Huawei’s Foldable 18-inch Laptop is Thinner than Smartphones
Huawei has once again made waves in the tech world. Its latest innovation, the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design, is a foldable-screen laptop that opens into a massive 18-inch display while remaining incredibly slim just 7.3 mm thick. That’s thinner than an iPhone 16. At just 2.5 lb (1.16 kg), it’s also remarkably lightweight.
Though Lenovo introduced the first foldable laptop years ago, Huawei is no stranger to this category. You might recall last year’s Mate XT trifold phone priced at $2,800. This new device, however, stands out not only because of its size but also its premium engineering. Designed to be both a giant tablet and a compact laptop, the MateBook Fold uses a virtual keyboard when angled like a traditional notebook.
The laptop incorporates a vapor cooling system, two fans, and six speakers packed efficiently into its slim aluminum body. To ensure a comfortable viewing experience, Huawei included a zirconium-alloy hinge that locks between 30 and 150 degrees, even when the touchscreen is in use. A rear kickstand adds further flexibility for different viewing setups.
Display, Design, and Usability
The 3.3K OLED screen offers peak brightness of 1,600 nits and features a 92% screen-to-body ratio. It’s protected by a unique combination of a non-Newtonian fluid buffer layer and a carbon fiber support structure. The outer shell is finished in durable, silicone-coated leather, complete with blackened gold accents and decorative patterns on the hinge and stand.
Moreover, HarmonyOS powers the MateBook Fold, providing AI-driven features such as automated note-taking and presentation generation. The system even mimics a dual-screen experience, allowing you to drag windows across sections of the display with ease. Unlike traditional laptops, this device merges aesthetic appeal with intelligent software enhancements.
Hardware Specs and Market Reach
Internally, the MateBook Fold offers up to 32 GB of RAM, 2 TB of storage, and a sizable 75-Wh battery. Users will also find an 8 MP front camera, fingerprint sensor, and two USB-C ports. For those who prefer a physical keyboard, Huawei sells a matching wireless one that’s just 5 mm thick and magnetically attaches to the laptop’s back.
Unfortunately, the device is currently available only in China, retailing at approximately $3,300. It doesn’t support Android apps natively, which could be a limitation for international users. Nevertheless, it’s expected that Huawei may expand availability, just as it did with the Mate XT. Despite its premium price, the MateBook Fold sets a bold new benchmark for foldable laptops.
