Huawei has unveiled the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design, marking a significant leap in personal computing as the world’s first foldable PC. This innovative device combines the portability of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop, setting a new standard for versatility and design.
The Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of personal computing, representing a significant leap forward in laptop technology. Developed by Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese multinational technology company headquartered in Shenzhen, this device showcases Huawei’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and functionality.
🏢 Developer: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, Huawei has grown into a global leader in telecommunications and consumer electronics. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes smartphones, networking equipment, and now, cutting-edge computing devices like the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design. Huawei’s emphasis on research and development has been pivotal in its ascent, enabling the creation of proprietary technologies such as the HarmonyOS operating system and the Kirin series of chipsets.WikipediaHuawei Central
📘 Summary of the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design
- Innovative Display: The MateBook Fold features an 18-inch dual-layer LTPO OLED display that folds into a 13-inch screen, offering versatility between tablet and laptop modes.
- Ultra-Thin and Lightweight: Unfolded, the device measures just 7.3mm in thickness and weighs approximately 1.16 kg, making it highly portable.
- High-Performance Hardware: Equipped with the in-house developed 5nm Kirin X90 chipset, up to 32GB RAM, and up to 2TB SSD storage, it ensures robust performance for various tasks.
- HarmonyOS 5: The device runs on Huawei’s proprietary HarmonyOS 5, marking its debut on PCs and aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. technologies.
- Advanced Cooling System: Features ultra-thin diamond aluminum dual fans and a vapor chamber to maintain optimal performance.
- Versatile Usage Modes: Supports multiple viewing modes, including closure, fold, vertical, and horizontal, enhancing user experience across different scenarios.Huawei Central
- Premium Pricing: Priced at approximately $3,328 (23,999 yuan), reflecting its advanced technology and premium positioning in the market.
🖥️ Design & Display
- Foldable OLED Screen: The MateBook Fold features an 18-inch dual-layer LTPO OLED display that folds into a 13-inch screen. This design offers a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded and a 3:2 ratio when folded, providing flexibility for various tasks.
- Ultra-Thin Profile: When unfolded, the device measures just 7.3mm in thickness and 14.9mm when folded, making it one of the thinnest laptops available.
- Lightweight Build: Weighing approximately 1.16 kg, it’s designed for easy portability without compromising on screen size.
- High-Resolution Display: The screen boasts a 3.3K resolution (3296 x 2472 pixels), supports HDR vivid, P3 wide color gamut, and achieves a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits.
⚙️ Performance & Hardware
- Processor: While Huawei hasn’t officially disclosed the processor, reports suggest it utilizes the Kirin X90 SoC, an ARM-based chip developed in-house.
- Memory & Storage: The device comes equipped with up to 32GB of RAM and offers storage options of 1TB or 2TB SSDs, catering to high-performance needs.
- Battery Life: A 74.69Wh battery powers the MateBook Fold, supporting 140W fast charging via USB-C. This setup ensures extended usage and quick recharging.
- Cooling System: Huawei has implemented an advanced cooling system featuring ultra-thin diamond aluminum dual fans and vapor chamber technology to maintain optimal performance.
🧠 Software & Ecosystem
- Operating System: The MateBook Fold runs on HarmonyOS 5, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. This marks the OS’s debut on PCs, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. technologies. Reuters
- App Compatibility: HarmonyOS 5 supports over 150 applications, including productivity tools like WPS Office, and is compatible with a wide range of peripherals.
🔗 Connectivity & Features
- Ports & Wireless: The laptop includes strategically placed USB-C ports, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring seamless connectivity.
- Audio & Camera: It features six speakers, four microphones, and an 8MP front-facing camera, enhancing multimedia experiences and video conferencing. PhoneArena
- Security: A fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button provides quick and secure access. PhoneArena
📦 Availability & Pricing
- Launch Date: The MateBook Fold was officially launched on May 19, 2025.
- Pricing: The base model is priced at approximately $3,328 (23,999 yuan). Currently, it’s available exclusively in China. Reuters
🧠 HarmonyOS 5: Huawei’s Strategic Software Pivot
In response to U.S. trade restrictions that limited access to technologies like Windows and Intel chips, Huawei accelerated the development of its proprietary operating system, HarmonyOS 5. This OS isn’t merely a mobile adaptation; it’s a comprehensive platform designed to unify Huawei’s ecosystem across smartphones, tablets, wearables, and now, PCs.
HarmonyOS 5 boasts over 150 native applications, including productivity tools like WPS Office and Meitu Xiu Xiu, and supports seamless integration with over 1,100 external devices. Its intuitive gestures—such as three-finger swipes to move windows and five-finger spreads to maximize apps—enhance user interaction. Additionally, the OS incorporates AI capabilities powered by Huawei’s Pangu model, offering features like real-time meeting transcription and intelligent slide generation. Reuters+1TechEBlog+1TechEBlog+1New Atlas+1
🔩 Engineering Excellence: Design and Build
The MateBook Fold’s design is a marvel of engineering:
- Display: An 18-inch dual-layer LTPO OLED screen with a 3.3K resolution (3296 × 2472 pixels) that folds into a 13-inch display. wazzuptechph
- Hinge Mechanism: A zirconium-based alloy “water-drop” hinge allows smooth folding and unfolding, maintaining durability and aesthetic appeal. TechRadar+1Huawei Central+1
- Portability: Weighing approximately 1.16 kg and measuring just 7.3mm thick when unfolded, it’s thinner than many smartphones. The Verge
- Versatility: Supports multiple modes—closure, fold, vertical, and horizontal—catering to diverse user needs. Huawei Central
🔋 Performance and Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, the MateBook Fold is powered by Huawei’s in-house developed 5nm Kirin X90 chipset, paired with up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD storage. Its 74.69Wh battery supports 140W fast charging via USB-C, ensuring prolonged usage with minimal downtime.
🌐 Future Implications and Market Positioning
Huawei’s introduction of the MateBook Fold signifies a strategic move to redefine the PC market, especially in regions where reliance on Western technologies is being reconsidered. By integrating HarmonyOS 5 and developing proprietary hardware like the Kirin X90, Huawei is not only showcasing technological prowess but also asserting autonomy in its product ecosystem.
While currently available exclusively in China at a price point of approximately $3,328, the MateBook Fold sets a precedent for future innovations in foldable computing devices. Its success could influence global market trends, encouraging other manufacturers to explore similar form factors and integrated ecosystems.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate Design represents a significant advancement in laptop technology, blending innovation with practicality. Its foldable design, high-performance specs, and integration of HarmonyOS 5 position it as a formidable contender in the evolving landscape of personal computing.
While its premium price and current market availability may limit immediate adoption, the MateBook Fold sets a precedent for future developments in foldable computing devices.
For a visual overview, you can watch the unboxing and review video below:
