Gone are the days when the conception of a smartphone phone was limited to a single screen. Last week, Huawei released its latest phone model, the Huawei Mate XT, which is the world’s first tri-fold phone. In doing so, the Chinese tech giant has managed to steal some thunder from Apple’s recent launch of the iPhone 16.

When folded, the Mate XT is like any other smartphone currently on the market, about the size of an adult hand. However, it weighs 300 grams, slightly heavier than the iPhone 16 at 170 grams. The exterior is engraved with the text “Designed and Crafted by HUAWEI.”

The real magic happens when the phone is unfolded. Turning the original screen around, the phone can be opened like a book, instantly revealing a horizontal screen that is exactly the length of two phone screens side-by-side. From there, flipping over the third screen reveals a 10.2 inch tablet. You can even flip one of the screens back to act as a stand for your display.

Most netizens who have gotten their hands on the phone marvel at how thin the device is when unfolded. For those who game, the lightweight Mate XT also has an advantage over tablets like the iPad, which is roughly the same size but weighs around 487 grams. 

However, this is also the most expensive phone made in China, starting at 19,999 RMB or around 2,850 USD. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to get one: over 5 million people registered for a spot in line before the phones even went on sale. 

Netizens joked that buying the flashy, high tech Mate XT is like investing in an expensive bottle of Maotai. Others compared it to buying stocks, which proved to be an apt analogy. In less than a week, the phone was already reselling on second-hand platforms for 10,000 RMB more than its original price. 

One reseller compared dealing with the Mate XT to riding a roller coaster, as the phone was reselling for up to 90,000 RMB when it was first sold, but dropped to 30,000 RMB by the third day. “It’s like a gambler’s mindset, if you think 30,000 RMB is too low to sell, tomorrow it might only be selling for 20,000 RMB.”

So if you’re lucky enough to buy a Huawei Mate XT, then resell it, you might end up making more than enough money to get yourself the latest hot pink iPhone 16, which is selling for just 5999 RMB or 855 USD.

Banner image via X.PIN.