Huawei and Xiaomi unveiled competing flagship foldable smartphones in China on September 7, 2026, stepping up pressure in the premium handset market just ahead of Apple’s scheduled product launch on September 9, according to Reuters reports. The new releases force buyers to weigh vastly different hardware approaches—ranging from Huawei’s expansive tri-fold screen to Xiaomi’s passport-sized dual-screen setup—while both manufacturers grapple with soaring component costs.
Huawei Mate XT2 Targets Affluent Buyers With Tri-Fold Design
Huawei opened the launch cycle from a position of domestic strength. According to IDC data cited by Reuters, Huawei controlled 22.6% of China’s overall smartphone market during the second quarter, edging out Apple’s 18.1%. In the folding phone segment, Huawei dominated shipments with a 68% share, according to U.S.-based research company Smart Analytics Global.
The new Mate XT2 leans into that dominance by folding out twice into a tablet-sized display. Priced from 19,999 yuan ($2,980) up to 24,999 yuan ($3,725) with sales starting September 12, the device builds on Huawei’s status as the only major brand currently selling a commercial tri-fold phone. The hardware features a redesigned hinge, stronger water resistance, and a privacy screen built to block nearby viewers from seeing the display.
To navigate U.S. sanctions, Huawei integrated its new Kirin 9050 Pro processor. According to company statements reported by Reuters, the chip’s LogicFolding architecture—part of the “Tau Scaling Law” introduced in May—delivers greater computing power while consuming less electricity.
“Pricing right now is a real challenge, because memory costs have risen sharply. We adopted a lot of new technology, and the cost pressure has been enormous,” Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu said at a press conference covered by Reuters.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Counters With In-House Silicon and Lower Price
Seeking to close the gap against market leaders, Xiaomi debuted its most expensive phone to date, the Xiaomi 18 Fold. The device uses a medium-fold format, keeping a passport-sized profile when closed while supporting three applications side by side when unfolded.
Priced between 10,999 yuan ($1,540) and 14,999 yuan ($2,100), the 18 Fold undercuts Huawei’s pricing while attempting to challenge Apple directly. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun noted during the launch that the phone weighs 219 grams and measures 5.02 millimeters thick when unfolded, making it lighter than Apple’s iPhone Pro Max. The handset runs on Xiaomi’s in-house XRing O3 AI processor, which Lei asserted outperforms Apple’s A19 Pro in responsiveness. Furthermore, the phone uses DRAM supplied by Chinese manufacturer CXMT, supporting domestic technology supply chains.
“Nowadays, memory is very, very expensive. We don’t say it is cheap, but it is value for money,” Lei said, acknowledging the industry-wide component inflation.
Did you know? Huawei is barred from selling products in the United States, where Washington has designated the tech giant a national security risk. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics remains the world’s largest overall foldable smartphone vendor, having launched its own passport-sized foldable in July.
Component Inflation and Upcoming Apple Competition
Both product rollouts highlight the severe economic pressures facing manufacturers of luxury mobile hardware. With memory prices surging, brands face a difficult margin squeeze: raising retail prices risks restricting consumer demand, whereas absorbing component costs directly erodes profitability.
The timing of these launches is explicitly calculated to preempt Apple, which is expected to unveil its latest iPhone series—and potentially its own foldable device—on Wednesday. While Xiaomi holds a 12.4% share of China’s overall smartphone market, it remains distant from Huawei’s 68% stronghold in domestic foldable shipments. Whether the 18 Fold serves as a true growth driver or remains a niche device depends heavily on how consumers react to Apple’s upcoming hardware and whether memory costs stabilize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the Huawei Mate XT2 and Xiaomi 18 Fold cost?
The Huawei Mate XT2 ranges from 19,999 yuan ($2,980) to 24,999 yuan ($3,725). The Xiaomi 18 Fold is priced lower, ranging from 10,999 yuan ($1,540) to 14,999 yuan ($2,100).
Who leads the Chinese foldable smartphone market?
According to data from Smart Analytics Global cited by Reuters, Huawei accounted for 68% of folding phone shipments in China during the second quarter.
What unique design features do the new phones have?
The Huawei Mate XT2 folds out twice into a tablet-sized screen and includes a built-in privacy display. The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses a medium-fold design that stays passport-sized when closed and supports three side-by-side applications when opened.
When do sales for the new devices begin?
Sales for Huawei’s Mate XT2 series are scheduled to begin on September 12.
What are your thoughts on the rising cost and complexity of foldable phones? Will you consider buying a tri-fold device, or are you waiting for Apple’s upcoming announcements? Leave a comment below to join the discussion.