Huawei is stepping back into the global spotlight with the launch of its highly anticipated Mate XT trifold smartphone outside of China. Priced at €3,499 (approximately $3,660), the Mate XT represents Huawei’s ambitious effort to reclaim its position in international markets after years of setbacks due to U.S. sanctions.
Originally introduced in China last year, the Mate XT garnered significant attention for being the world’s first trifold phone. Unlike traditional foldable devices that offer a single folding point, the Mate XT boasts two, enabling it to be used as a single, double, or triple screen—an innovative design that offers unprecedented versatility. However, this device is not intended for mass-market adoption. Instead, it is aimed at affluent consumers who value exclusivity and the prestige that comes with owning a cutting-edge, high-end gadget.
U.S. sanctions, imposed since 2019, significantly disrupted Huawei’s access to advanced chips and Google’s Android ecosystem, leading to a dramatic decline in its international market share, now at a mere 0.3% according to IDC. In contrast, within China, Huawei has rebounded impressively, with its market share growing from 12% to 17% in 2024 after launching a smartphone with an advanced chip in late 2023.
Now, Huawei is betting on the Mate XT to help build momentum overseas, particularly in the high-end segment. As noted by Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for data and analytics at IDC, the Mate XT is expected to be a niche product designed to attract wealthy buyers more interested in exclusivity than volume sales. “They believe the trifold can be a unique value proposition, and because it is very expensive, they aim to target wealthy individuals who are more keen on showing off they have the money versus having the best experience you can get,” he explained. Even modest sales volumes—say, half a million units—could generate around $1.5 billion in revenue.
However, the international challenge for the Mate XT extends beyond its price tag and unique design. Unlike most smartphones that run on Google’s Android operating system, the Mate XT operates on Huawei’s proprietary platform. This means it does not support the Google Play Store, a factor that may dampen its appeal among consumers outside China who rely on familiar Google apps and services.
As Huawei pushes forward with its comeback, the Mate XT will serve as a crucial test of its ability to compete on the global stage. With local announcements pending regarding the specific markets where the device will be available, all eyes are on Huawei to see if this high-end, innovative trifold can overcome its ecosystem hurdles and win over international consumers.
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