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Huawei's Mate XT Tri-Fold Smartphone Sees Over 2.7 Million Pre-Orders Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Launch

Huawei's Mate XT Tri-Fold Smartphone Sees Over 2.7 Million Pre-Orders Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Launch
Monday 09 September 2024 - 11:25
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Huawei Technologies has made a striking entrance into the foldable smartphone market with its new Mate XT tri-fold device, amassing over 2.7 million pre-orders within days of its unveiling. This surge in interest comes as the Chinese tech giant strategically positions its launch just ahead of Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 16 release.

The Mate XT, which features a unique double-hinged design that expands into a 10-inch display, was made available for pre-order on September 7. Although Huawei has yet to disclose the price of the device, it is expected to officially hit the market on September 20. The official reveal of the Mate XT is scheduled for September 10, coinciding with Apple’s event where the iPhone 16 will be showcased.

Huawei's rapid success with the Mate XT reflects a significant demand for innovative smartphone designs, especially as Apple has yet to enter the folding phone arena that has gained popularity among its Chinese competitors. According to market research from Canalys, Huawei currently holds the fourth-largest smartphone market share in China, with more than 10.6 million units shipped this year. In contrast, Apple has fallen out of the top five smartphone vendors in China for the second quarter, a clear indication of the competitive landscape.

The Mate XT's pre-order figures highlight a growing consumer interest in alternatives to traditional smartphones, especially as domestic brands continue to thrive in the face of international competition. Huawei's previous challenges, including U.S. sanctions that severely impacted its global sales and access to essential semiconductor technology, have not deterred the company from innovating. Instead, Huawei has adapted by developing its own chip designs, allowing it to maintain a foothold in the market.

As the countdown to the Mate XT's official launch continues, the anticipation surrounding its features and specifications builds. The device is expected to be available in two storage options,16GB with either 512GB or 1TB of internal storage, and will come in striking black and red color variants. The current pre-order phase will remain open until September 19, creating a buzz that could further amplify interest as consumers await the official launch event. 

With the Mate XT poised to challenge Apple’s iPhone 16, the smartphone market is set for an exciting showdown, as both companies vie for the attention of tech-savvy consumers eager for the latest innovations.