Huawei MateX6 Makes Overseas Debut: Re-entering the Foldable Phone Market, China's Global Technological Journey

Huawei MateX6 Makes Overseas Debut: Re-entering the Foldable Phone Market, China's Global Technological JourneyI. Unfold the Classic: A Detailed Look at the Overseas Version of Huawei MateX6II

Huawei MateX6 Makes Overseas Debut: Re-entering the Foldable Phone Market, China's Global Technological Journey

In the early hours of December 13th, Beijing time, Huawei held a flagship product launch event in Dubai, marking the overseas debut of its MateX6 foldable phone. The 12GB+512GB version is priced at 1999 (approximately 15,266 RMB) in Europe and will begin shipping on January 6th. Amidst the fiercely competitive domestic smartphone market and numerous challenges, Huawei has carved a path and recommenced its overseas journey. This article will delve into the overseas market performance of the Huawei MateX6 and discuss the current state and competitive landscape of the overseas foldable phone market.

I. Unfold the Classic: A Detailed Look at the Overseas Version of Huawei MateX6

Unlike the intensely competitive domestic market, Huawei's slogan for the MateX6 is "Unfold the Classic." Hardware-wise, the international version of the Huawei MateX6 is largely consistent with the domestic version, but only comes in three colors: Cosmic Red, Obsidian Black, and Nebula Grey, and a single 12GB+512GB configuration. It features a 7.93-inch inner screen and a 6.45-inch outer screen, along with a 50MP main camera + 40MP ultrawide + 48MP telephoto + XMAGE color camera combination. It houses a 5110mAh battery with support for 66W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the Huawei MateX6 debuts the EMUI 15 system, incorporating several new features from the domestic HarmonyOS 4.3, such as the Emoji Crush lock screen theme and Air Hoops gesture control.

However, HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0, the native HarmonyOS system currently available for upgrades to domestic users, is not yet available overseas. This might pose a challenge for Huawei in the overseas market, requiring further consideration of how to balance consistent global user experience and optimize software strategies for different markets.

II. Comparison with Overseas Competitors' Foldable Products: A Clash of Technology and Strategy

To better understand the Huawei MateX6's competitiveness in the overseas market, let's review its key specifications: unfolded thickness of 4.6mm, folded thickness of 9.85mm, and weight of 239g. Next, we'll compare it with major competitors' products.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6: Conservative Strategy, Market Segmentation

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 features some design adjustments, with a more square body shape and reduced weight to 239g. However, the aspect ratio of its "remote control"-like outer screen remains largely unchanged, with an unfolded thickness of 5.6mm and a folded thickness of 12.1mm, failing to achieve a thickness under 1cm. While failing to achieve a significant advantage in form factor, Samsung's internal configuration appears relatively conservative. The battery capacity remains at 4400mAh for multiple generations, and the camera configuration uses the standard configuration from the Samsung S series, lacking a large-sensor telephoto lens. In these aspects, the Galaxy Z Fold6 feels more like an iterative upgrade to the Z Fold 5, lacking significant breakthroughs.

It's noteworthy that Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition this year, featuring a thinner body, a 200MP main camera, and a screen aspect ratio closer to mainstream straight phones. Known domestically as the Samsung W25, it even incorporates a ceramic body. However, this model, considered the "true Z Fold 6," is only available in China and South Korea, absent from the European and American markets. This reflects Samsung's differentiated strategies across different markets and hints at a cautious approach toward foldable phone market share in the EU and US.

2. Google Pixel Fold: A Balance of Thinness and Lightness, Performance Needs Improvement

The Google Pixel Fold is Samsung's main competitor in the European and American markets. Its design differs from Samsung's, adopting a shorter and wider shape. With an unfolded thickness of 5.1mm and a folded thickness of 10.5mm, the thickness control is acceptable for a second-generation foldable. However, despite the 4650mAh battery, the weight is not below 250g, reaching 257g, remaining on par with its predecessor.

Despite its "Pro" title, the Pixel Fold's camera configuration is still limited by its foldable form factor, showing a clear gap compared to the Pixel 9 Pro. The main camera only uses a 1/2-inch sensor, while some foldable phones have already equipped 1/2-inch sensor periscope telephoto lenses in thinner bodies. Furthermore, the performance of the Google Tensor G4 chip is widely criticized, potentially a significant challenge for the Pixel Fold in market competition. Despite this, Google still uses "The thinnest foldable" as its advertising slogan, undoubtedly raising industry questions about its product positioning and market strategy.

III. Chinese Manufacturers' Overseas Foldable Phone Strategies: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

Next, we analyze the overseas performance of other Chinese manufacturers' foldable smartphones.

Honor's Magic V3 was launched at IFA in Berlin, Germany in September this year, two months later than its domestic launch. Xiaomi did not launch its large-fold MIX Fold 4 overseas this year, opting instead for its first small-foldable product, the MIX Flip, with a starting price of 1299 (approximately 10,188 RMB). The vivo X Fold 3 Pro is mainly focused on the Indian and Southeast Asian markets and has not yet entered the European market. OPPO's Find N3 successfully entered the US market under the name OnePlus Open.

These manufacturers' overseas strategies vary, some focusing on specific regional markets, others opting for differentiated product strategies. This reflects the complex situation Chinese manufacturers face in overseas market expansion, requiring more precise strategies tailored to different market characteristics.

IV. Huawei's New Product Launch: The MateX6 is Just the Beginning

Besides the MateX6, Huawei also launched the nova 13, nova 13 Pro phones and FreeBuds Pro 4 earphones overseas. The Huawei FreeClip earbuds also launched a new rose gold color. However, the Mate 70 series, which is in high demand domestically, was not launched in overseas markets.

The overseas debut of the Huawei MateX6 is not just a product launch but a declaration of renewed competition in the overseas market. Whether the Mate 70 series, Mate X T tri-foldable phone, and other products will successfully enter overseas markets and further expand their reach will be crucial to Huawei's ability to secure a significant global market share.

V. Conclusion: The Globalization Journey of Chinese Technology

The successful overseas debut of the Huawei MateX6 demonstrates the strength and potential of Chinese technology companies in global market competition. However, the overseas market is fiercely competitive and full of challenges. Huawei and other Chinese manufacturers need to continuously innovate, improve product competitiveness, and implement more effective market strategies to achieve greater success in the global market. The future will reveal whether Chinese technology companies can achieve greater breakthroughs in the global market.