Huawei and Apple Face Off as Mate XT and iPhone 16 Launch in China
Huawei and Apple are in a fierce competition with the release of their flagship smartphones. On September 20, 2024, both companies launched their latest devices—the Huawei Mate XT and Apple iPhone 16. The launch attracted large crowds in China, including eager buyers and scalpers trying to profit from the excitement.
Huawei Mate XT: The World’s First Triple-Screen Foldable
The Huawei Mate XT, priced at 19,999 yuan (about $2,800), is the world’s first triple-screen foldable smartphone. This phone has a 10.2-inch OLED display that folds twice, transforming into smaller 7.9-inch and 6.4-inch screens. When folded, the device measures 12.8mm thick.
Despite the anticipation, Huawei encountered problems on launch day due to limited availability. In Shenzhen, only pre-ordered devices with a confirmation message were available for purchase. Many customers who walked in hoping to buy the Mate XT left disappointed. Some even turned to scalpers selling the phone for as much as 26,000 yuan.
Apple iPhone 16: A More Iterative Approach
In contrast to Huawei’s innovative foldable design, Apple’s iPhone 16 took a more iterative approach. The iPhone 16 starts at $800, making it more affordable than the Mate XT. The iPhone 16 introduces several new features, including a camera control button and the action button, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro. However, the overall design of the iPhone 16 remains similar to its predecessor, lacking the bold innovation seen in the Mate XT.
Competition for Market Share in China
The simultaneous launch of the Huawei Mate XT and iPhone 16 underscores the intense rivalry between the two tech giants. Huawei, despite being affected by US sanctions, is proving its resilience. The Mate XT is powered by a locally-manufactured chipset, showing Huawei’s ability to innovate under pressure. The demand for the Mate XT was strong, with 6.5 million pre-orders, almost doubling global foldable smartphone shipments for the second quarter of 2024.
Apple, which was once a top player in China, has seen its market ranking drop. The company is now in sixth place in China’s smartphone market. While Apple’s new AI software, called Apple Intelligence, is a highlight of the iPhone 16, it will only be available in Chinese by next year. This delay may affect Apple’s standing in the highly competitive Chinese market.
Global Expansion for the Huawei Mate XT
Although Huawei launched the Mate XT exclusively in China, the company has confirmed a global release for Q1 2025. This expansion is expected to increase competition with Apple on the global stage. Huawei’s focus on innovative designs like the triple-screen foldable could challenge Apple’s dominance in international markets.
The battle between Huawei and Apple is not just limited to China. As the smartphone market evolves, both companies are pushing the boundaries of innovation to secure their place in the industry. The simultaneous release of the Huawei Mate XT and iPhone 16 is a clear indicator of the growing rivalry between the two companies.
Huawei’s ability to capture attention with bold design choices contrasts with Apple’s more cautious, reliable updates. However, both brands have strong fan bases that will likely remain loyal. With Huawei’s Mate XT set to launch globally next year, it will be interesting to see how this competition unfolds on the international stage.
As these two tech giants continue to push for more market share, the smartphone market is entering an exciting phase. Innovation is key, and both Apple and Huawei are positioning themselves as leaders in this ever-evolving industry. Whether through foldable screens or enhanced software, both companies are driving the next generation of smartphones.
Citations:
[1] https://www.phonearena.com/apple-iphone-16-release-date-price-features-news
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-16-huawei-mate-xt-smartphone-competition-china-market-2024-9
[3] https://stratnewsglobal.com/world-news/china-huaweis-new-smartphone-disappoints-also-apple/
[4] https://www.androidauthority.com/huawei-mate-xt-global-release-3483466/
[5] https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/huaweis-mate-xt-iphone-16-093000391.html
[6] https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/huawei-mate-xt-ultimate-design-price-launch-sale-date-specifications-features-6532477
[7] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/09/20/companies/iphone16-japan-stores/
[8] https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024092000136/
[9] https://technode.com/2024/09/11/huawei-releases-worlds-first-triple-fold-smartphone-mate-xt/
[10] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/huawei-launches-triple-foldable-mate-xt-on-apple-iphone-16-launch-day-gets-36-lakh-pre-orders-within-hours/articleshow/113218816.cms