Huawei's Tri-Fold Mate XT Reaches 6.5 Million Pre-Orders, But Walk-In Shoppers Leave Empty-Handed

Huawei's gamble on the innovative, tri-folding Mate XT has yielded mixed results. While pre-orders surpassed expectations, limited supply left many fans disappointed on launch day.

Pre-Orders Soar, But Walk-Ins Turned Away

Just ten days after unveiling the world's first tri-fold phone, Huawei began shipping Mate XT units to pre-order customers. However, eager walk-in buyers at flagship stores in major Chinese cities were turned away. Reports suggest registrations for the Mate XT hit a staggering 6.5 million, exceeding the entire global market for foldable phones in Q2 2024. However, it's important to note that pre-registration doesn't guarantee purchase.

Analyst Estimates and Production Challenges

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Huawei will produce 1 million Mate XT units, double its initial target. Yet, scaling production for such a complex device could still lead to delays and shortages.

High Price Point and Patriotic Appeal

The Mate XT starts at a hefty CNY 19,999 (around $2,800), more than double the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This price tag has some questioning its practicality, especially during a sluggish Chinese economy. However, Huawei enjoys strong patriotic support in China, with some consumers viewing their purchase as a way to support a domestic tech giant navigating strict US sanctions.

Limited Availability Fuels Resale Market

With limited official stock, the Mate XT has sprouted a thriving resale market. Platforms like Alibaba's Xianyu list the phone for exorbitant prices, exceeding its retail cost by several times. This highlights the high demand and potential limitations in Huawei's current production capacity.

Global Availability Soon?

While initial stocks focused on China, Huawei reportedly plans to launch the Mate XT in overseas markets during the first quarter of next year. This broader rollout could face similar supply constraints, impacting potential international buyers.

Apple's China Woes Continue

Apple's latest iPhone launch paled in comparison to the Mate XT's frenzy. The lack of a confirmed Chinese AI partner for the iPhone 16 series and a delay in the availability of Apple Intelligence software in Chinese further dampen its appeal. This highlights the growing competition from local tech giants like Huawei, who leverage patriotic sentiment and innovation to capture the Chinese market.

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