Huawei’s $3,000 Mate XT2 Takes Aim at Apple’s Foldable Plans
Huawei has launched the Mate XT2, a new tri-fold smartphone featuring a proprietary Kirin 9050 Pro processor. The device is positioned as a premium competitor to foldable phones and serves as a test of China's semiconductor capabilities under U.S. trade restrictions.
Why it matters
It highlights the ongoing technological rivalry between the U.S. and China, specifically regarding the ability of Chinese firms to innovate in high-end hardware despite export controls.
Huawei on Monday unveiled the Mate XT2, its second-generation tri-fold smartphone, just two days before Apple is expected to reveal its first foldable iPhone.
The phone starts at 19,999 yuan (approximately $2,800) for 256GB of storage and reaches 24,999 yuan for the 1TB version with a privacy screen. Sales begin Sept. 12, according to Huawei.
Unlike the original Mate XT’s partly outward-folding design, which left a section of its display exposed, the Mate XT2 folds inward to protect the main screen when the phone is closed. When fully opened, it offers a tablet-sized screen, while Huawei has also added a cover display for everyday use.
Huawei says the device has IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance, a redesigned hinge and a new privacy display intended to prevent people nearby from viewing sensitive information.
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