In September 2024, Huawei made an unexpected and impressive comeback in China, shaking up the technology scene with the launch of the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT. While rivals like Samsung and other Chinese brands have been refining the book-style folding phones, Huawei has taken a bold step to innovate and push boundaries in the smartphone market. Determined not to be confined to its local market, Huawei plans to introduce the Mate XT to international consumers, albeit at a price point that might seem steep to many.
The Mate XT’s global pricing is set at a staggering €3,499, nearly double the cost of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. Although specific countries for its global release are yet to be confirmed, previous indications suggest that regions such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may be on the list. As reported, the high price tag means that this advanced device may remain a luxury item, out of reach for the average consumer.
With the introduction of the Kirin 9000S chip in 2023, Huawei started turning the tides in its favor in the Chinese market, increasing its market share to 17% by 2024, up from 12%. However, Huawei’s journey towards global expansion faces significant challenges due to U.S. trade sanctions that have restricted access to Google apps. This has compelled Huawei to focus on its proprietary operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT, which will power the Mate XT.
Despite Huawei’s ambitious aims, several obstacles could impede the company’s global success. There remains uncertainty about how well HarmonyOS NEXT will be embraced since consumers have long been accustomed to iOS and Android ecosystems. Additionally, security and privacy concerns may lead to hesitancy in various regions regarding the use of Huawei’s operating system. The Mate XT is powered by the Kirin 9010, which is built on an older 7nm process. This may not be able to compete with newer chipsets in terms of performance and efficiency.
Prospective buyers might be cautious about investing over $3,500 in a smartphone that doesn’t surpass the capabilities of earlier releases. Consequently, Huawei will need to focus on highlighting the Mate XT’s unique tri-fold feature as its main appeal to captivate and attract tech enthusiasts and trendsetters.
