The foldable phone race is heating up, and Huawei looks ready to push the envelope further. After pioneering the tri-fold concept with last year's Huawei Mate X3 (or its variant, known as the Mate X5 in some regions), fresh rumors suggest its successor is poised for a launch later this year, potentially as early as September. And this time, it’s reportedly packing two significant upgrades that could solidify Huawei's position at the cutting edge.
Industry insiders and tipsters, primarily pointing to activity on Chinese social media platform Weibo, are buzzing about the development. The core message? Huawei isn't just iterating; it's aiming to leapfrog.
The Core Upgrades:
- The Heart: A New Kirin Chipset: The most anticipated upgrade revolves around the processor. Rumors strongly indicate the new tri-fold will ditch the current Kirin 9000s (used in the Mate X5 and Mate 60 series) in favor of Huawei's next-generation Kirin chip, tentatively dubbed the Kirin 9010 or Kirin 9100. This successor is expected to deliver a noticeable performance boost and improved efficiency – crucial for powering the complex multi-screen experience and demanding applications a tri-fold enables. While still likely built on an advanced, but not industry-leading, process node due to US restrictions, optimizations through Huawei's HarmonyOS could unlock significant gains. A leak hinting at this chip development recently surfaced on Weibo
- The Lifeline: Satellite Connectivity Evolved: Huawei made waves by introducing satellite messaging and calling in its Mate 50 and subsequent flagship series. For the next tri-fold, tipsters suggest Huawei is taking this a step further. The device is expected to feature enhanced satellite communication capabilities. While details remain scarce, this could mean faster connection times, potentially broader coverage, or even support for richer data transmission via satellite beyond basic SOS and texting – a feature that could be a major differentiator, especially for travelers and adventurers.
The Form Factor:
Details on the physical design are still under wraps, but it's expected to build upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. This likely means a device that unfolds from a standard phone size to a small tablet, and then finally to a larger tablet format, offering unprecedented screen real estate in a (relatively) pocketable form. Refinements to the hinge mechanism for improved durability and crease reduction are also anticipated.
The Launch Window:
Multiple sources, including the consistently reliable Huawei Central, point towards a late 2024 launch, with September emerging as a strong possibility. This timing would position it ahead of the usual year-end flagship rush and potentially against competitors' next-generation foldables.
https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-2nd-tri-fold-may-launch-later-this-year-with-new-kirin-chip/
Why It Matters:
Huawei's first tri-fold was a proof of concept, showcasing a bold vision for the future of smartphones. This successor appears focused on making that vision more practical and powerful. The new Kirin chip promises the horsepower needed to truly utilize the expansive screen real estate without compromise. Meanwhile, enhanced satellite connectivity addresses a growing demand for reliable communication anywhere, transforming the device from a mere productivity tool into a potential lifeline.
The Competition:
While Samsung focuses on perfecting its book-style foldables and flips, and others like Motorola and Xiaomi explore different dual-fold concepts, Huawei seems committed to pushing the tri-fold boundary. If these rumors hold, the new device could set a high bar for innovation in the increasingly crowded foldable market.
The Caveats:
As always with pre-launch rumors, specifics like the final chip designation, exact satellite capabilities, pricing, and global availability remain uncertain. Huawei has yet to officially confirm the device's existence or launch timeline.
The Bottom Line:
If the whispers prove true, Huawei is gearing up to launch a second-generation tri-fold phone later this year that isn't just folding more – it's aiming to do more. With a faster, next-gen Kirin chip at its core and potentially groundbreaking satellite communication features, this device could be a major statement piece, demonstrating Huawei's resilience and ambition in the high-stakes world of foldable technology. Tech enthusiasts and foldable fans should definitely keep their eyes peeled for official announcements as we head towards the fall. The foldable future might just get a whole lot more interesting.
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