Huawei is preparing to launch its first tri-folding smartphone, the Huawei Mate XT, with an official date of September 10. The company recently shared an image of the rear side of the Mate XT on its online store. The image reveals the smartphone’s innovative tri-folding, dual-hinge design.
Huawei Mate XT could be the most innovative phone of this year. https://t.co/O99EmfXEmB
— Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414) September 6, 2024
The Mate XT will be available in two storage configurations: 16GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB. Pre-orders are being accepted until September 19, and the first units are expected to ship the next day.
"Huawei has announced a September 10 event where the Chinese company plans to unveil the world's first tri-folding smartphone, with the timing of the event an apparently deliberate attempt to upstage Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 reveal." https://t.co/vFbXoTxcDk
— Amber Mac (@ambermac) September 7, 2024
Huawei has not provided further details about the Mate XT. The upcoming event will likely reveal all the features of this groundbreaking new device. Chinese telecom equipment supplier Huawei Technologies‘ new tri-fold smartphone has captured significant consumer interest.
One brand is trying to just catch up on the slimness that was reached by Huawei like 2 years back.
Meanwhile, Huawei already is coming out with tri-fold smartphone called the Mate XT in China on September 10th. Has received 10,000 pre-reservations within seconds! #HuaweiMateXT pic.twitter.com/u53tpBTBZO
— Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) September 7, 2024
It attracted orders from roughly 1.3 million people within seven hours after reservations began. The official site started accepting orders for the Mate XT at 12:08 p.m. on Saturday. The product will be formally unveiled on Tuesday, Chinese time.
Huawei Mate XT has received over 2 million reservations
It will go on sale on September 20 with 2 configurations: 16/512gb & 16/1TB pic.twitter.com/X3PdwlJiuI
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) September 8, 2024
This is shortly after Apple is anticipated to launch the iPhone 16 in the U.S. on Monday. Huawei plans to challenge Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 launch with its own product, the Mate XT.
Huawei’s Mate XT draws interest
Just hours after Apple unveils its first Apple Intelligence-powered phones on September 9, Huawei will launch the Mate XT. Despite uncertainty over consumer demand for a double-hinged smartphone that opens into a 10-inch screen, it is expected to be popular in China. Huawei aims to stoke patriotic sentiment among Chinese consumers.
Following U.S. efforts to sideline Huawei, they have increasingly turned to domestic brands, thereby boosting the company’s sales. Huawei’s enormous fanbase in China will be eager to support its national brand, creating a challenging environment for Apple. However, this rivalry is asymmetric.
Huawei has no presence in the U.S., leading to an uneven competitive landscape. Both companies are significant players worldwide but do not compete directly on each other’s home turf. Apple faces significant challenges in China, a critical market that has lost considerable ground.
Since Huawei’s reentry into the market, Apple has dropped out of China’s top five smartphone rankings. Its operating income fell by 14% over the year’s first nine months. While analysts remain optimistic about Apple’s global outlook, particularly with the iPhone 16 and a rebound in handset markets, regaining its lost position in China appears difficult.
Though Apple may attract consumers with its new AI features, execution within China remains a question mark. This uncertainty benefits Huawei, poised to continue advancing in China’s handset market, leveraging national support and local market dynamics.
