What happened
On September 7, Huawei held a launch event, introducing the Mate XT2, a second-generation tri-fold smartphone, along with HarmonyOS 7 and the Pura X View device.
The Mate XT2 features a thinner body (12.3mm folded, 3.5mm unfolded), a 10.2-inch screen, and a dual-wing opening mechanism. It also debuts the Kirin 9050 Pro chip, which Huawei claims offers a 42% overall performance boost.
The phone is available in three colors and storage options (256GB, 512GB, 1TB), all with 16GB RAM, priced at 19999, 21999, and 23999 yuan respectively.
Why it matters
This launch marks Huawei's first detailed explanation of a new Kirin chip in six years, signaling a strategic push in high-end mobile technology.
The tri-fold segment is heating up as Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple are all expected to release foldable flagships within the same week, a first for the category.
Industry forecasts suggest global foldable smartphone shipments will surpass 100 million units by end of 2026, with Apple's entry potentially reshaping market shares.
Key facts
The Mate XT2 is Huawei's second-generation tri-fold phone, updated after two years.
It is the first device to feature the Kirin 9050 Pro chip, described as the 'strongest performance' Kirin chip with a 42% overall improvement.
Huawei's tri-fold phones have shipped over 1 million units globally.
The phone includes a privacy screen version with a double-tap to enable anti-peeping mode.
The Kirin 9050 Pro uses a 'logic folding' technology, a novel chip design approach.
What to watch next
How competitors Xiaomi and Apple position their foldable devices in the coming days, as they are expected to launch within the same week.
Whether the Kirin 9050 Pro's performance claims translate into real-world user experience, especially in AI and gaming.
Market reaction to the pricing, given rising component costs, and whether Huawei can maintain its lead in the foldable segment.