Foldables get a big push

HUAWEI MATE X7: LAYERED DISPLAY, HARDER-WORKING HINGE AND GOOD IMAGING HARDWARE

- Arthur Goldstuck

Mate X7 on display at the launch.

Huawei has pushed the foldable category forward with the launch of the Mate X7, a device defined by a new layered display structure, a harder-working hinge and imaging hardware rarely seen in a folding phone. These shifts place the X7 in the flagship class, rather than the experimental territory that has surrounded much of the foldable market.

The company unveiled the device in Dubai this month during a showcase that also introduced the MatePad 11.5 S, FreeClip 2 earbuds and an updated Watch Ultimate. The launch followed a first half of the year in which Huawei's foldable shipments in China passed 10 million units.

The engineering of the Mate X7 has evolved dramatically, starting with its inner display, which uses a three-layer Composite Ultra-Tough Structure.

A non-Newtonian layer diffuses sudden force; a UTG layer adds rigidity; and a carbon-fibre backing supports the panel under long-term folding stress. This layered arrangement moves beyond the single-layer or simplified stacks that have defined previous foldable designs.

Its hinge extends the focus on structure. The mechanism uses five arc-shaped arms built from high-strength steel rated at 2,350 MPa. The multi-arm layout creates a stable folding motion and keeps both halves aligned through repeated cycles. Many folding devices rely on fewer arms or lighter hinge materials, while the X7 shifts toward a more load-tolerant approach.

Brightness levels further distinguish the device. The outer display reaches 3 000 nits, while the inner panel goes to 2 500 nits, supported by 1-120 Hz LTPO control and 1440 Hz PWM dimming. This combination supports clear visibility in direct sunlight and rapid brightness transitions.