Huawei, the Shenzhen-based telecom and consumer electronics company, launched the Mate XT2 tri-fold smartphone series in China on September 7, with prices starting at 19,999 yuan (US$3,000), as it sought to defend its position in the country’s premium handset market ahead of new launches from Xiaomi and Apple.

The phones unfold twice into a tablet-sized screen, use Huawei’s Kirin 9050 Pro chip, and go on sale on September 12.

Executive Director Richard Yu said rising memory prices and the use of new technology had increased cost pressure.

Huawei said the chip offers more computing power while using less electricity.

IDC said Huawei held 22.6% of China’s smartphone market in the second quarter, ahead of Apple’s 18.1%. Smart Analytics Global, a US-based research firm, estimated Huawei accounted for 68% of China’s foldable phone shipments.

Huawei is currently the only major brand selling a tri-fold phone.

The launch follows Huawei’s earlier Mate XT, which later launched abroad.

Xiaomi launched a rival foldable phone on September 7, while Apple is set to unveil its latest iPhone lineup on September 9.

🔗 Source: Reuters

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