On September 10, 2024, Huawei hosted a significant event at 2:30 PM to unveil its latest innovations, including the much-anticipated three-fold smartphone, the MateXT Ultimate Master.
MateXT Ultimate Master Release Details
The new MateXT smartphone is set to officially go on sale on September 20 at 10:08 AM. Pre-orders for the device began on September 7, and within three days, over 3.39 million units were reserved.
## Anticipated Pricing and Market Response
While the official pricing for the MateXT has not yet been disclosed, many industry experts speculate it will exceed 20,000 RMB, potentially making it the most expensive smartphone in Huawei’s history. Some resellers have already listed pre-orders on secondary markets, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 23,000 RMB. However, it appears that these pre-orders are largely symbolic, requiring no deposit and not guaranteeing delivery.
Public Sentiment and Pre-Order Participation
One individual expressed their support for domestic products by placing a pre-order, even though they had no intention of purchasing the device.
Product Availability and Secrecy
Reports indicate that the MateXT phones have already been shipped to retail stores, but there has been no official public display of the devices as of now. On September 8, journalists visiting several Huawei stores in Shenzhen found that information regarding the availability of demo units was kept strictly confidential.
Strict Security Measures
Sources have revealed that Huawei maintains tight security around new product launches. Packages containing the new phones arrive sealed with warnings stating, “Unauthorized opening before the launch event is strictly prohibited, with fines starting at 500,000 RMB.”
Innovative Product Features
Huawei has previously applied for patents related to foldable electronic devices, with some granted as of late 2022 and others announced in September 2023. The company has teased the upcoming release, emphasizing its innovative approach to technology.
Executive Statements
Huawei’s executive director, Yu Chengdong, announced that the new products would showcase unparalleled innovation and groundbreaking features, calling them “epoch-making products that turn sci-fi into reality.”
Brand Promotion with Celebrity Endorsements
In the lead-up to the launch, Huawei released promotional videos featuring celebrities, including actor Andy Lau and various sports figures, showcasing the unique design of the MateXT.
Strong Financial Performance
On August 29, Huawei reported robust financial results for the first half of 2024, achieving sales revenue of 417.5 billion RMB, a 34.3% increase year-over-year. This growth has been attributed to the resurgence of its consumer business, particularly the Mate and Pura series, alongside rapid advancements in smart automotive and cloud services.
Market Trends
According to IDC, global smartphone shipments increased by 7% in the first half of 2024, with the Chinese market showing a significant 13.2% growth, reflecting strong demand for new devices.