Huawei is preparing to launch its next-generation tri-fold smartphone, the Huawei Mate XT2, and early leaks suggest the brand may surprise fans with a lower price point than anticipated.
Price Leak Suggests a Major Cut
Tipster Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo claims the Huawei Mate XT2 will launch in China for CNY 15,000 (approx. $2,000). This marks a significant drop compared to the first-gen Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design, which debuted at CNY 19,999 (approx. $2,700).
What makes this price tag striking is that Huawei reportedly plans to include hardware upgrades, rather than cost-cutting compromises, in the new device.
Huawei’s Tri-Fold Legacy
Huawei remains the only smartphone maker currently offering a dual-hinged, tri-fold phone, carving out a unique niche in foldable technology. With the Mate XT2 coming so soon after the original model, Huawei looks set to double down on innovation in this segment even before rivals are ready to launch something similar.
Hardware Upgrades: More for Less?
While detailed specs remain under wraps, industry chatter suggests that the Mate XT2 will bring upgrades in:
- Camera performance
- Processing power
- Network capabilities
- Exterior design
If true, this makes Huawei’s rumored decision to cut the launch price all the more puzzling. Usually, flagship-level upgrades go hand in hand with higher costs.
Why the Price Drop?
Analysts believe Huawei could be pursuing a strategic move to capture market attention, expand its user base, and reinforce its dominance in the foldable space. Another possibility is that the leak may not fully reflect the final price or global pricing strategies.
Still, Huawei has a history of surprising the market with aggressive tactics, especially in China, where the competition in premium smartphones continues to intensify.
Looking Ahead
The Huawei Mate XT2 is expected to be officially unveiled sometime next month. If the CNY 15,000 pricing rumor holds true, it could mark a turning point for foldable adoption by making ultra-advanced tri-fold devices more accessible to a wider audience.
Until then, the big question remains: Can Huawei truly offer more for less in one of the most cutting-edge smartphone designs to date?