By David Kirton
SHENZHEN, China, Sept 20 (Reuters) – The latest smartphones from Huawei and Apple went on sale in China on Friday, with many fans of the Chinese company expressing disappointment that its highly anticipated $2,800 model—more than double the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max—was only available to customers who had pre-ordered.
At Huawei’s flagship store in the southern city of Shenzhen, some self-identified “super fans” were upset after learning that only those with confirmed pre-orders could buy the Mate XT Trifold.
People examine Huawei’s new tri-foldable smartphone Mate XT displayed in a glass case at a Huawei flagship store in Beijing, China on September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Florence Lo (Reuters)
“I’ve been here since 10 p.m. last night because this trifold phone is a first, and I’m excited to support our country,” said a college student with the surname Ye.
“But this is very disappointing. They should have clearly indicated that we cannot buy it.”
A similar situation occurred at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where access to the highly anticipated Mate XT—which folds in three directions like a screen—was restricted to those whose pre-orders had been confirmed.
Reuters observed about 30 people queuing outside Huawei’s store in Beijing and a similar number in Shenzhen. Around 100 people lined up outside one of Apple’s main stores in Beijing.
Rui, who was able to try out the Mate XT in Shenzhen, remarked, “I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, but it’s a bit bulky; it’s not very practical, actually.”
Bottlenecks and recession
Analysts had warned that supply chain constraints could leave potential Mate XT buyers empty-handed, and others questioned its steep price during an economic recession.
Although Huawei CEO Richard Yu stated at the Mate XT launch this month that the company had turned “science fiction into reality,” owning one remains a dream for many.
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At Huawei’s flagship store in Shanghai, Yu reported that sales had been “better than expected,” without providing further details. The phone sold out within “seconds,” and Huawei was working to increase its production capacity, he added.
Preorders for the Mate XT have surpassed 6.5 million, nearly double the roughly 3.9 million foldable smartphones shipped globally in the second quarter of this year, according to research firm IDC.
Huawei did not disclose how many phones had been produced so far or how many customers would receive the Mate XT on launch day.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment regarding the number of new iPhones available for sale in China on Friday.
(Reporting by David Kirton in Shenzhen; contributions by Liam Mo and Josh Arslan in Beijing and Shanghai newsrooms; Spanish editing by Javier López de Lérida)
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Huawei Mate XT Launch: Enthusiasm Meets Disappointment in China
By David Kirton
SHENZHEN, China, Sept 20 (Reuters) – The latest smartphones from Huawei and Apple went on sale in China on Friday, drawing significant attention from consumers and technology enthusiasts alike. However, the excitement surrounding the launch of Huawei’s long-anticipated $2,800 Mate XT Trifold has been clouded by disappointment, as many fans discovered that they could not purchase the device without a pre-order.
The Huawei Mate XT: A Revolutionary Device
The Huawei Mate XT is touted as a revolutionary smartphone, featuring a unique tri-foldable design that sets it apart in the competitive landscape of mobile devices. The concept of a foldable phone has captured the imagination of tech lovers, but the high price tag and limited availability have turned what was anticipated to be a blockbuster launch into a frustrating experience for many would-be buyers.
Disappointment at Launch Events
At Huawei’s flagship store in Shenzhen, self-described “super fans” expressed their discontent after learning that only customers with confirmed pre-orders could buy the Mate XT. A college student, surnamed Ye, expressed his frustration after waiting all night in line for the chance to purchase the phone. “This is very disappointing. They should have made it clear that we cannot buy,” he lamented.
Similar scenes unfolded at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where eager customers were similarly restricted to pre-orders. Around 30 people were seen queuing outside the store in Beijing, while another group lined up in Shenzhen, showcasing the high demand for this innovative device.
Consumer Reactions and Perspectives
Rui, a customer who managed to try out the Mate XT, remarked, “I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, but it’s a bit big; it’s not very practical actually.” This highlights a potential mismatch between consumer expectations and the practical usability of such innovative smartphones.
Market Environment: Bottlenecks and Recession
Analysts had warned that supply chain constraints could hinder the ability of potential Mate XT buyers to acquire the smartphone. Additionally, there were growing concerns about the high cost of the device amid an economic recession in China, making the purchase less feasible for many. Despite these challenges, Huawei CEO Richard Yu claimed that the company had successfully turned “science fiction into reality,” though the reality for many remains unmet.
During the launch event, Yu noted that sales had outperformed expectations but refrained from divulging exact figures. Reports suggest that pre-orders for the Mate XT have already surpassed 6.5 million, which is nearly double the number of foldable smartphones shipped worldwide in the last quarter.
Comparing the Mate XT with the iPhone 16
| Feature | Huawei Mate XT | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,800 | $1,400 |
| Design | Tri-foldable | Standard with Pro Max variant |
| Display Size | Large (unfolded) | Large |
| Camera Quality | High performance | Industry-leading |
| Pre-orders | Unspecified |
The Global Smartphone Market: Dynamics and Trends
The smartphone market is increasingly characterized by high competition, with companies like Huawei and Apple striving to capture the attention of consumers. While Huawei’s innovative approach through devices like the Mate XT is notable, it faces significant challenges in supply chain management, pricing strategy, and consumer usability expectations.
As the industry evolves, market dynamics indicate a growing trend toward foldable smartphones, as evidenced by the overwhelming pre-order numbers for the Mate XT. However, high pricing and availability issues could turn potential customers away, as seen in the launch events where disappointed fans left empty-handed.
First-Hand Experiences and Customer Insights
First-hand experiences suggest that while excitement surrounds innovative devices like the Mate XT, practical issues may overshadow the initial thrill. Consumer testimonials reveal a mixed reaction where excitement is tempered by criticisms of size and practicality in everyday use. These insights are invaluable for understanding market perceptions and potential areas for improvement in future models.
Innovations in Smartphone Technology
Huawei has positioned itself as a leader in mobile innovation, particularly with foldable designs. As consumer interest grows, smartphone companies must balance cutting-edge technology with practical usability and price points that appeal to a broader audience. The case of the Mate XT serves as a lesson for the industry: while innovation can spark excitement, customer accessibility and satisfaction are paramount for sustained success.
In conclusion, the launch of the Huawei Mate XT highlights both the potential of innovative smartphone technology and the challenges companies face in meeting consumer demand and expectations. As the market continues to evolve, both Huawei and Apple must navigate these complexities to maintain their competitive edge and satisfy their customer bases.
