Huawei and Xiaomi Corporation (HKG:1810) have introduced new flagship foldable phones ahead of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest product launch, giving consumers two very different approaches to turning a smartphone into a larger-screen device.
Huawei's Mate XT2 folds out twice to produce a tablet-sized display, while Xiaomi's passport-sized Xiaomi 18 Fold supports three applications side by side when opened.
The Mate XT2 could reinforce that leadership.
Huawei's Mate XT2 begins at 19,999 yuan, or approximately $2,980, and reaches 24,999 yuan, or $3,725.
That price difference could help Xiaomi reach customers who want a premium foldable without paying for Huawei's tri-fold design.
China's premium-smartphone battle is becoming more ambitious, and more expensive. Huawei and Xiaomi Corporation (HKG:1810) have introduced new flagship foldable phones ahead of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest product launch, giving consumers two very different approaches to turning a smartphone into a larger-screen device.
Huawei's Mate XT2 folds out twice to produce a tablet-sized display, while Xiaomi's passport-sized Xiaomi 18 Fold supports three applications side by side when opened. Both devices demonstrate the progress of Chinese smartphone manufacturers, but rising component costs and Huawei's commanding foldable-market share create significant commercial challenges.
Bull Case
Huawei enters the launch from a position of strength. It controlled 22.6% of China's overall smartphone market during the second quarter, ahead of Apple's 18.1%, according to IDC data cited by Reuters. Its position was even stronger in foldables, where Huawei accounted for 68% of Chinese shipments. The Mate XT2 could reinforce that leadership. Huawei remains the only major manufacturer currently selling a tri-fold smartphone, giving the company a distinctive product in the premium market. The new model includes a redesigned hinge, stronger water resistance, as well as a privacy screen designed to prevent people nearby from viewing the display.
Huawei also says its Kirin 9050 Pro processor provides greater computing power while consuming less electricity. Its LogicFolding architecture forms part of the "Tau Scaling Law" approach Huawei introduced in May as it attempts to overcome US restrictions on access to advanced technology. These remain company claims, but they indicate that Huawei continues developing proprietary solutions despite external constraints.
For Xiaomi, the 18 Fold offers a more accessible route into premium foldables. Prices range from 10,999 yuan, or approximately $1,540, to 14,999 yuan, or $2,100. Huawei's Mate XT2 begins at 19,999 yuan, or approximately $2,980, and reaches 24,999 yuan, or $3,725. That price difference could help Xiaomi reach customers who want a premium foldable without paying for Huawei's tri-fold design. The 18 Fold weighs 219 grams and measures 5.02 millimeters when unfolded. CEO Lei Jun said it is lighter than Apple's iPhone Pro Max.
The phone also uses Xiaomi's internally developed XRing O3 AI processor. Lei said the chip outperforms Apple's A19 Pro in responsiveness, although that comparison represents Xiaomi's assessment rather than an independently verified result. Its use of DRAM supplied by Chinese manufacturer CXMT may also support Xiaomi's effort to develop a more domestically sourced technology ecosystem.
