The Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate, unveiled on May 19, 2025, represents a significant advancement in foldable computing technology. As Huawei’s first foldable laptop, it combines innovative hardware design with the company’s property HarmonyOS 5, aiming to redefine the boundaries between laptops and tablets.
Design and Build
The MateBook Fold Ultimate boasts an ultra-thin profile, measuring just 7.3mm when unfolded and 14.9mm when closed, making it slimmer than competitors like Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Fold. Weighing approximately 1.16kg, it offers portability without compromising on screen real estate. The device features a synthetic leather exterior available in three color options: Obsidian Black, Sky White, and Cloud Blue. Its structural integrity is reinforced by a tri-segment hinge mechanism crafted from high-density zirconium-based liquid metal and a unibody metal shaft, ensuring durability and smooth folding action.
Display
At the heart of the MateBook Fold Ultimate is an 18-inch foldable OLED display with a 3.3K resolution (3296 x 2472 pixels) and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The screen supports LTPO technology, allowing for adaptive refresh rates, and achieves a peak brightness of 1600 nits with a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. When folded at a 90-degree angle, the display transforms into a 13-inch screen, emulating a traditional laptop setup with a digital keyboard.
Performance and Hardware
The MateBook Fold Ultimate is equipped with up to 32GB of RAM and offers storage options of 1TB or 2TB SSDs. While Huawei has not disclosed the specific processor used, the device is designed to handle demanding tasks efficiently. Its cooling system includes dual 3.5mm fans and anti-gravity vapor chamber (VC) technology, supporting a maximum thermal design power (TDP) of 28W to maintain optimal performance.
Operating System and Ecosystem
Marking a strategic shift, the MateBook Fold Ultimate runs on HarmonyOS 5, Huawei’s in-house operating system developed in response to U.S. trade restrictions limiting access to Windows. HarmonyOS 5 facilitates seamless integration across Huawei’s ecosystem, allowing for interoperability with smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart TVs, and automotive systems. As of May 2025, the OS supports over 150 PC-specific applications and more than 1,000 cross-platform apps, with plans to expand to 2,000 by the end of the year.
Connectivity and Accessories
The MateBook Fold Ultimate offers extensive compatibility, supporting over 1,100 external devices, including more than 800 standard peripherals and approximately 300 non-standard ones. Huawei provides optional accessories such as the Starry Sky portable keyboard and a dedicated carrying case to enhance user experience.
Availability and Pricing
Currently, the MateBook Fold Ultimate is available exclusively in China, with sales commencing on June 6, 2025. The base model, featuring 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, is priced at 23,999 yuan (approximately $3,328), while the 2TB variant is available for 26,999 yuan. As of May 22, 2025, the device has garnered nearly 140,000 reservations, indicating strong market interest.
Conclusion
Unlike the Huawei Mate 70 series And Mate X6 Foldable expected to arrive sooner, Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate stands as a testament to Huawei’s commitment to innovation in the face of geopolitical challenges. By integrating cutting-edge hardware with a proprietary operating system, Huawei offers a unique product that blurs the lines between traditional laptops and modern tablets. While its high price point and limited availability may restrict its immediate global impact, the MateBook Fold Ultimate sets a new benchmark in the foldable laptop segment.
Watch the full video of the Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate in action
