Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, unveiled its latest smartphone innovation, the Mate XT, on Tuesday. This revolutionary device is billed as the world’s first trifold phone, featuring a unique triple-folding design. The launch comes on the heels of Apple’s announcement of its new iPhone, built for AI capabilities. Huawei’s Mate XT was officially launched at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen, with executive Richard Yu highlighting its premium features and sleek design.
The Mate XT has already generated significant interest, with over three million people registering to purchase the device ahead of its launch. The phone will officially go on sale on September 20, with prices starting at 19,999 yuan ($2,800). Huawei has positioned the Mate XT as a flagship device, showcasing its technological leadership in the foldable phone industry. According to Yu, the company has invested significant effort in addressing mass production and product reliability challenges.
The launch of the Mate XT comes as Huawei seeks to regain its footing in the global smartphone market. Despite facing challenges due to US sanctions, the company has made a surprise comeback with domestically made chips. Huawei currently dominates over half of the foldable phone market share in China and is the country’s fourth-largest smartphone maker. Analysts believe the Mate XT will further solidify Huawei’s position as a leader in the foldable phone sector.
However, some industry observers note that the Mate XT’s impact on Apple’s market share may be limited due to its premium pricing and initial stockpile. While the device is expected to appeal to tech enthusiasts, its broader appeal may be restricted by Apple’s strong ecosystem and brand loyalty. Nevertheless, the Mate XT represents a significant innovation in smartphone design and technology, showcasing Huawei’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry.
