Huawei recently unveiled the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, in a launch event that generated significant buzz for the Chinese tech giant. This latest phone release comes on the heels of the company’s successful comeback with popular models like the Mate 60 Pro and Mate X5. Despite US sanctions, Huawei reported double-digit increases in revenue and profit and currently has over 3.7 million pre-orders for the Mate XT. The base model starts at 19,999 yuan ($2,800).
The Mate XT, which took five years to develop, features three panels that can be folded up to three times, creating a 10.2-inch screen. Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business, emphasized the breakthroughs in screen and hinge technology that were achieved with this smartphone. The product launch coincided with Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 16, highlighting the competitive nature of the tech industry.
In China, Huawei’s rapid recovery challenges Apple’s performance in the second-largest market for the company, accounting for over 20% of its global shipments. Chinese smartphone makers have recently dominated the top five spots domestically, putting pressure on Apple to compete. The close timing of Huawei and Apple’s product launches signals a new wave of competition in the premium market in China, focusing on high-end products, software capabilities, and AI deployment.
Huawei’s Mate XT is designed to focus on a larger display and extended battery usage time, potentially bringing significant changes to the display size of book-type foldables. Analysts believe the success of the launch will depend on factors such as pricing and availability, with expected sales to be slightly lower than the number of pre-orders due to these considerations. Despite severe US restrictions, Huawei’s flagship smartphone sales have been on the rise, showcasing the company’s determination to reclaim its position in the market.
Huawei has faced significant challenges due to US policies claiming the company poses a national security risk with allegations of potential spying through its equipment. Despite these claims and restrictions, including a ban on Google supplying the company with Android OS, Huawei has managed to make a comeback and is expanding into new businesses. The company launched an electric sedan last year to compete with Tesla and has big ambitions in AI, being named a top competitor by Nvidia in various areas, including AI systems processors.
Overall, Huawei’s Mate XT launch represents a significant milestone in the company’s resurgence in the tech industry and its continued innovation and competition against rivals like Apple. The company’s ability to overcome obstacles, enter new markets, and stay at the forefront of technological advancements showcases its resilience and determination to succeed despite challenges and restrictions imposed by the US government. As Huawei continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology and venture into new business ventures, it remains a key player in the global tech landscape.
