Huawei’s new tri-foldable smartphone, the Mate XT, has sparked a wave of nationalistic pride across China, with social media users celebrating what they see as the company’s ability to out-innovate tech giant Apple, despite ongoing U.S. sanctions. However, many are balking at the device’s steep starting price of $2,800 (19,999 yuan).
The Mate XT, unveiled on Tuesday just hours after Apple introduced its AI-enhanced iPhone 16 lineup, marks a significant leap in smartphone innovation, becoming the world’s first tri-foldable phone. While both devices will be available for purchase starting September 20, the Mate XT will only be sold in China.
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On Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, users expressed excitement over Huawei’s resurgence. One user commented, “Apple hasn’t fallen, but Huawei has truly risen again,” while another remarked, “Times are changing. U.S. sanctions have been in vain.” A video of Apple store employees in China reportedly watching Huawei’s product launch at a Huawei store became a trending topic, amassing 91 million views and over 6,600 comments.
Huawei’s launch of the Mate XT follows its successful return to the 5G premium smartphone market with the Mate 60 series and the Pura series, all equipped with domestically produced semiconductors. These devices have been celebrated in China as symbols of triumph over U.S. sanctions, which since 2019 have blocked Huawei’s access to advanced U.S. chips and technology. Washington views Huawei as a national security threat, a claim the company denies.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Mate XT, its price has drawn criticism, particularly given China’s current economic struggles. A Weibo poll revealed that only 966 out of 9,200 respondents intended to buy the phone, while more than 4,700 were deterred by the cost. Higher-end versions of the Mate XT, featuring larger memory, will cost up to 23,999 yuan ($3,300).
“No matter how much I like the product, the price tag just sounds crazy to me,” said one Huawei loyalist, visiting a store in Beijing. “Maybe Huawei isn’t really targeting people like me,” he added.
The Mate XT’s launch has ignited a broader conversation on the affordability of high-end tech amidst China’s slow economic recovery, even as Huawei continues to position itself as a leader in innovation on the global stage.
Key Points
Huawei Unveils Mate XT: Huawei introduced the world’s first tri-foldable smartphone, the Mate XT, just hours after Apple’s iPhone 16 launch, igniting national pride in China.
National Pride Amid U.S. Sanctions: Chinese social media is abuzz with support for Huawei, celebrating its comeback despite U.S. sanctions, with many seeing it as an out-innovation of Apple.
High Price Criticized: Despite excitement, the Mate XT’s starting price of $2,800 (19,999 yuan) has been widely criticized, especially amid China’s economic downturn.
Poll Reflects Price Concern: A Weibo poll revealed that the majority of respondents were deterred by the high cost, with only 966 out of 9,200 planning to purchase the phone.
Limited Availability: Both the Mate XT and iPhone 16 go on sale September 20, but the Mate XT will be available only in China.
Huawei’s Continued Resurgence: The Mate XT follows Huawei’s successful re-entry into the 5G premium market, marking a milestone despite U.S. efforts to limit its access to advanced technology.
