Chinese tech giant Huawei unveiled a suite of new products, including its latest tri-foldable smartphone, at a launch event in south China's Shenzhen on Thursday, kicking off the country’s autumn tech season as Apple, Samsung, and OPPO prepare their own releases.
The new tri-foldable phone features a stylus, upgraded chipsets and imaging capabilities, and now supports PC-compatible apps directly on the device. Huawei also introduced smart screens, tablets, and wireless earphones, further expanding its all-scenario ecosystem.
"HarmonyOS PC-compatible apps can run on tablets, phones, and smart displays. We previously supported a two-window layout for tri-fold phones, but now we offer a three-window layout, truly putting a PC in users' pocket," said Yu Chengdong, executive director and chairman of board of directors at Huawei Consumer Business Group.
The new model starts at 17,999 yuan (about 2,520 U.S. dollars), 2,000 yuan lower than its predecessor. Industry analysts attribute the price drop to a more mature supply chain and reduced production costs, as well as Huawei’s strategy to boost competitiveness.
On the same day, South Korean tech giant Samsung unveiled a range of new devices, while Apple and OPPO have announced their own launch events later this month. With the fourth round of government subsidies expected in October, China’s peak season for electronics consumption is fast approaching.
Many consumers said they were eager to upgrade, highlighting attractive pre-order benefits and personal needs.
"I now have speakers, smart screens, mobile phones and tablets at home. When a product is just released, if it attracts me, I will buy it to replace an old one. Pre-ordering offers gives buyers many advantages," said one consumer.
"I want to buy a tablet recently because I need to write and draw a lot at work," said another consumer.
Huawei unveils tri-foldable phone as China’s autumn tech season heats up
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
