A Laptop That Redefines Foldable: Huawei's Game-Changing MateBook

BY MUFARO MHARIWA
Jul 1
3 min read

You’ve heard of foldable phones, but what about foldable laptops? Wait… aren’t laptops already foldable?

Huawei seems to think there’s more to it. With the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design, the brand is reimagining what a modern laptop could be. Rather than just flipping open like every other notebook, this device unfolds into a stunning, seamless 18-inch display, bridging the gap between tablet portability and desktop-level screen real estate.

Huawei’s no stranger to pushing the limits of flexible tech. Just last year, it grabbed headlines with its wild trifold phone; a bold move that showed just how serious the brand is about foldables. The MateBook Fold follows that same design-first philosophy, but with a more grounded (and arguably more useful) application.

It’s bold, futuristic, and very much a statement piece. But is it a practical evolution, or just a flashy form experiment?

Design & Display

The MateBook Fold features an 18.3-inch double-layer flexible OLED display that folds down into a more compact 13.5-inch form factor. When unfolded, the screen offers a 3.3K resolution, up to 1600 nits of brightness, and a 92% screen-to-body ratio. It supports an adaptive refresh rate and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.

Unfolded, the device measures just 7.3mm thick. When folded, it doubles to 14.9mm. Weighing in at 1.16kg, it’s notably light for its category, especially considering the size of the display.

Huawei continues to push its foldable tech here; after showcasing a trifold phone in 2024, the company now applies similar engineering to the laptop form factor. The hinge design aims for a crease-free experience, although that’s something only long-term use will verify.

Performance & Hardware

The MateBook Fold runs on Huawei’s own HarmonyOS 5, which might feel unfamiliar to many users since it is not Windows. This marks the operating system’s first appearance on a PC device.

In terms of specs, the laptop offers up to 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage, providing ample power and space for most users. Connectivity includes two USB-C ports, while an optional wireless keyboard that magnetically attaches to the device is available for those who want a more traditional typing experience.

Huawei’s approach balances innovation with practicality, but how well this hardware and software combination performs in everyday use is still something to watch as this is the first time it’s been introduced in this form factor.

Operating System: HarmonyOS 5

Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5 is more than just a workaround to U.S. sanctions; it’s a bold step towards building an independent computing ecosystem. While it might take some getting used to for those accustomed to Windows or macOS, the system is designed to offer seamless integration across Huawei devices, from smartphones to tablets to, now, PCs.

This marks the debut of HarmonyOS on laptops, and it supports over 150 native applications so far. Huawei claims the OS runs on more than a billion devices globally, though how that translates into meaningful laptop utility is still up for debate.

For users deeply embedded in Huawei’s ecosystem, HarmonyOS 5 could offer a surprisingly cohesive experience. For everyone else, it may come with a learning curve.

Specs Overview

Feature	Huawei MateBook
Display	18.3-inch foldable OLED (unfolded) / 13.5-inch (folded), 3.3K resolution, 1600 nits peak brightness, 92% screen-to-body ratio, Adaptive refresh rate, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio
Dimensions	7.3mm thick (unfolded), 14.9mm (folded)
Weight	1.16kg
Processor	Not officially disclosed (HarmonyOS-based performance tuning expected)
RAM	Up to 32GB
Storage	1TB or 2TB SSD
Operating System	Harmony OS 5
Connectivity	2x USB-C ports
Input	Optional magnetic wireless keyboard
Other Features	Crease-minimised hinge, seamless tablet-to-laptop conversion

Pricing & Availability

At launch, the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is only available in China, with no confirmed plans for a global rollout.

There are two configurations:

32GB RAM with 1TB SSD priced at ¥23,999 (around $3,300 / R61,000)
32GB RAM with 2TB SSD priced at ¥27,000 (around $3,700 / R69,000)

Given the premium price and niche appeal, this isn’t positioned as a mass-market device, at least not yet. But it does give a glimpse into how Huawei is staking its claim in the high-end foldable PC space.

Market Positioning & Future Outlook

For Huawei, the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is more than just a hardware flex, it’s a calculated move in a broader strategy to become self-reliant. With HarmonyOS at its core and zero reliance on U.S. software or components, this device reflects the company’s ongoing pivot toward a fully independent tech ecosystem.

The Fold also places Huawei in a small but potentially lucrative niche: the foldable laptop market. While rivals like Lenovo have dabbled in the space, Huawei’s execution feels more refined and consumer-ready. And although this model is currently China-exclusive, it plants a flag in uncharted territory, hinting at a future where foldables aren’t just experimental, but expected.