Huawei launches new $2,600 foldable 5G phone to rival SamsungHuawei Technologies Co. announced a smartphone that unfolds into a small tablet computer, __1__renderingthe need to carry two separate devices obsolete.The Mate X supports next-generation 5G networks and will cost 2,299 euros ($2,606) when __2__in the summer. When folded, the Mate X has a 6.6-inch __3__; but when opened out, it becomes an 8-inch tablet computer. It’s the second folding phone announced by a major manufacturer within a week. Samsung __4__the Galaxy Fold on Wednesday.The market for smartphones is slowing, and manufacturers are __5__to find new ways to convince consumers they should __6__their devices. Next-generation high-speed networks are still far away from __7__availability, so device makers are looking at new device form factors to conjure up excitement.Huawei has been __8__global scrutiny over its telecom equipment, but often overlooked is the company’s rapid growth as a smartphone manufacturer. Last year it __9__Apple to become the world’s second-largest maker of smartphones, according to data from market research firm IDCThomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester, said the Mate X “shows Huawei is a leader in tech __10__.” But it will be “a few years” before a significant mass of customers get their hands on 5G functionalities and foldable screens, he said.
Huawei launches new $2,600 foldable 5G phone to rival SamsungHuawei Technologies Co. announced a smartphone that unfolds into a small tablet computer, __1__renderingthe need to carry two separate devices obsolete.The Mate X supports next-generation 5G networks and will cost 2,299 euros ($2,606) when __2__in the summer. When folded, the Mate X has a 6.6-inch __3__; but when opened out, it becomes an 8-inch tablet computer. It’s the second folding phone announced by a major manufacturer within a week. Samsung __4__the Galaxy Fold on Wednesday.The market for smartphones is slowing, and manufacturers are __5__to find new ways to convince consumers they should __6__their devices. Next-generation high-speed networks are still far away from __7__availability, so device makers are looking at new device form factors to conjure up excitement.Huawei has been __8__global scrutiny over its telecom equipment, but often overlooked is the company’s rapid growth as a smartphone manufacturer. Last year it __9__Apple to become the world’s second-largest maker of smartphones, according to data from market research firm IDCThomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester, said the Mate X “shows Huawei is a leader in tech __10__.” But it will be “a few years” before a significant mass of customers get their hands on 5G functionalities and foldable screens, he said.