Huawei has unveiled the HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN, a tri-fold smartphone that introduces the LogicFolding Tau (τ) Chip, marking its entry into mass commercialization. This announcement signals a significant step in the evolution of foldable devices, as the chip is designed to enable advanced AI capabilities and efficient performance in a compact form factor.
The device is powered by the Kirin 9050 Pro chip, which Huawei claims delivers a 42% improvement in overall performance compared to its predecessor. This is achieved through deep collaboration between hardware, software, and cloud, leveraging the LinxiCore CPU and the Ultra-smooth HUAWEI Ark Engine for faster processing and multitasking. The Maleoon GPU, with doubled computing units and cache, enhances rendering, supporting hardware-level real-time ray tracing at 50 MRPS for immersive gaming. The HUAWEI Da Vinci Architecture NPU brings on-device AI computing power, enabling native support for large models such as the Pangu 30B-A2B MoE LLM, which powers features like AI album management with Celia.
The Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN also showcases Huawei's Xuanwu Ultra-Durable Tri-Fold Architecture, which re-engineers the hinge and screen for durability. It is the first tri-fold phone to achieve IP58/59 dust and water resistance. The cover screen uses Xuanwu Kunlun Glass with anti-glare technology, while the main screen employs a multi-layer composite structure including UTG glass and aerospace-grade steel. The Advanced Precision Hinge System 2.0 features a five curved arm structure for even force distribution.
In terms of security, the phone introduces the industry's first foldable Smart Shield Privacy Screen, which uses a dual-pixel design to maintain resolution when privacy mode is activated. It also includes a Mobile Security Processor with post-quantum cryptography detection, passing EAL5+ CCRC certification. Additionally, the device is equipped with ECG analysis software, having obtained the NMPA Class II Medical Device Registration, allowing users to measure heart activity by holding the screen.
The camera system, True-to-Color Camera 3.0, filters infrared light to improve color reproduction by 95%, and includes an ultra-HDR main camera and periscope telephoto lens. The tri-fold design enables a Desk-calendar mode for stable shooting, and XMAGE SmartCapture offers AIGC real-time previews for composition and lighting recommendations.
Running HarmonyOS 7, the Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN provides a large-screen experience with Live-Multitask, supporting three parallel windows with adjustable sizes and independent volume. This experience is optimized for productivity and entertainment, with deep adaptations for leading apps.
The announcement of the LogicFolding Tau chip is particularly important as it represents a shift toward more integrated AI processing in mobile devices. By bringing large language models directly to the device, Huawei is addressing privacy and latency concerns, potentially setting a new standard for on-device intelligence. As the first smartphone to commercialize this chip, the Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN could influence future developments in the industry, making advanced AI features more accessible to consumers.
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN is available in Purple, White, and Black, with prices starting at RMB 19,999. Sales begin on September 12 at 10:08 AM.
