HUAWEI Mate XS 2 is coming: Not your typical Galaxy Z Fold rival?

The HUAWEI Mate X joined Samsung’s Galaxy Fold as the first two foldable phones from major manufacturers, but it differed from Samsung’s foldable by offering an out-folding design. The Chinese brand has since offered the Mate XS, but it later adopted Samsung’s in-folding, book-style design for last year’s Mate X2.

Now, HUAWEI has announced on Weibo that it will be holding a launch event on April 28 for the Mate XS 2. Check out the invite image below.

The company hasn’t officially confirmed whether the Mate XS 2 will have an out-folding design like the Mate X and Mate XS or if it’ll be an in-folding design like the Mate X2. However, the name and teaser image suggests that we could be looking at an out-folding device. We’ve nevertheless asked HUAWEI about the form factor and will update the article if it gets back to us.

In any event, this could be the first out-folding foldable phone since 2020, as everyone from Samsung and HONOR to OPPO and vivo have embraced in-folding designs. The in-folding form factor gained favor early on as it was considered better for protecting fragile, plastic foldable displays from scratches and other damage.

However, we’ve seen advancements like ultra-thin glass protection and more durable foldable displays in the last couple of years. So we’re definitely intrigued by what HUAWEI could be offering if it’s returning to the Mate X/Mate XS form factor. In saying so, we’re not expecting to see the Mate XS 2 launch outside China given the trend of foldables from Chinese brands only launching domestically.