Huawei upgrades foldable laptop with stronger display and enhanced stylus support

Huawei has introduced an updated version of its MateBook Fold Ultimate Design, bringing improvements to performance, durability and productivity features. While the overall concept remains the same, the refreshed model focuses on making the foldable laptop more practical for professional and creative users.

The latest version retains its large folding OLED display but introduces a redesigned protective layer that now supports Huawei’s latest stylus. Alongside the hardware improvements, Huawei has also upgraded the internal processor and operating system, aiming to deliver better performance and a smoother user experience.

Huawei improves display durability and expands stylus functionality

The MateBook Fold Ultimate Design continues to feature an 18-inch dual-layer OLED display with a resolution of 3296 x 2472 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and offers a 92% screen-to-body ratio. When folded into a traditional laptop shape, the display transforms into two 13-inch sections with a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it easier to carry and use on the move.

Despite the large display, the device remains relatively lightweight. Huawei says the laptop weighs 1.16kg without its detachable keyboard. It measures 7.3mm at its thinnest point when unfolded and 14.9mm when closed, placing it among the slimmest foldable laptops currently available.

The most significant hardware change is the redesigned protective layer covering the OLED display. Huawei has introduced a new composite ultra-thin glass structure, which the company says improves impact resistance by 90% compared with the previous MateBook Fold. The new screen design also enables compatibility with the Huawei M-Pen 3 for the first time.

Support for the latest stylus broadens the device’s capabilities considerably. Users can write handwritten notes, annotate documents, sketch illustrations and create digital artwork directly on the unfolded display. The stylus can also be used as a remote presentation controller and page-turning device in supported applications, making the laptop more suitable for meetings, presentations and creative workflows.

Huawei also announced that the updated MateBook Fold has received an SGS five-star certification for whole-device screen drop and impact resistance. However, these claims are based on Huawei’s own testing, meaning independent durability assessments will be needed to confirm how the device performs in real-world conditions.

New processor and software promise higher performance

Powering the updated foldable laptop is Huawei’s new Kirin X90 Plus processor, which operates at up to 28W thermal design power (TDP). Huawei claims the new chipset, combined with HarmonyOS 6.1, delivers a 25% improvement in overall system performance compared with the previous generation.

Although Huawei has shared these performance figures, no independent benchmark results have been published yet. As a result, the full extent of the performance improvements will only become clear once third-party testing becomes available.

HarmonyOS 6.1 introduces several features designed specifically for foldable devices. These include multitasking tools that leverage the large display, allowing users to work across multiple applications more efficiently. The operating system also supports clipboard sharing between Huawei devices, making it easier to move content between smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Additional software features include tighter integration with Huawei’s wider device ecosystem, offline meeting transcription and artificial intelligence tools. One notable AI capability is detecting face-swapping during supported video calls, adding an extra layer of security for online communication.

These software enhancements are intended to complement the larger display by improving productivity and making cross-device workflows more seamless. Together with the upgraded stylus support, the refreshed MateBook Fold is positioned as both a premium productivity device and a creative workstation.

Premium pricing reflects Huawei’s flagship ambitions

Huawei has launched the updated MateBook Fold Ultimate Design in China with a starting price of 24,999 yuan (approximately US$3,700). This represents an increase of 1,000 yuan over the launch price of the original model, placing it firmly within the premium laptop segment.

The device is available in three colour options: Streaming Gold, Sky White and Phantom Black. Huawei has not announced pricing or availability for international markets, leaving potential buyers outside China waiting for further details.

The foldable laptop enters a growing category of premium computing devices that combine tablet-like flexibility with full laptop functionality. Its closest rivals include the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold and the ASUS Zenbook Fold 17, both of which also feature large foldable displays designed for productivity and creative work.

At its current price, the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is also more expensive than many high-end conventional laptops, including dual-screen premium models. Huawei appears to be targeting users who value innovative form factors, advanced display technology and integrated stylus support over traditional notebook designs.

While the upgraded processor and stronger display offer meaningful improvements, the addition of Huawei M-Pen 3 support is likely to have the greatest impact on everyday usability. By enabling digital handwriting, illustration, and more natural interaction with the large folding display, the refreshed MateBook Fold expands beyond a showcase of flexible display technology to become a more versatile productivity device.