Huawei 'super fans' annoyed at lack of supply as $2,800 phone hits China stores

20/9/2024 16:53

        Huawei and Apple's latest smartphones went on sale in China on Friday, with many fans of the Chinese company disappointed that its much-anticipated $2,800 phone - more than twice the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max - was not available for walk-in customers.
        
        At Huawei's flagship shop in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, some who described themselves as Huawei "super fans" were annoyed after being told only those whose pre-orders had been confirmed could buy the new, tri-foldable 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," said a university student surnamed Ye.
        "But this is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can't buy."
        
        It was a similar story at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where access to the much-hyped Mate XT - which folds three ways like an accordion screen door - was restricted to those whose pre-orders had been confirmed.