Huawei, a leading Chinese technology company, on Tuesday introduced its latest smartphone, the Mate XT, claimed to be the world’s first trifold phone.
This announcement came just hours after Apple revealed its new iPhone 16, which is designed to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities.
Huawei executive Richard Yu showcased the Mate XT at a keynote event held at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen. The phone, initially targeted at a high-end market segment, has already attracted interest from over three million potential buyers before its official release. The Mate XT will be available for purchase starting September 20, with a starting price of $2,800, which is more than three times the cost of the new iPhone 16.
The Mate XT features a striking red and gold design and can unfold into a 10.2-inch (26 centimeters) tablet, weighing 298 grams. Yu emphasized the innovation behind the device, stating, “This is the world’s first triple-folding phone,” and highlighted the significant effort invested in overcoming production and reliability challenges.
Huawei’s new phone launch follows Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 16, which focuses on generative AI technologies as part of its strategy to drive sales and maintain competitive edge.
Industry experts suggest that while Huawei’s trifold phone may not significantly impact Apple’s sales in the premium market due to its high price and Apple’s strong presence in China, it could enhance Huawei’s reputation in the foldable phone arena. Toby Zhu, a senior analyst at Canalys, noted that the Mate XT might reinforce Huawei’s position as a leader in the foldable phone sector.
On the other hand, Ethan Qi from Counterpoint Research pointed out that the high price and limited initial stock of the Mate XT may limit its effect on Apple’s market share, given Apple’s established ecosystem and appeal.
Huawei, which was once the largest domestic smartphone maker in China, has seen its market position shift due to a technology conflict with the United States. Despite the challenges from U.S. sanctions, which restricted access to American technology, Huawei made a notable comeback last year with smartphones using domestically produced chips. It is currently the fourth-largest smartphone maker in China, having shipped 10.6 million units last quarter.
Additionally, Huawei leads the foldable phone market in China, holding over half of the domestic market share in the first half of 2024. The introduction of the Mate XT is expected to further solidify its technological leadership in this sector.
