Huawei’s Mate XT, with its innovative dual-hinged, triple-screen design, aims to challenge Apple’s dominance in the Chinese smartphone market. However, the cost of replacing its screen has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the phone’s practicality.
The Chinese tech giant revealed that a replacement OLED panel for the Mate XT’s foldable screen will set owners back a hefty 7,999 yuan (approximately $1,125). This hefty price tag, which is almost as much as a brand-new iPhone, has left many users questioning the affordability of the phone, especially if they encounter screen damage.
Huawei does offer some cost-saving alternatives. A refurbished replacement screen is available for 6,999 yuan (around $983). The company also provides screen replacement insurance plans starting from 3,499 yuan (about $492) for a single screen replacement within the first year of purchase.
The Mate XT, priced at around $2,809, was launched as a direct competitor to Apple’s iPhone 16 series. The phone, available in red and black, attracted 1.3 million orders within seven hours of opening reservations. This strong initial response highlights the phone’s appeal and potential to challenge Apple’s grip on the Chinese market.
However, the high price of screen replacements is a potential hurdle for the Mate XT. It remains to be seen whether this hefty cost will deter potential buyers or whether Huawei’s other features and design innovations will outweigh the risk of costly repairs.
