Samsung Z TriFold vs Huawei Mate XT: Which Tri-Fold Phone Is Actually Better?

Foldable phones have gone from niche curiosities to serious mainstream contenders and now they are evolving again. After book-style and clamshell were established, manufacturers began experimenting with multi-hinge designs. Samsung and Huawei are at the forefront of this next fold frontier, each with their own approach:

This is followed by an in-depth look at design, performance, cameras, battery, software, real-world usability and which device might be better for you.

Samsung’s approach with the Z TriFold is thoughtful but bold. Instead of just zig-zagging the screen (like Huawei), Samsung uses two inward hinges that can be folded into a protected pocket. This means:

This design prioritizes durability and everyday use, but because the panels curve inward, the folded phone tends to be thick and heavy (309 grams). Reviewers love that Samsung protects what’s most important is the foldable screen while still providing a true cover screen experience. However, the bezel design and single color option has been described as less attractive than Huawei’s.

Huawei’s tri-fold (Mate XTs / Mate XT) takes a different route:

This results in a sleek device with thin bezels, multiple color options (e.g. red, black, purple, white) and overall thin unfolded profile (3.6 mm). But because the main screen faces outwards when folded, it is naturally more exposed and therefore potentially more vulnerable to scratches and damage without a case.

It delivers bright, fluid images, high refresh rates and excellent visibility in daylight. The separate cover screen ensures real phone-style use without having to open the entire device.

Pros:

Cons:

Huawei’s screen is larger on paper and has much higher resolution, but its limited refresh rate and generally low peak brightness (some tests measured 850 nits) mean it’s not as bright or smooth as Samsung’s panel.

Pros:

Cons:

Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Elite is excellent for multitasking, games and productivity. While it’s not the latest flagship Snapdragon, it’s still very capable on every level. Many reviewers say that Samsung’s performance is much stronger than Huawei’s Kirin chip.

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Samsung has equipped the TriFold with some serious optics:

Samsung’s camera system has been a consistent strength across its flagship lines with reliable processing, color science and low-light performance.

Huawei’s camera setup emphasizes versatility:

Huawei’s telephoto and ultra-wide modules often match or beat Samsung in range and detail, but Samsung’s overall image processing and tuning may deliver more consistent results across lighting conditions.

In real life, that means Huawei charges faster and wireless charging is significantly quicker, too. Samsung’s wireless power share is nice for accessories but the actual charge rates lag.

Samsung’s software is a major strength. You get broad app compatibility, the standard Android app stores and a sophisticated foldable multitasking interface (multiple windows, desktop-like DeX mode) that actually feels productive on a bigger screen.

Huawei’s ecosystem continues improving but still struggles with global app availability. You can get many popular apps, but the experience isn’t as smooth or straight forward as with Samsung’s Android + Google Play combination. HarmonyOS does support productivity features and even stylus support on the Mate XTs which many creative users may appreciate.

Samsung’s inward fold and cover screen means you can use the phone like a regular flagship, quickly viewing notifications and content on the cover screen without opening the entire device. The tri-fold also gives a true tablet experience when opened. Some early hands-on reports warn about potential durability issues in early devices (including a display issue reported by an early user) reminding us this technology is still new and you may want extended warranty.

Huawei’s outward fold and large screen create an impressive full screen from folded to unfolded modes. Real-world users note:

Additionally, people report that many don’t use dual or partial unfolding much often they either use it fully open or fully closed.

Huawei’s limited Google service availability and regional restrictions still make its value more regional unless Huawei expands availability.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold wins.

Cons:

Huawei Mate XTs / Mate XT is very compelling.

Cons:

Both of these devices represent the cutting edge of smartphone design and that means trade-offs. Samsung prioritizes durability, security and ecosystem polish, while Huawei pushes the screen sizes and the bold folding pattern but compromises on ruggedness and app support. There’s no definitive “one size fits all” here: it ultimately depends on what you value most, protected innovation and software (Samsung) or maximum screen and charging speed (Huawei).