Huawei has expanded its foldable smartphone lineup with the release of its latest trifold device in the Chinese market. The new model, identified as the Mate XT 2, marks a shift in design philosophy for the company. While the original Mate XT utilized an accordion-style folding mechanism that eliminated the need for a secondary cover screen, the new iteration adopts an inward-folding form factor. This design choice aligns the device more closely with the structural approach seen in Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold series.

Beyond the physical hardware, the Mate XT 2 is notable for being the first foldable device to integrate a privacy-enhancing display. This feature is designed to limit viewing angles, preventing unauthorized individuals from seeing the screen content from the side. This technology is functionally similar to the privacy display capabilities Samsung debuted on its Galaxy S26 Ultra earlier this year. While the report from The Verge suggests that Huawei’s development process was influenced by Samsung’s recent innovations, the technical specifications regarding how Huawei implemented this privacy feature compared to Samsung's proprietary solution remain limited. The transition from the original Mate XT design to this new inward-folding model indicates a strategic pivot for Huawei as it competes in the high-end foldable market.