Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Huawei Unveils Mate XT2 As Foldable Rivalry Intensifies
Huawei has introduced a new phone called the Mate XT2.
The phone folds two times and opens into a screen about the size of a tablet.
It uses Huawei’s Kirin 9050 Pro chip.
Huawei says the chip provides more computing power while using less electricity.
The phone also has a redesigned hinge, better water resistance and improved cameras.
Huawei says it performs 42% better than the previous model in its own tests.
Xiaomi has also unveiled or prepared a competing foldable phone, while Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone series.
The companies are competing for customers in China’s premium smartphone market.
Huawei launched the Mate XT2, a tri-fold smartphone that opens twice into a tablet-sized display.
The device uses Huawei’s Kirin 9050 Pro chip, redesigned folding mechanism, improved water resistance and upgraded cameras.
Huawei claims the Mate XT2 delivers 42% better overall performance than its predecessor in company tests.
Huawei held 22.6% of China’s smartphone market in the second quarter, ahead of Apple at 18.1% and Xiaomi at 12.4%.
Huawei accounted for 68% of China’s foldable-phone shipments as Xiaomi introduced a rival and Apple prepared its latest iPhone launch.
- Who
- Huawei launched the Mate XT2; Xiaomi launched or prepared a rival foldable, and Apple prepared its latest iPhone series.
- What
- Huawei introduced the Mate XT2, a twice-folding flagship smartphone with a tablet-sized display and Kirin 9050 Pro chip.
- When
- September 7, 2026; Apple’s iPhone launch was expected on September 9, 2026.
- Where
- China’s premium smartphone market.
- Why
- Huawei is seeking to defend its leading position against Apple and Xiaomi while using its own technology to address U.S. restrictions on advanced technology access.
- Product
- Huawei Mate XT2
- Display design
- Tri-fold design that opens twice into a tablet-sized screen
- Processor
- Kirin 9050 Pro mobile chipset
- Performance claim
- 42% better overall performance than its predecessor, according to Huawei tests
- China smartphone market share
- Huawei 22.6%, Apple 18.1% and Xiaomi 12.4% in the second quarter, according to IDC
- China foldable-phone share
- Huawei accounted for 68% of shipments in the second quarter, according to Smart Analytics Global
- U.S. availability
- Huawei does not sell in the United States because of sanctions
