Huawei's $2,800 Tri-Fold Phone Sparks National Pride but Faces Price Criticism
Huawei’s latest innovation, the Mate XT, has sparked a wave of nationalistic pride in China, with many celebrating the tri-foldable smartphone as a sign of the country’s technological prowess, especially amid ongoing U.S. sanctions. Unveiled just hours after Apple’s launch of its AI-enhanced iPhone 16 lineup, the Mate XT is being hailed by supporters as a triumph over American tech dominance.
The Mate XT, the industry’s first tri-foldable phone, will go on sale in China on September 20, alongside Apple’s iPhone 16 series. While Huawei enthusiasts are buoyed by the device’s advanced features, including its tri-foldable design, the phone’s hefty starting price of 19,999 yuan ($2,800) has sparked significant criticism.
On Chinese social media platform Weibo, users expressed pride in Huawei’s ability to innovate despite U.S. sanctions that have restricted its access to advanced American chips and technology. “Apple hasn’t fallen, but Huawei has truly risen again,” one user commented, reflecting the nationalistic sentiment. Another remarked, “Times are changing. U.S. sanctions have been in vain.”
A video showing Apple store employees in China reportedly visiting a Huawei store to watch the Mate XT launch became a viral sensation on Weibo, amassing 91 million views and over 6,600 comments.
Huawei’s recent product launches, including the Mate 60 series and the Pura series with domestically produced semiconductors, have been celebrated as victories over U.S. restrictions. However, the Mate XT’s price has been met with skepticism. The phone’s base model costs 19,999 yuan, and higher-end versions with additional features can reach up to 23,999 yuan ($3,300).
The high cost has led to backlash among potential buyers. A recent Weibo poll revealed that out of approximately 9,200 respondents, only 966 planned to purchase the Mate XT. Over 4,700 were deterred by the price, while another 3,500 were not considering buying it at all.
In a Huawei store in Beijing, a loyal customer named Xu expressed his frustration, stating, “No matter how much I like the product, the price tag just sounds crazy to me.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the Mate XT, the high price may limit its appeal and accessibility during a period of economic uncertainty for many consumers.