Huawei unveils Mate XT hours after Apple’s iPhone 16 launch

• The camera system features a distinctive octagonal design and a comprehensive array of advanced photographic technologies.
• Official sale of the Mate XT is on September 20 and is priced between $2,820 for 16GB+256GB model , 16GB+512GB variant for $3,108 and $3,390 for the 16GB+1TB variant.

Huawei Technologies unveiled the world’s first tri-foldable phone, the Mate XT, just hours after Apple launched its iPhone 16.

The innovative device is a significant addition to the rapidly evolving smartphone market and positions Huawei as a formidable competitor against established giants such as Apple.

 The timing of this launch, occurring mere hours after Apple’s introduction of the AI-enhanced iPhone 16, underscores Huawei’s strategic intent to capture consumer interest and assert its dominance within the world’s largest smartphone market.

The Mate XT exemplifies groundbreaking design and engineering, with a foldable screen that operates similarly to an accordion, allowing it to function in three distinct configurations.

Huawei’s executive director, Richard Yu, articulated the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but could not make.”

World’s thinnest foldable phone

The sentiment reflects the tireless effort of the company’s team over five years, illustrating their ambition to transform imaginative concepts into reality.

The unprecedented nature of this device is underscored by the remarkable achievement of 3.6 million pre-orders, a testament to consumer enthusiasm and market demand, particularly given the limited global market for foldable phones, which reached approximately 4 million units in the second quarter of 2024, according to IDC.

The specifications of the Mate XT further enhance its appeal. Available in striking red and black, the device boasts a 10.2-inch display and a remarkably slim profile of just 3.6mm when fully folded, making it the world’s thinnest foldable phone.

Consumers can utilise the phone in multiple configurations, with 6.4-inch and 7.9-inch screen options to suit varying preferences. Technologically, the Mate XT is equipped with an OLED panel featuring an LTPO adaptive refresh rate, ensuring a smooth visual experience and a high-frequency PWM dimming capability.

Additionally, the device’s robust battery system includes a total capacity of 5,600mAh, complemented by advanced charging options, including a 66W wired charger and 50W wireless charging support.

The camera system is particularly noteworthy, featuring a distinctive octagonal design and a comprehensive array of advanced photographic technologies.

Camera specs

The Mate XT encompasses a 50MP main camera with variable aperture technology, allowing photographers to seamlessly switch between f/1.4 and f/4.0 settings, thus enhancing creative flexibility. Additionally, it includes a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a sophisticated telephoto camera capable of up to 5.5x optical zoom with a stunning 50X digital zoom.

Supported by Huawei’s XMAGE technology, the camera system promises enhanced post-capture image quality, emphasising the company’s dedication to elevating smartphone photography. Furthermore, an 8MP front-facing camera caters to the growing consumer demand for high-quality selfies.

The timing of this launch is pivotal, especially as it coincides with consumer critiques of the iPhone 16, particularly regarding its perceived shortcomings in AI features tailored for the Chinese market. Given the current context of US sanctions against Huawei, the company’s resilience and ability to innovate amidst market restrictions bolster its standing against Apple.

As reported, Apple has not yet secured an AI partner in China for its latest model, which could hinder its competitive edge in a landscape increasingly dominated by advancements in artificial intelligence.

As consumers eagerly anticipate the official sale of the Mate XT on September 20, 2024, the pricing strategy reflects Huawei’s positioning within the premium segment of the smartphone market.

With variants priced between $2,820 for the 16GB+256GB model , 16GB+512GB variant for $3,108 and $3,390 for the 16GB+1TB variant, the Mate XT is set to attract high-end consumers seeking cutting-edge technology.