Huawei Launches the World’s First Tri-Foldable Smartphone: The Mate XT
Chinese tech giant Huawei has made headlines with its latest innovation, the Huawei Mate XT, which proudly claims the title of the world’s first tri-foldable smartphone. With a starting price of 19,999 yuan (approximately $2,800), this groundbreaking device was unveiled shortly after the highly anticipated launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 series. This strategic timing suggests that Huawei is making a bold move to reinforce its competitive stance against Apple in the premium smartphone market. Both the Huawei Mate XT and the new iPhone models are set to hit the shelves on September 20, 2024.
Strong Early Reception for Huawei Mate XT
The response to the Mate XT has been overwhelming, with Huawei reporting over 3.6 million pre-orders prior to its official launch, remarkably requiring no advance payment from customers. According to IDC, the global foldable phone market saw approximately 4 million units shipped in the second quarter, illustrating the growing consumer interest in foldable technology.
Specifications and Features of the Huawei Mate XT
The Mate XT is not only impressive in functionality but also in design. It is available in striking red and classic black colors, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. The smartphone features a stunning 10.2-inch display and boasts a thickness of just 3.6mm, making it the thinnest foldable phone currently available on the market.
Storage Options and Pricing
The Huawei Mate XT is available in three storage configurations:
| Model | Storage | Price (in Yuan) | Price (Approx. in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Model | 16GB + 256GB | 19,999 Yuan | ₹2,35,000 |
| Mid Model | 16GB + 512GB | 21,999 Yuan | ₹2,59,600 |
| Top Model | 16GB + 1TB | 23,999 Yuan | ₹2,83,100 |
Insights from Huawei’s Executive Director
Richard Yu, Huawei’s Executive Director, expressed his pride in the Mate XT’s development during the launch event. “Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but cannot make. Our team has been working hard for the past five years and has never given up,” Yu stated, highlighting the dedication and innovation embedded in the device’s creation. Huawei’s foray into the foldable smartphone segment is not new; the company has a two-way foldable phone already in its lineup that has seen substantial success in the Chinese market, even rivaling industry giants like Samsung Electronics.
The Future of Foldable Smartphones
With the successful launch of the Huawei Mate XT, the competition in the foldable smartphone market is set to intensify. The combination of Huawei’s cutting-edge technology and strategic pricing positions the Mate XT as a formidable contender against established players like Apple and Samsung. As consumers increasingly seek innovative features and unique designs, the tri-foldable smartphone could pave the way for a new era in smartphone technology.
