Huawei and Xiaomi have launched new flagship foldable smartphones as competition in China’s premium phone market intensifies. The launches come just days before Apple is expected to unveil its latest products.
Huawei introduced its new Mate XT2 series, featuring a tri-fold design that opens twice to create a tablet-sized display. The phones use Huawei’s Kirin 9050 Pro chip and include a redesigned hinge. They also offer improved water resistance and a privacy screen designed to limit viewing from nearby angles.
The Mate XT2 series starts at 19,999 yuan ($2,980). The most expensive model costs 24,999 yuan ($3,725). Sales are scheduled to begin on September 12.
Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu acknowledged the pressure created by rising component costs. He said memory prices have increased sharply while the company has also invested heavily in new technology.
Huawei Pushes New Chip Technology
Huawei said the new processor architecture is designed to provide more computing power while consuming less electricity. The company calls the architecture LogicFolding.
The technology forms part of Huawei’s broader effort to develop advanced chips despite U.S. restrictions on access to certain semiconductor technologies. The company introduced its so-called “Tau Scaling Law” principle in May as part of that strategy.
Meanwhile, Huawei continues to strengthen its position in China’s premium smartphone market. Its latest foldable is also aimed at consumers looking for a larger screen without carrying a traditional tablet.
Xiaomi Takes Aim at Apple
Xiaomi also unveiled a high-end foldable smartphone at a separate event. The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses what the company describes as a “medium-fold solution.”
When closed, the phone is roughly passport-sized. Once opened, however, it can run three apps side by side. Xiaomi said the design is intended to balance portability with a larger working area.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun highlighted the phone’s weight and slim profile during the launch. The device weighs 219 grams and measures 5.02 mm thick when unfolded. Lei said that makes it lighter than Apple’s iPhone Pro Max.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses the company’s XRing O3 AI processor. Lei claimed it offers better responsiveness than Apple’s A19 Pro chip. The phone also includes DRAM memory supplied by Chinese manufacturer CXMT.
Prices range from 10,999 yuan ($1,540) to 14,999 yuan ($2,100).
Foldable Competition Grows
The two launches come shortly before Apple’s expected iPhone announcement on Wednesday. There is also speculation that Apple could enter the foldable smartphone market.
For now, Huawei remains the only major company selling a tri-fold smartphone. The Chinese technology giant is barred from selling products in the United States after Washington designated it a national security risk.
Samsung remains the world’s largest foldable smartphone vendor. The South Korean company launched a tri-fold model in December but reportedly stopped selling it after about three months. In July, Samsung also expanded its foldable range with a passport-sized model.
Huawei has a strong position in its home market as well. IDC data showed the company held 22.6% of China’s smartphone market in the second quarter. Apple followed with 18.1%, while Xiaomi accounted for 12.4%.
Huawei’s advantage is even clearer in the foldable segment. According to Smart Analytics Global, Huawei accounted for 68% of foldable smartphone shipments in China during the second quarter.
