Huawei has officially introduced the HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN, the first smartphone to feature the LogicFolding Tau (τ) Chip, which has now entered mass commercialization. The announcement was made on September 7, 2026, in Guangzhou, China, and the device is set to go on sale starting September 12 at 10:08 AM for a starting price of RMB 19,999.
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 continues Huawei's leadership in the tri-fold smartphone category, which it pioneered with earlier models. This new generation introduces a wing-like tri-fold design that opens from both sides, offering a more intuitive unfolding experience. The design draws on Chinese aesthetics, featuring a cloud pattern on the back panel created using Brocade Cloud craftsmanship. Three color options are available: Purple, White, and Black. The camera ring inherits the iconic Star Diamond Glow design, crafted from Yttrium Crystal and fired at 1,800°C, with eight steps of fine polishing to form 33 star diamond facets.
Internally, the device is powered by the Kirin 9050 Pro chip, which delivers a 42% improvement in overall device performance compared to the previous generation. This is achieved through deep collaboration between hardware, software, chips, and cloud, according to the company. The chipset includes the LinxiCore CPU, Maleoon GPU, and HUAWEI Da Vinci Architecture NPU. For the first time in the industry, the device natively supports the Pangu 30B-A2B MoE LLM, enabling on-device AI features such as AI album management with Celia. The Maleoon GPU supports 50 MRPS hardware-level real-time ray tracing for gaming, enhancing realism.
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 also introduces the Xuanwu Ultra-Durable Tri-Fold Architecture, which re-engineers the hinge and screen technology for improved durability. It is the first tri-fold phone to support IP58/59 dust and water resistance. The cover screen uses Xuanwu Kunlun Glass with anti-glare technology, while the main screen incorporates a multi-layer composite structure with UTG glass, aerospace-grade ultra-thin high-strength steel, and carbon fiber support. The Advanced Precision Hinge System 2.0 uses a 5 curved arm structure and synchronized linkage mechanism for even force distribution.
Security and privacy are enhanced with the industry's first foldable Smart Shield Privacy Screen, which uses a dual-pixel design to maintain screen resolution while in Privacy mode. It includes intelligent sensing that provides reminders in sensitive areas like airports and train stations. Additionally, the device features a Mobile Security Processor and independent security chip, supporting post-quantum cryptography and achieving EAL5+ CCRC security certification.
The device also boasts ultimate photography capabilities with the True-to-Color Camera 3.0 system, which improves color reproduction by 95% compared to the previous generation. It includes an ultra-HDR main camera, ultra-wide aperture periscope telephoto, and ultra-wide angle camera. Video recording supports an ultra-high dynamic range of 18 EV. The XMAGE SmartCapture recognizes scenes and offers AIGC real-time previews.
Running on HarmonyOS 7, the Mate XT 2 provides a large-screen experience with Live-Multitask, supporting three parallel windows with adjustable sizes and independent volume control. It has been adapted for leading industry apps, fostering the tri-fold ecosystem.
Additionally, the device includes ECG analysis software with NMPA Class II Medical Device Registration, allowing users to perform electrocardiogram measurements. Communication features include Tiantong satellite communication and Beidou satellite messaging, ensuring connectivity in remote areas.
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN is positioned as a premium device that combines cutting-edge technology with luxury design. Its release marks a significant step in the commercialization of advanced foldable technology and sets a new standard for privacy and performance in the smartphone market.
