Huawei Technologies has further strengthened its position in the foldable smartphone segment with the global launch of the Mate X7, at a time when the market is awaiting the first foldable iPhone and analyzing the recent announcement of the first Samsung TriFold foldable model.
The Mate X7 was launched in China last month, and now it has been officially launched in the global market during an event in Dubai. When unfolded, the phone is only 4.5 mm thick, while the total weight with the battery is a maximum of 236 grams. The device uses a battery with a capacity of 5,600 mAh with an improved heat dissipation system, and Huawei states that it provides all-day autonomy.
Huawei is stepping up its global offensive ahead of the arrival of the foldable iPhone
The company points out that the Mate X7 is its first ultra-thin flip phone that offers a level of cameras comparable to classic premium models. The rear “True-to-Colour” camera has been improved and brings about 43% better color accuracy compared to the previous generation.
Despite the US sanctions that have been in place since 2019, Huawei has significantly stepped up its international marketing. Back in February, the company launched Mate XT globally, then the only triple flip phone in the world. Other products were unveiled at the event in Dubai, including the FreeClip 2 wireless headphones in a new rose-gold color, as well as a smartwatch from the Huawei Ultimate Design line with a waterproof case.
According to IDC data, during the first three quarters of this year, Huawei held almost 70% of the Chinese flip phone market. Globally, the share of devices running HarmonyOS should rise to 17% during 2026, from 11% in 2025, but that estimate does not include Huawei’s overseas models running the Android system.
IDC estimates that global shipments of flip phones will grow by around 30% next year, but also that the competition will further strengthen with the entry of Apple. iOS flip models are expected to reach 34% market share by 2029, while HarmonyOS could drop to around 14%.
Huawei launched the Mate X7 just a day before the start of sales of the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold model in South Korea, at a price of around $2,444, followed by expansion to other markets. According to IDC, the real turning point in this segment is expected in 2026, when Apple officially enters the race with its own iPhone Fold flip phone, whose price is estimated at around $2,400, South China Morning Post reports.