On 7 September, a long-awaited showdown took place in the Chinese market: Huawei and Xiaomi unveiled revolutionary foldable flagships just two days before Apple's presentation. Two devices—Huawei's tri-fold and Xiaomi's innovative 'mid-fold'—are redefining the premium segment, ramping up the pressure on Apple ahead of the iPhone Ultra release.
Huawei Mate XT2: An Engineering Triumph
The Mate XT2 is a flagship tri-fold that folds twice and unfolds into a massive 10,2-inch 3K resolution screen. The device features the all-new Kirin 9050 Pro processor, built on the revolutionary LogicFolding architecture—the world's first chip to use 3D logic stacking to shorten signal paths and boost performance by 42% compared to the previous generation. Beyond performance, Huawei has introduced a patented privacy screen that limits side-angle viewing—a feature found in no other competitor.
A 5600 mAh battery provides fast charging: 66 W wired and 50 W wireless. The IP59 rating indicates a serious approach to water resistance. Prices start at 19 999 yuan (approximately 2980 US dollars) for the 16/256 GB configuration, with sales beginning on 12 September—exactly five days after the announcement.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: Compactness vs. Scale
Xiaomi has taken a different path. Instead of a three-layer origami design, the Xiaomi 18 Fold uses an innovative 'mid-fold': the device folds down to a compact passport size but unfolds into a full-fledged tablet. The 7,58-inch internal screen with an unusual 2:1 aspect ratio allows for working with three apps simultaneously, while the 5,38-inch external screen handles routine tasks. When unfolded, it is just 5,02 mm thick and weighs 219 grams—lighter than its competitors.
The main differentiator is Xiaomi's own XRing O3 processor, built on a 3-nanometre technology. The main camera was co-developed with Leica and features a revolutionary 200-megapixel sensor, complemented by a periscope telephoto lens with an 80 mm focal length. The 6000 mAh battery—the largest in its class—charges at 67 W wired and 50 W wirelessly. Prices range from 10 999 to 14 999 yuan, which is significantly cheaper than its rival.
A Choice of Strategies: Two World Models
In the massive Chinese premium foldable smartphone market, where Huawei already controls 68% of sales, these devices serve different purposes. The Mate XT2 offers brilliance and power—a maximum screen, innovative privacy protection, and the world's first chip with 3D logic. The Xiaomi 18 Fold opts for practicality—pocket-sized compactness, a huge battery for autonomy, and premium Leica cameras for less money.
A comparison with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 shows that both Chinese flagships have surpassed the capabilities of their South Korean rival: Xiaomi offers a larger battery and a periscope telephoto lens, while Huawei provides a larger screen and robust IP59 protection. Both remain exclusive to China—no global versions are expected.
Who Should Buy Them?
For Asian buyers seeking the largest screen and radical privacy, the Mate XT2 is the choice. Those who value compactness, perfect shots, and a realistic price will be drawn to the Xiaomi 18 Fold. Both devices are more than just smartphones; they are engineering manifestos on what mobile computers should look like in 2026. And both have arrived just two days before Apple offers its response.
