Huawei Seeks to Outshine Apple with $2,800 Tri-Fold Smartphone Launch

In a bold move to capture attention and compete against Apple, Huawei has unveiled its latest technological innovation: the $2,800 tri-foldable smartphone, the Huawei Mate XT. This advanced device marks a significant moment in the smartphone industry, positioning Huawei as a leader in the foldable phone market. With its impressive design, cutting-edge features, and hefty price tag, the Mate XT is set to challenge the competition and solidify Huawei's dominance in China and beyond.

Huawei’s Tri-Foldable Smartphone: A Game-Changer

On September 10, 2024, Huawei revealed its new Mate XT smartphone in Shenzhen, just hours after Apple debuted its AI-enhanced iPhone 16. The Huawei Mate XT boasts a unique design, allowing users to fold the phone in three ways, much like an accordion. This innovation comes at a time when the global foldable phone market is rapidly growing, with Huawei leading the charge. The Mate XT features a 10.2-inch display and measures just 3.6mm in width, making it the slimmest foldable smartphone on the market.

Huawei's executive director, Richard Yu, highlighted the significance of the Mate XT during the launch, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to innovation. “Our team has been working tirelessly for five years to create this product,” Yu said. “Today, we rewrite the history of the smartphone industry, turning science fiction into reality.”

A Surge in Pre-Orders for Huawei’s Mate XT

Despite its high price, the Mate XT has already garnered more than 4 million pre-orders in China, according to Huawei’s website. The overwhelming response shows that Huawei’s loyal customer base remains enthusiastic about its cutting-edge products. This massive pre-order count comes even before any deposit is required, demonstrating strong interest in the new device.

The starting price of the Mate XT is 19,999 yuan ($2,800) for the base model, with higher memory versions priced at 21,999 yuan and 23,999 yuan. Huawei’s decision to market the phone at such a premium price point reflects its confidence in the product’s advanced features, which include AI-boosted image editing, text summarization, and translation capabilities, powered by the company’s in-house Kylin chips.

Huawei’s Lead in the Foldable Phone Market

Huawei’s dominance in the foldable smartphone market is no small feat. The company holds a 27.5% share of the global foldable phone market, far ahead of competitors like Samsung, which has a 16.4% share. In China, Huawei commands an even larger market share, capturing 42% of the foldable phone segment. This market leadership has allowed Huawei to position itself as a tech pioneer, particularly in the face of U.S. sanctions that have limited its access to global chip suppliers.

Huawei’s triumph over these challenges was evident last year when the company made a strong comeback in the high-end smartphone segment with the Mate 60 Pro. This device was powered by a domestically-made chip, defying expectations and surprising analysts. The Mate XT, with its innovative tri-fold design, is the latest example of Huawei’s ability to push technological boundaries and overcome obstacles.

The Competition: Apple and Samsung

While Huawei leads the foldable phone market, analysts remain cautious about the potential impact of the Mate XT on competitors like Apple and Samsung. Will Wong, a senior researcher at IDC, noted that the high price and production constraints of the Mate XT could limit its overall sales impact. However, he added, “It’s telling consumers that Huawei is still the tech leader, and the potential challenge it brings to Apple may go beyond just market share.”

Apple, which has traditionally enjoyed strong demand in China, is facing increasing competition from Huawei. The launch of the AI-enhanced iPhone 16 was met with mixed reactions in China, with some consumers criticizing the lack of immediate AI functionality in the region. In contrast, Huawei’s Mate XT comes fully equipped with AI features, making it a more attractive option for tech-savvy Chinese consumers.

Samsung, another key player in the global smartphone market, has been surpassed by Huawei in the foldable segment. While Samsung continues to innovate, Huawei’s dominance in China and its growing influence in the global market are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

The Future of Foldable Phones

As the foldable smartphone market grows, Huawei remains at the forefront of innovation. According to IDC, the foldable phone market expanded by 57% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, with 3.9 million units shipped. While this is still a small fraction of the wider smartphone market—just 1.3% of total shipments—Huawei’s position as the leader in this niche segment is solidified by its cutting-edge products like the Mate XT.

The Huawei Mate XT, with its tri-fold design, AI capabilities, and sleek form factor, is a testament to the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can achieve. Whether it becomes a mass-market success or remains a symbol of Huawei’s technological prowess, the Mate XT has undeniably set a new standard for the foldable phone industry.

Conclusion

Huawei’s $2,800 Mate XT smartphone is more than just a gadget; it’s a statement of the company’s resilience and innovation in the face of global challenges. With its tri-fold design, AI-enhanced features, and dominance in the foldable market, Huawei continues to assert its leadership in the tech world. While competitors like Apple and Samsung may still dominate other segments, Huawei’s impressive advancements in foldable phones ensure that it remains a formidable force in the smartphone industry.