Huawei has introduced its new Mate XT trifold smartphone, priced at over $2,800, just a day after Apple’s iPhone 16 event. The Mate XT, available in red and black, offers advanced AI features and a foldable design. Pre-orders began on September 10, with sales set to start on September 20, the same day Apple’s new phones hit stores.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Huawei’s Strategic Launch Timing
Huawei’s Mate XT comes to market in direct competition with Apple’s iPhone 16, which is priced significantly lower at $1,199 for the Pro Max and $799 for the base model. Huawei has packed its new device with features like a 10.2-inch display that unfolds into three sections, a thin 3.6-millimeter profile, and AI capabilities, such as text translation and cloud-based content creation.
Technical and Market Details
Richard Yu, Huawei’s Executive Director, unveiled the Mate XT’s details, emphasizing the effort put into its development over the past five years. The phone supports multiple screen modes and a foldable keyboard, providing flexibility in usage. Pre-orders for the Mate XT quickly surpassed 4 million after the launch event, demonstrating a strong initial interest despite its premium pricing.
Market Competition
The launch underscores Huawei’s attempt to reclaim its position in the global smartphone market following years of setbacks due to U.S. sanctions that restricted access to advanced chips and technologies. The company has strategically positioned itself against Apple, which also announced the new A18 chip using 3-nanometer technology, promising faster performance than earlier models. Huawei did not provide updates on its chip technology, which was a key topic in the smartphone industry, especially after the Mate 60 Pro’s quiet release featuring a 7-nanometer chip by Chinese chipmaker SMIC.
Huawei’s resurgence in China contrasts with Apple’s declining market share. In the second quarter, Apple fell out of the top five smartphone vendors in China, while Huawei captured the fourth spot with 10.6 million units shipped. Huawei continues to strengthen its portfolio with foldable phones, a category where Apple has yet to make a move.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Huawei’s launch of the Mate XT represents a strategic push to regain market presence by leveraging innovative design and competitive timing. As the company navigates the challenges of international sanctions and chip supply restrictions, its focus on unique hardware features and AI capabilities may help differentiate it from competitors like Apple. The next steps involve monitoring how both companies perform in sales and customer reception, especially in key markets like China, where consumer preferences and spending power are evolving rapidly.
