Huawei and Xiaomi launched competing flagship foldable smartphones in China on September 7, according to Reuters, setting up a high-stakes market clash ahead of Apple’s product unveiling on September 9.
Huawei Mate XT2 Features and Pricing
According to Reuters, Huawei’s Mate XT2 folds out twice to form a tablet-sized screen and runs on the company’s new Kirin 9050 Pro chip. The device features a redesigned hinge, improved water resistance, and an optional privacy screen that blocks nearby viewers from seeing the display, as noted by Reuters and the Straits Times. Reuters reported that the smartphone costs between 19,999 yuan ($2,980) and 24,999 yuan ($3,725), with sales scheduled to begin on September 12.
Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu stated at a press conference, covered by Reuters, that memory costs have risen sharply and created significant cost pressure. To maintain computing power while reducing electricity usage, Huawei utilized a new chip architecture called LogicFolding, part of the Tau Scaling Law principle introduced in May to counter U.S. restrictions on advanced technology, according to Reuters.
Xiaomi 18 Fold and Market Competition
At a separate event reported by Reuters, Xiaomi debuted the Xiaomi 18 Fold, utilizing a medium-fold design that stays passport-sized when closed and accommodates three apps side-by-side when open. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun stated that the phone weighs 219 grams and measures 5.02 mm thick when unfolded, making it lighter than Apple’s iPhone Pro Max, according to Reuters. The device runs on Xiaomi’s in-house XRing O3 AI processor and uses DRAM memory chips from Chinese manufacturer CXMT, as reported by Reuters and the Straits Times.
“Nowadays, memory is very, very expensive. We don’t say it is cheap, but it is value for money,” Lei Jun said, according to Reuters.
According to data from consultancy IDC cited by Reuters and the Straits Times, Huawei held 22.6% of China’s smartphone market in the second quarter, leading Apple at 18.1% and Xiaomi at 12.4%. Smart Analytics Global data reported by Reuters and the Straits Times indicates that Huawei captured 68% of China’s folding phone shipments during the same period.
Apple and Industry Landscape
According to Reuters and the Straits Times, Apple will unveil its latest iPhone series on September 9, with market expectations pointing to the potential introduction of a foldable model. Counterpoint data cited by the Straits Times shows smartphones facing a contraction in 2026, with shipments likely to decline.
Did You Know?
According to Smart Analytics Global data cited by Reuters, Huawei accounted for 68% of all folding phone shipments in China during the second quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Huawei Mate XT2 cost?
According to Reuters, the Huawei Mate XT2 is priced starting at 19,999 yuan ($2,980), with top-end versions reaching 24,999 yuan ($3,725).
What processor does the Xiaomi 18 Fold use?
According to Reuters, the Xiaomi 18 Fold runs on Xiaomi’s in-house XRing O3 AI processor.
Who leads China’s smartphone market?
According to IDC data reported by Reuters and the Straits Times, Huawei led China’s smartphone market with a 22.6% share in the second quarter.