Huawei launches tri-fold Mate XT on Sept. 20, challenging iPhone 16
- Huawei's Mate XT, the first tri-fold smartphone, will launch on September 20, priced between $2,800 and $3,371.
- The device features a 10.2-inch 3K display and a 50 MP camera, while Apple's iPhone 16 series starts at $799.
- Analysts are skeptical about the Mate XT's market impact due to high production costs and limited manufacturing capabilities.
On September 20, Huawei Technologies Co. is set to launch the Mate XT, the world's first tri-fold smartphone, priced between $2,800 and $3,371. This launch coincides with Apple's introduction of the iPhone 16 series, which starts at $799 for the basic model and $1,199 for the Pro Max version. The Mate XT features a 10.2-inch 3K display and a 50 MP main camera, showcasing advanced AI functionalities for text translation and image editing, contrasting with the traditional design of the iPhone 16 series. Despite the innovative features, analysts express skepticism regarding the Mate XT's market impact due to its high price and the complexities involved in manufacturing foldable devices. Reports suggest that Huawei may only produce a limited number of units, potentially only a few hundred thousand, due to the challenges of creating a foldable screen and the associated costs. Huawei is attempting to regain its footing in the smartphone market after facing U.S. sanctions in 2019 and 2022. The company has managed to rank fourth in market share, with 10.6 million smartphones shipped, while Apple has seen a decline in its position within the Chinese market, dropping from third to sixth place. The launch of the Mate XT represents Huawei's bold strategy to challenge Apple's dominance in the smartphone industry, particularly in China, where it has experienced a resurgence in smartphone shipments despite previous setbacks.