Huawei and Apple launched their latest smartphones in China on Friday, but the release of Huawei’s highly anticipated $2,800 Mate XT left many devoted fans feeling frustrated. The tri-foldable phone, priced significantly higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, was unavailable for walk-in customers, with sales restricted solely to those who had confirmed pre-orders.
At Huawei’s flagship store in Shenzhen, eager fans, some waiting since 10 p.m. the previous night, were disappointed to learn they couldn’t purchase the device on launch day. “This is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can’t buy,” said a university student surnamed Ye.
A similar scene unfolded at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where fans lined up to see the innovative Mate XT, which features a unique accordion-folding design. Despite the excitement, potential buyers expressed concerns over the phone’s practicality and high price tag.
Analysts had previously warned that supply chain challenges might limit availability, and many questioned the Mate XT’s cost in the context of China’s sluggish economy. While Huawei’s Richard Yu claimed sales were “better than expected,” details on actual sales figures remained unclear.
Pre-orders for the Mate XT reportedly exceeded 6.5 million units, almost doubling the global shipments of foldable smartphones in the previous quarter, according to IDC. However, the company did not disclose how many units were ready for launch day.
On online resale platforms, listings for the new Huawei phone surged, with prices significantly exceeding the retail price. In Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei market, vendors offered the Mate XT at inflated prices, with the most expensive version listed at nearly $21,300.
Huawei is reportedly considering expanding the phone’s availability to international markets in early 2025, as the company continues to navigate U.S. sanctions and supply chain hurdles.
Meanwhile, Apple’s new iPhone launch faced its own challenges, with reports indicating a decline in sales and market position in China. The tech giant has yet to announce a significant AI partnership for its new models, leaving some consumers unconcerned about the absence of advanced features.
Support for Huawei remains strong among many Chinese consumers, who view the brand as a symbol of national pride amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. “Chinese people need to support Huawei,” said a business owner in Beijing, acknowledging the brand’s struggles with technology gaps yet emphasizing the importance of domestic support.
hii Aditi Sahu this side..
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