Politics · Sun Belt Post
Chinese tech companies Huawei and Xiaomi launched new flagship foldable smartphones on Monday, stepping up competition in China’s premium handset market ahead of Apple’s product launch later this week. Huawei’s new Mate XT2 series, which folds out twice into a tablet-sized screen, features its Kirin 9050 Pro chip, a redesigned hinge, improved water resistance, and a privacy screen. The devices start at 19,999 yuan ($2,980) and go up to 24,999 yuan ($3,725).
Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu noted that pricing is challenging due to rising memory costs and new technology adoption. Huawei’s new chip design, called LogicFolding, aims to deliver greater computing power while using less electricity, aligning with the ‘Tau Scaling Law’ principle unveiled in May to bypass U.S. sanctions. At a separate launch, Xiaomi unveiled its most premium phone, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, which remains passport-sized when closed but supports three apps side by side when opened.
Weighing less than 8 ounces and less than a quarter-inch thick when unfolded, it uses Xiaomi’s XRing O3 AI processor, which outperforms Apple’s A19 Pro in responsiveness. The Xiaomi 18 Fold starts at 10,999 yuan ($1,540) and goes up to 14,999 yuan ($2,100). Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun emphasized that memory costs are high but the device offers good value.
The launches coincide with high expectations for Apple’s upcoming iPhone series, which may also introduce a foldable phone. Huawei remains the only major brand selling a tri-fold phone, despite being barred from selling products in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest foldable smartphone vendor, discontinued its tri-fold device after three months and expanded its foldable lineup to include a passport-sized model in July.
Huawei led China’s smartphone market with a 22.6% share in the second quarter, ahead of Apple’s 18.1%, while Xiaomi held a 12.4% share. Huawei also dominated folding phone shipments in China, accounting for 68% of shipments in the second quarter.
Source: NBC News
