By David Kirton
SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) -Huawei and Apple’s most recent mobile phones took place sale in China on Friday, with lots of followers of the Chinese technology firm dissatisfied that its much-anticipated $2,800 tri-foldable phone was not readily available for walk-in clients.
At Huawei’s front runner store in the southerly Chinese city of Shenzhen, some that defined themselves as Huawei “super fans” stated they were irritated after being informed just those whose pre-orders had actually been verified might get the brand-new Mate XT.
“I’ve been here since 10 p.m. last night because this tri-folding phone is a first and I’m excited to support our country,” stated a college student surnamed Ye.
“But this is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can’t buy.”
Another anxious customer surnamed Guo stated he took a day of rest from his task in producing to queue from Thursday evening.
“They didn’t make it clear there’d be no phones. It’s disappointing.”
It was a similar story at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where consumers were told only those whose pre-orders had been confirmed could buy the much-anticipated phone, which folds three ways like an accordion screen door.
The disappointment comes after analysts had warned that supply chain constraints could leave many potential buyers of Huawei Technologies’ Mate XT empty-handed.Huawei did not say how many phones had been produced so far or how many customers would receive the Mate XT on launch day.
The Mate XT, which is offered at more than twice the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, was unveiled at the same time as Apple’s new smartphone earlier this month.
APPLE NEEDS CHINA AI PARTNER
Apple’s new smartphone launch in China has been overshadowed by the fact that it has yet to announce an AI partner in the country to power the 16s, and Apple Intelligence, its AI software, will only be available in Chinese next year.
Some Apple fans said the AI challenge was not an issue.
“The absence of AI in iPhones is not presently a significant issue for me, as it’s even more of a trick at this phase,” said a customer surnamed Shi who upgrades his iPhone annually.
Speaking about the new offering by Huawei, which is seeking to expand its lead in the world’s biggest smartphone market, Shi said it was too expensive and ” except average clients”.
The launch of the Mate XT, which analysts say has a locally-made chipset, underscores Huawei’s ability to navigate U.S. sanctions although the company’s ability to mass-produce remains a concern.
Pre-orders for the Mate XT have surpassed 6.5 million, almost double the roughly 3.9 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide in the second quarter of this year, according to consultancy IDC. “Pre- purchasing” does not require consumers to put down a deposit.
Based on recent checks, key components of the Huawei Mate XT, including the panel, cover glass, and hinges, may be facing production yield issues, said Lori Chang, a senior analyst with Isaiah Research.
While the Mate XT shows Huawei’s innovation in the premium segment, sales may fall short of its bi-folding predecessor, the Mate X5, which still retails for 11,500 yuan ($1,630) and has sold 2.2 million units in total as of the second quarter, said Amber Liu, an analyst with research firm Canalys.
Though both are premium foldable flagships of Huawei, Mate XT and Mate X5 differ in their value proposition, specifications and price, Liu said.
“It’s testing for the Mate XT to duplicate the quantity of the Mate X5, however Mate XT notes a considerable innovation and advancement in all these facets.”
($ 1 = 7.0625 Chinese yuan renminbi)
(Reporting by David Kirton in Shenzhen, added coverage by Liam Mo in Beijing; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Sonali Paul)
