Overview
- Huawei unveiled the Mate XT2 in Guangzhou on Monday, confirming the Kirin 9050 Pro chip, an inward tri‑fold design, prices starting at ¥19,999 and China sales beginning September 12.
- Xiaomi released the 18 Fold the same day with its in‑house Xring O3 processor, a 7.58‑inch inner display, a 200MP main camera and preorders opened at a starting price near ¥10,999.
- Huawei says the Kirin 9050 Pro uses its Tau Scaling Law and LogicFolding layout to shorten signal paths and deliver roughly a 42% performance gain over the prior model.
- Both phones emphasize durability and privacy features through redesigned hinges, stronger water resistance and an optional privacy display while vendors lean on domestic memory and chip suppliers.
- The moves set up a premium clash with Apple, which is widely expected to reveal a foldable iPhone in early September, and come as Counterpoint projects a roughly 14% fall in global smartphone shipments in 2026.