What's happened
Huawei has announced the Mate XTs, a foldable device with three screens, powered by its Kirin 9020 chipset and HarmonyOS 5. It features two folding mechanisms, supports PC app installation, and arrives ahead of Apple's foldable iPhone. Presales start today, with deliveries from September 12.
What's behind the headline?
The Huawei Mate XTs exemplifies Huawei's strategic focus on innovation in foldable technology, emphasizing dual folding mechanisms that offer versatility akin to tablets and smartphones. The device's support for PC app installation and HarmonyOS 5's growing user base highlight Huawei's efforts to differentiate in a crowded market. The timing ahead of Apple's foldable iPhone suggests Huawei aims to solidify its leadership in foldables, especially in China where it holds a 75% market share. However, the high price point and mixed software experience may limit broader adoption. The device's success will depend on consumer perception of durability, usability, and ecosystem integration. Huawei's continued investment in foldables indicates confidence that this form factor will become mainstream, but it faces stiff competition from Samsung and emerging players like Oppo and Honor, who are also refining their designs.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights Huawei's technological advancements and market strategy, emphasizing the device's innovative features and timing ahead of Apple. Bloomberg notes the device's dual folding mechanisms and compares it to previous efforts, positioning it as Huawei's second attempt at a two-fold device. Ars Technica discusses the Pixel 10 series, which is unrelated but shows the broader context of foldable and premium smartphones, while The Guardian and TechCrunch provide detailed insights into the design, build quality, and user experience of the Magic V5 and Honor's foldables, respectively. These sources collectively underscore the competitive landscape and technological trends shaping the foldable market, with Huawei's launch seen as a significant move to maintain dominance amid global rivalry.
How we got here
Huawei continues to develop its foldable smartphone lineup amid ongoing competition from Samsung, Xiaomi, and others. The company maintains a dominant share of China's foldable market and is investing in innovative form factors like the trifold design. The launch comes days before Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, signaling a competitive push in the foldable segment.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the Latest Trends in Foldable Phones and Protection Plans?
Foldable smartphones are rapidly evolving, offering new features and innovative designs. As brands like Huawei launch cutting-edge devices and protection plans adapt to these changes, consumers are eager to understand what's new, which brands lead the way, and whether investing in a foldable phone is worth it. Below, we explore the latest in foldable tech, how protection plans are changing, and what you need to know before making a purchase.
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