Fri Sep 20 08:06:01 UTC 2024: ## Huawei’s Tri-Fold Mate XT Ultimate Ships, Despite Production Challenges
**SHENZHEN, CHINA** – Just ten days after unveiling the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, Huawei has begun shipping the highly anticipated Mate XT Ultimate to eager pre-order customers. However, the device remains unavailable for open sale, leaving many disappointed who lined up outside Huawei stores in major Chinese cities.
Initial pre-orders for the Mate XT reached an impressive 6.5 million registrations, exceeding the global foldable phone shipments in Q2 2024. However, these registrations are non-binding, meaning only a fraction of those who registered will actually purchase the device. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a total production of 1 million units, double the initial estimate, but production challenges could hinder this goal.
The Mate XT Ultimate boasts a premium price tag of CNY 19,999 (around $2,800 or €2,500) for the base model. It features Huawei’s Kirin 9010 chipset and HarmonyOS 4.2, with no reliance on US components or software.
Despite the excitement surrounding the device, concerns remain about the long-term durability of the foldable screen. Some users have noted that foldable phones generally experience deterioration after two years of use, with potential problems including ribbon issues, line problems, and creases.
The Mate XT Ultimate is a bold step in Huawei’s commitment to innovation, but only time will tell if the device can overcome the inherent challenges of foldable technology and capture a significant market share.
First Piper 