On September 10, 2024, Chinese tech giant Huawei unveiled its new trifold smartphone, the Mate XT, at a high-profile event in Beijing. This announcement came shortly after Apple introduced the iPhone 16 in California, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the two tech powerhouses.
The Mate XT stands out as the first trifold smartphone available on the market. It features a unique design that allows it to fold along two vertical seams, transforming from a tablet-sized 10.2-inch display into a more compact phone. Available in bright red and classic black, the Mate XT combines innovation and luxury, with a price tag of $2,800. It is expected to hit stores on September 20.
Richard Yu, President of Huawei Consumer Group, unveiled the Mate XT along with a new foldable keyboard, which can also be folded to fit the size of the phone. Both fit perfectly in a suit pocket, demonstrating the portable convenience they offer.
The launch is part of Huawei’s strategy to maintain its relevance and prestige in the high-end smartphone market, particularly in China, where it has historically competed with Apple. Despite significant political and economic challenges, including U.S. trade restrictions aimed at hindering Huawei’s access to advanced semiconductor technology, the company continues to innovate. Last year’s release of the Mate 60 Pro, which featured a Chinese-made chip, was seen as a direct response to U.S. technological constraints and saw rapid sales success.
Furthermore, analysts note that Huawei’s unveiling of the Mate XT could be a strategic move to strengthen its image and market position ahead of the release of its next flagship model, the Mate 70. The production of this model has been delayed due to the challenges faced by China’s leading chipmaker, SMIC, in scaling up its advanced technology affordably and with sufficient quality.
Despite these challenges, Huawei’s aggressive product launch schedule, which often coincides with Apple’s new releases, underscores its ambition to remain a dominant player in the global technology arena. The introduction of innovative products like the Mate XT not only showcases Huawei’s engineering prowess, but also its determination to overcome geopolitical obstacles and compete at the top of global technology markets.
