Huawei Mate XT Was Developed So The Affluent Customer Could Meet Their ‘Efficiency Needs,’ Says Chairman Richard Yu; Sales Have Exceeded Expectations

At $2,800, the Huawei Mate XT is possibly the most expensive foldable handset ever produced, but its tri-fold form factor means that it is the first smartphone in existence that flaunts three displays that can be folded and unfolded at will. An immediate assumption is that it will only cater to a small percentage of customers in China and other regions, particularly those who can undertake such a major financial decision. Perhaps that is what the company had in mind because Huawei Chairman Richard Yu has stated that the device was developed so that affluent customers could meet their efficiency needs.

Huawei Chairman is thrilled that the Mate X has garnered immense popularity, but the company also had to retain a realistic mass production goal

Speaking in a live broadcast, CnBeta reports that Richard Yu was of the opinion that Huawei’s principle is based on not imposing anything on others that others would not impose on you. The executive was likely referring to the Huawei Mate XT and the development process it underwent. Given that this device is the first of its kind, there would have been an innumerable number of iterations, not to mention a successive number of disagreements with the design and engineering teams on what their vision regarding a tri-fold smartphone is.

Thankfully, the company delivered, and with the Huawei Mate XT’s existence, other phone makers who also mass produced foldable handsets have accelerated their plans of launching a worthy competitor. However, this particular smartphone is not for everyone, as Yu has admitted that the tri-fold display allows for ‘high-end people to meet their efficiency needs.’ His remarks likely mean that only affluent individuals can make one of these their daily driver, and since there is nothing like this on the planet, Huawei has the liberty to charge a hefty premium.

When Samsung announced the first Galaxy Fold, it launched at a steep $1,980, making it immediately out of reach for pretty much everyone who did not possess deep pockets. With such a ludicrous asking price, customers would be more inclined to invest funds into something that delivers more utility, such as a high-end PC or a Mac. Regardless, despite the challenges faced by Huawei presented in the form of trade sanctions, the former Chinese giant stood its ground, persevered, and delivered a product that would typically be viewed in sci-fi media.

News Source: CnBeta