Huawei is splitting its September smartphone releases into two distinct events, moving the flagship Mate 90 series away from its traditional November slot to align with Apple's iPhone launch window. The adjusted schedule aligns with Apple's annual iPhone release cycle, presenting consumers with a choice between Huawei's new foldable device and Apple's latest flagship within the same month. The company plans to introduce the Mate XT2 tri-fold device early in the month, followed by the standard Mate 90 lineup later in September.
Tri-fold device launches early while flagship series follows late in the month
The Mate XT2 serves as the centerpiece of the first launch, featuring a 10.2-inch tri-fold display that reduces the visible screen crease when fully unfolded. It runs on Huawei's new 3nm-based Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, which powers the device alongside a battery capacity exceeding 6,000mAh. The device's specifications cater to users prioritizing large display area and extended battery life in a foldable design, setting it apart from standard slab-style smartphones.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Mate XT2 | Mate 90 Pro Max/RS |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2-inch tri-fold | 6.9-inch flat |
| Chipset | Kirin 9050 Pro | Kirin 9050 Pro |
| Battery | Above 6,000mAh | 6,800-7,000mAh |
| Camera | Standard | Dual periscope telephoto |
The Mate 90 series, comprising the Pro, Pro Max, and RS models, introduces notable hardware enhancements to the flagship lineup. These models will feature flat screens rather than curved displays, with the Pro Max and RS variants sporting a larger 6.9-inch panel. The top-tier models are tipped to include dual periscope telephoto cameras, enhancing optical zoom capabilities compared to previous generations.
The Mate 90 Pro Max and RS models feature increased battery capacities ranging from 6,800mAh to 7,000mAh. The larger battery capacity supports the expanded display and dual-camera system, with power efficiency managed by the Kirin 9050 Pro chipset. The shift to flat screens and the specific camera configurations aim to address user preferences for durability and photographic versatility in high-end smartphones.
Digital Chat Station provided these timeline and specification details, citing credible sources within the supply chain. Huawei has not officially confirmed the exact launch dates or pricing for either product line, so these details remain subject to change. More specific information, including final pricing and release dates, is expected to surface closer to the September launch window.
Separating the launches allows Huawei to maintain market attention throughout September across two distinct events. Buyers interested in the tri-fold form factor can evaluate the Mate XT2 early in the month, while those preferring traditional slab designs can wait for the Mate 90 series. This scheduling places Huawei's releases within the third quarter, aligning with a major period for smartphone sales.
Source: GIZMOCHINA
