Huawei Expands Global Reach with Trifold Smartphone Launch
Huawei has officially introduced its groundbreaking trifold smartphone to international markets, marking a significant step in its efforts to regain a foothold outside of China following years of setbacks due to U.S. sanctions.
The Mate XT, the world’s first trifold smartphone, was initially launched in China last year, capturing global attention with its innovative design. Unlike traditional foldable phones that fold once either horizontally or vertically, the Mate XT features two folding points, allowing users to operate it in single, double, or triple-screen modes.
Huawei has yet to disclose the specific countries where the device will be available but encourages users to stay tuned for local announcements. The smartphone will start at 3,499 euros ($3,660), positioning it as a premium device in the high-end market.
Huawei’s Market Struggles and Comeback
Once a dominant force in the global smartphone market, Huawei faced a steep decline after U.S. sanctions imposed in 2019 restricted its access to advanced semiconductor chips and Google’s Android operating system. As a result, the company saw its market share plummet, particularly outside of China, where its presence now accounts for only 0.3% of the market, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).
Despite these challenges, Huawei has seen a resurgence in China, with its market share climbing from 12% in 2023 to 17% in 2024, largely due to the launch of a smartphone equipped with an advanced chip. This development surprised many industry analysts, as U.S. sanctions aimed to limit China’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. Now, Huawei seeks to carry this momentum to the global stage, focusing on premium devices like the Mate XT.
Targeting Luxury Consumers
According to Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President for Data and Analytics at IDC, Huawei does not expect the Mate XT to sell in large volumes. Instead, the company is likely targeting affluent consumers who value exclusivity over mainstream adoption. The high price tag suggests a strategy aimed at those who appreciate unique technology and are willing to invest in luxury gadgets.
“If Huawei manages to sell half a million units, it could generate approximately $1.5 billion in revenue,” Jeronimo noted.
Challenges in Global Expansion
One of the biggest hurdles Huawei faces in re-entering international markets is its lack of access to Google’s Android ecosystem. While most Android users rely on the Google Play Store for apps like Netflix and Google’s AI-powered Gemini features, Huawei’s app store lacks many of these popular applications, which may limit the Mate XT’s appeal outside of China.
Neil Shah, Partner at Counterpoint Research, emphasized that this absence remains a major disadvantage. “For premium buyers willing to spend on a trifold device, the inability to use Google’s latest features and services could be a dealbreaker,” he said.
As Huawei continues its push into global markets, the Mate XT will serve as a critical test of its ability to compete in the premium smartphone segment. Whether its innovative design can outweigh the challenges of operating without Google’s ecosystem remains to be seen.