Tri-Foldable Phone: In a bold move that highlights its resilience amid ongoing U.S. technology curbs, Huawei has launched the world’s first tri-foldable phone, the Huawei Mate XT. This innovative device was unveiled at a global event in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday,
symbolizing a significant step for the Chinese tech giant in the competitive foldable phone market. However, analysts caution that challenges like high pricing, software limitations, and global supply chain issues could impact its widespread success.
A Tri-Foldable Phone: A First for the Industry
The Mate XT is the first of its kind, featuring three mini-panels that fold twice, offering a unique experience that sets it apart from other foldable devices. The phone, which boasts a sleek 3.6mm thickness and a 10.2-inch display comparable to an iPad, is designed to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation.
“Right now, Huawei kind of stands alone as an innovator with the trifold design,” said Bryan Ma, vice president of device research at International Data Corporation (IDC). “Despite facing challenges like limited access to critical U.S. technologies, Huawei has managed to carve out a unique position in the foldable market.”
Pricing and Market Position: A Luxury Device?
While the Mate XT showcases groundbreaking technology, its price tag of 3,499 euros ($3,662) places it in the luxury category. According to analysts, this steep price may limit the phone’s appeal to mainstream consumers.
Bryan Ma highlighted that, “It’s not a mainstream product that people are going to jump for,” meaning the Mate XT may attract a niche audience rather than mass-market adoption.
Despite this, the Mate XT marks a symbolic victory for Huawei, especially considering the company’s struggles following U.S. sanctions. Since 2019, Huawei has faced significant obstacles, including a ban on accessing U.S.
chip technologies and Google services, which have previously limited its smartphone offerings. As a result, Huawei’s ability to innovate and release new products like the Mate XT stands out as a remarkable achievement in an increasingly difficult environment.
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Challenges for Huawei: Software Limitations and Supply Chain Issues
While Huawei’s hardware innovation is impressive, long-term success remains uncertain due to ongoing challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS), which limits the phone’s compatibility with popular apps and services.
This has been a major roadblock for Huawei’s devices in international markets, as many users rely on Google’s ecosystem for their smartphone experience.
“System limitations, particularly the lack of Google Mobile Services, mean its international market potential remains constrained,” explained Ruby Lu, an analyst with TrendForce.
These software challenges, coupled with global supply chain constraints and limited access to key chips, could significantly impact Huawei’s ability to scale production and meet demand.
Huawei’s Position in the Foldable Phone Market
Despite these hurdles, Huawei has made notable strides in the foldable phone sector. In China, Huawei dominated the foldable phone market with a 49% share in 2024. On the global stage, however, the company holds a smaller 23% share, trailing behind Samsung, which leads the market with a 33% share.
IDC predicts that the global foldable phone market will experience significant growth in the coming years, with total shipments expected to reach 45.7 million units by 2028, up from 20 million last year.
As the foldable segment continues to grow, Huawei’s position could strengthen, though its international market prospects remain clouded by ongoing geopolitical tensions and technological barriers.
The Future of the Foldable Phone Market: Will Apple Join the Race?
Huawei’s bold move into the tri-foldable space could prompt increased competition within the foldable phone market, especially if other major players, like Apple, decide to enter the foldable phone sector. Analysts expect that Apple’s eventual entry could significantly impact the foldable market, driving further innovation and competition.
“Once Apple enters the market, it is expected to significantly influence and stimulate further growth in the foldable phone sector,” said Ruby Lu. Apple’s potential foray into foldables would no doubt provide a major boost to the industry, sparking greater consumer interest and encouraging other brands to step up their game.
Conclusion: Will Huawei’s Mate XT Succeed Globally?
The Mate XT represents a bold step forward in smartphone innovation, but its success in the global market remains uncertain. The device’s groundbreaking design and technological achievements may be overshadowed by challenges like pricing, software limitations, and the ongoing restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.
Huawei’s position as an innovator in the foldable market is clear, but whether the Mate XT can overcome these barriers and capture a larger share of the international market remains to be seen.
What do you think? Will Mate XT be a game-changer, or will its limitations hold it back? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
