Huawei, Xiaomi Unveil Competing Foldables on Sept. 7

At Huawei's event, the Mate XT 2 was introduced as a tri-fold handset with a 6.5-inch cover display that opens to a 10.2-inch 3K screen. Reports from Chinese tech media SSPAI and ifanr said the device uses a symmetric spread-wing architecture, a second-generation Tianqong hinge without gears and IP58/IP59 protection. ifanr cited a minimum thickness of 3.5 mm. The two outlets differed on weight: SSPAI listed 299 grams, while ifanr cited about 290 grams.

The Mate XT 2 is powered by the Kirin 9050 Pro processor, which ifanr said is the first to use LogicFolding 3D stacking and delivers 42 percent higher performance than the previous generation, enough to run a 30-billion-parameter AI model on-device. SSPAI reported the phone can be ordered with an optional privacy screen that narrows the viewing angle, captures a 30-second ECG when both edges of the unfolded display are held, and carries a 5,600 mAh battery. SSPAI also listed satellite calls and two-way Beidou messaging as supported features. Huawei priced the Mate XT 2 from 19,999 yuan for the 16GB+256GB version. SSPAI placed a 1TB privacy-screen model at 24,999 yuan and a 2TB stylus bundle at 29,999 yuan. Sales begin Sept. 12, according to ifanr.

Huawei also unveiled HarmonyOS 7 at the same event. The system brings an immersive spatial design, turns the Xiaoyi assistant into a system-level agent, and adds security features such as detection of AI-altered voices and malicious AI web pages. SSPAI noted the public beta started Sept. 7, while ifanr added that more than 50 models received it and that devices running HarmonyOS 6 or 7 have surpassed 85 million. Huawei also refreshed the Pura X View phone, Watch 6 series, FreeBuds 7 earbuds and MatePad Air; in China their starting prices are 5,999, 2,799, 999 and 5,299 yuan respectively, according to the two outlets.

Xiaomi's evening launch featured the 18 Fold, a book-style foldable with a 5.38-inch cover screen and a 7.58-inch inner display, both near the √2:1 paper-like aspect ratio and reaching 4,000 nits peak brightness, according to SSPAI and ifanr. The 18 Fold runs Xiaomi's self-developed Xuanjie O3 processor, as both outlets noted. It is 5.02 mm thin when open and weighs 219 g, as SSPAI reported, and contains a 6,000 mAh battery. ifanr added that wired charging is 67W and wireless charging is 50W. Its rear camera, co-engineered with Leica, includes a 200-megapixel main sensor, a periscope telephoto and an ultra-wide lens. SSPAI also said the phone ships with HyperOS 4 and can display up to six split-screen windows. The base 12GB+256GB version is priced at 10,999 yuan and will go on sale Sept. 10; ifanr also listed a 16GB+1TB ceramic edition at 15,999 yuan, limited to 1,500 units.

Xiaomi also launched the Pad 9 Pro Max, a 13.3-inch tablet with a 3.4K display, a 12,000 mAh battery and 120W charging, starting at 4,799 yuan. Its USB-C port accepts DP-in video, so the tablet can act as an external monitor or drawing tablet, according to both outlets. At the same event, Xiaomi's Skynomad (Pengcheng) vehicle line launched four extended-range SUV models at 209,900 to 299,900 yuan, according to ifanr; the flagship N90 Max has a claimed CLTC combined range of 1,705 kilometres.