Huawei may be preparing a major rethink of its tri-fold phone design. A patent linked to the Huawei Mate XT 2 shows a possible inward-folding structure that could keep the main flexible display covered when the device is closed.
The apparent addition of a dedicated cover screen is equally significant. It would mark a departure from the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design, which uses its single flexible panel across different folded positions.
A Different Approach to the Tri-Fold Format
The patent illustrations show the left panel folding first, followed by the right panel. Together, the side panels appear to close over the large internal display rather than leave part of it exposed.
Huawei has not confirmed the existence of a Mate XT 2 or its official name. As a result, the patent should be treated as an early design indication rather than proof of a final retail product.
The folding arrangement has been described as resembling design elements associated with the Galaxy Z TriFold. There is no official information, however, confirming that Huawei will use this mechanism in a commercial device.
Patent Design and Current Model Compared
| Feature | Mate XT 2 Patent Design | Mate XT Ultimate Design |
|---|---|---|
| Folding method | Appears to fold inward | Folds outward |
| External display | Separate cover screen shown | Uses the flexible display |
| Rear camera module | Central circular module | Star Diamond module |
| Chipset | Rumoured Kirin 9050 Pro | Kirin 9010 |
Camera Layout Also Appears to Change
The patent points to changes beyond the hinge and display arrangement. The illustrated device has a circular rear camera module positioned in the centre of the back panel.
This is a clear visual break from the Star Diamond camera module on the Mate XT Ultimate Design. The patent does not reveal the camera sensor specifications.
Tipster Ice Universe shared the patent images through X. Gadgets360 connected the document to the Huawei Mate XT 2, while noting that patent filings do not necessarily represent a device’s final commercial design.
Rumoured Chip and Battery Details
The next Huawei tri-fold is also rumoured to use the Kirin 9050 Pro chipset. Its battery capacity has been reported at around 6,000mAh, though Huawei has not announced either detail.
A launch in October this year has also been rumoured. The possible release schedule remains unconfirmed, as does information on which markets could receive the device first.
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design debuted in China in 2024 as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. Its version with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage was introduced at CNY 19,999.
That model offers a 10.2-inch display when fully unfolded, a 50MP rear camera, and a 5,600mAh battery. It supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
If the patent design reaches production, the key change will be the way the device closes around its flexible screen. Official details will be needed to establish the final design, specifications, and launch plans for the proposed Huawei Mate XT 2.
