Huawei’s $2,800 Phone Launch Sparks Disappointment Among Fans in China

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Huawei and Apple launched their latest smartphones in China on Friday, but the excitement quickly turned to frustration for many Huawei enthusiasts. The highly anticipated $2,800 Mate XT, which boasts a unique tri-foldable design, was not available for walk-in customers, leaving many “super fans” disappointed.

High Hopes and Disappointment

At Huawei’s flagship store in Shenzhen, eager fans had lined up since the previous night, only to be informed that the Mate XT would only be available to those with confirmed pre-orders. One university student, who wished to remain anonymous and described himself as a Huawei “super fan,” expressed his disappointment: “I’ve been here since 10 p.m. last night because this tri-folding phone is a first, and I’m excited to support our country. But this is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can’t buy.”

Similar scenes unfolded at Huawei’s Wangfujing store in Beijing, where customers faced the same restrictions. In contrast, Apple saw around 100 people queuing outside one of its main stores, indicating a mixed response to the latest smartphone offerings.

Mixed Reviews for the Mate XT

While some consumers were eager to try the Mate XT, opinions were divided. A shopper in Shenzhen noted, “I wanted to see what the fuss is about, but it’s a bit big and not very practical, really.” Despite the initial hype, analysts had warned of potential supply chain issues, which could leave many eager buyers without the device on launch day.

Record Pre-Orders Amid Supply Concerns

Huawei’s Mate XT has generated immense interest, with pre-orders exceeding 6.5 million units—nearly double the 3.9 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide in Q2 2023, according to IDC. However, Huawei has not disclosed how many devices are available at launch, leaving many consumers anxious about their chances of getting the phone.

The Price of Innovation

Despite its cutting-edge features, the Mate XT’s high price tag has drawn scrutiny, especially in light of China’s sluggish economy. In the Huaqiangbei electronics market in Shenzhen, some vendors are selling the Mate XT for more than double its official price, indicating a disconnect between demand and supply.

Apple’s Challenges in China

While Apple has historically enjoyed strong sales in China, its latest smartphone launch faced challenges as the company’s market ranking has dropped from third to sixth place. Additionally, Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China, which could impact the appeal of its new iPhone 16 series.

Conclusion

The launch of Huawei’s Mate XT has showcased the excitement surrounding innovative technology but also highlighted the challenges of supply constraints and high pricing. As both Huawei and Apple navigate the complex landscape of the Chinese smartphone market, consumer expectations continue to rise.

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