Huawei launches new tri-fold smartphone as battle with Apple, Xiaomi heats up
Huawei launched a new version of its flagship foldable smartphone on Monday as it seeks to defend its lead in China’s premium market against Apple and Xiaomi.
The new Mate XT2 series folds out twice to open into a 10.2-inch tablet-sized screen and features Huawei’s new Kirin 9050 Pro chip. Huawei says the chip’s new architecture, called LogicFolding under its “Tau Scaling Law” principle unveiled in May, delivers greater computing power while using less electricity — helping it overcome US restrictions on advanced technology.
The devices also bring a redesigned hinge, improved IP59 water and dust resistance, an optional privacy display that prevents nearby people from viewing the screen, upgraded 50MP triple cameras with variable aperture, and ECG detection via the metal frame. Huawei claims 42% better overall performance than its predecessor.
Pricing starts at 19,999 yuan ($2,980), with the top-end version at 24,999 yuan ($3,725). Sales begin September 12.”Pricing right now is a real challenge, because memory costs have risen sharply. We adopted a lot of new technology, and the cost pressure has been enormous,” Executive Director Richard Yu said at the launch.
The timing is strategic. Xiaomi launched its rival Xiaomi 18 Fold later on Monday — its most premium phone to date at 219 grams and 5.02mm thick when unfolded, powered by its in-house XRing O3 chip — priced from 10,999 yuan ($1,540).
Apple unveils its latest iPhone series on Wednesday, with expectations high it will also unveil its first foldable.
Huawei, which does not sell in the US due to sanctions, leads China’s smartphone market with 22.6% share in Q2, ahead of Apple’s 18.1% and Xiaomi’s 12.4%, according to IDC. In foldables, it is even more dominant with 68% of shipments in China in Q2.
