Fri Sep 20 14:16:01 UTC 2024: ## Huawei Mate XT Launch Disappoints Customers in China
**Shenzhen and Beijing, China** – Huawei’s highly anticipated tri-folding Mate XT smartphone has faced backlash after customers who lined up overnight for the device were told they could not purchase it without a pre-order.
Hundreds of eager buyers, some having waited since 10 pm the previous night, were disappointed to find out that only pre-ordered devices were available for purchase. This sparked frustration, with many feeling misled and frustrated by the lack of clarity.
One student, referred to as Ye, expressed his disappointment, stating, “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. But this is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can’t buy.”
Despite the pre-order requirement, over 6.5 million reservations were made for the device, which is twice the number of foldable smartphones shipped worldwide during the second quarter. The pre-order system, which did not require payment, acted more like a reservation system.
While some praised the device’s design and functionality, others found it too large and impractical. The Mate XT launch comes at a time when Huawei is facing ongoing challenges due to US sanctions restricting its access to hardware and software.
The company has attempted to mitigate these difficulties by developing its own software solutions, which have found some success in China. However, the Mate XT launch highlights the ongoing challenges Huawei faces in navigating a complex global market.
First Piper 