an independent entity. If one of the two bending points, either inner or outer, fails, resulting in a screen malfunction, the entire screen panel needs replacement. This leads to a higher probability of screen panel failure for the MateXT, and the repair cost will inevitably be higher. Therefore, I urge everyone who wants to purchase the MateXT to absolutely, positively get screen breakage insurance!

Why Is Huawei the First to Mass-Produce a "Triple-Fold"?

I remember a long time ago, Yu proudly said that Huawei aims to do things others haven't thought of, or things others have thought of but can't do, or even things they dare not think of. Previously, it was Huawei that brought foldable phones into the public eye; and now, Huawei is the first brand to mass-produce a triple-folding phone.

I'm curious, just like other tech enthusiasts, why is it Huawei?

Similar to how the first mass-produced foldable phone was from Royole, Huawei wasn't the first to announce a triple-folding phone either. Samsung revealed their FlexS and FlexG back in the early years, but they are still in development and haven't been released yet:

Image from YouTube@SamsungDisplay

Transsion Holdings is another "sly fox", although they beat Huawei to unveiling the Phantom Ultimate 2 concept phone and its promotional video, they haven't yet committed to mass production.

Image from Bilibili@Transsion Holdings

So, I'm not just giving Huawei credit for no reason, because the only triple-folding phone available to purchase is the Huawei MateXT!

As mentioned earlier, the MateXT needs to solve both the inner and outer folding structure problems within the same phone. If I remember correctly, Huawei is currently the only domestic brand that has independently researched, developed, and iterated on both inner folding (MateX series) and outer folding (MateXs series) models.

Early start, comprehensive coverage, large scale, and numerous patents. If Huawei didn't have some serious technological prowess in the foldable phone market, I wouldn't believe it!

Like an 185 cm tall athlete, Huawei has been dedicated to growing in the foldable phone market. Through this dedication, Huawei has become an absolute superstar in the industry and supply chain. Patents, technology, funding, research and development, and innovation they have it all. Through continuous product iterations, Huawei has evolved step by step, easily creating technological barriers in the foldable phone market.

Besides the hardware product and technical patents, Huawei also has a software ecosystem adaptation advantage that other domestic brands don't have HarmonyOS NEXT. In the past, HarmonyOS NEXT's app adaptive layout feature has shown its capabilities in multi-device deployment, including phones, tablets, and computers. I believe that the MateXT will be able to adapt to single-screen, dual-screen, triple-screen, and even full-screen applications more easily than any other manufacturer. Page layouts and interactive design across different screen sizes are core advantages of the MateXT.

"Master Hu, when will you be the best in Tianjin?" "Today, today!"

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