Huawei Claims Top Spot in China’s Foldable Phone Market
In the dynamic landscape of the foldable phone market, Huawei has emerged as the undisputed frontrunner, according to a recent report by CINNO Research. The data reveals that during the first half of 2023, China witnessed a remarkable 72% year-on-year surge in sales of foldable display phones. Amidst the fierce competition, Huawei’s stronghold remains unshaken, firmly securing its position as the leader in the foldable phone market segment.
The star of Huawei’s show, the Mate X3, managed to clinch the title of the best-selling domestic foldable phone in the second quarter. Notably, this success propelled Huawei to claim the lion’s share of the market during the same period. This achievement is particularly significant considering the backdrop of fellow competitors also introducing new offerings.

Highlighting Huawei’s prowess, the report notes that the company managed to capture an impressive 50% of the high-end foldable screen market, where devices retail for over 10,000 yuan. The Mate X3’s popularity has been unwavering since its launch in March, even though it only supports 4G networks. Despite this limitation, consumers have been undeterred, and the device has consistently faced high demand, remaining in short supply after three months on the market.
What sets the Mate X3 apart is its innovative use of technology. The phone boasts a robust signal strength courtesy of Huawei’s patented RFC antenna technology, ensuring better connectivity and faster network speeds than its predecessors. Moreover, the Mate X3’s support for Beidou satellite two-way communication enables users to stay connected even in remote and challenging locations.
The report also unveils interesting insights into the folding form factors. Horizontal folding phones emerged as the preferred choice, constituting a dominant 55% of the total market share. Of these, Huawei led the pack, followed by Samsung and Honor, with the top four brands jointly accounting for an impressive 79% of sales in this category.
Huawei’s journey in the foldable phone arena has been characterized by continuous innovation and pioneering efforts. Starting with the 2019 Mate X that marked the advent of foldable screens in domestic smartphones, Huawei has traversed a path of consistent progress. The Mate Xs 2 introduced a thin and light variant, while the latest offering, the versatile Mate X3, integrates a blend of features that have propelled it to the forefront of consumer preference.

One of Huawei’s standout achievements is being the sole manufacturer to offer three distinct folding methods: internal, external, and vertical. This level of variety underpins the brand’s commitment to addressing diverse consumer needs and preferences.
As the first half of 2023 concludes, Huawei stands tall as the torchbearer in China’s foldable phone landscape. With its robust sales figures, technological innovation, and diverse product lineup, the brand continues to solidify its position as the forerunner in this cutting-edge market segment.