Huawei recently introduced the Mate XT Ultimate Design, marking a milestone as the globe’s first-ever tri-fold smartphone. This remarkable piece of technology showcases a groundbreaking design that sets it apart from any prior models.
The innovation, however, comes with a substantial price tag. The phone's base price is CNY 19,999, which equates to approximately $2,809 or €2,549.
Repair Costs and Challenges
The financial impact doesn't end with the initial purchase. Repairing the Mate XT Ultimate also involves significant expenses. As per Huawei's official repair costs, replacing a cracked screen will set you back CNY 7,999 ($1,123 or €1,019).
There are some alternatives for those looking to save on repairs, although they are limited. A few screen replacements are available at CNY 6,999 ($983, €892), but these might be scarce. Additionally, screen replacement insurance can be purchased for CNY 3,499 or CNY 3,999 ($491-$561, €446-€509), covering one replacement during the first year.
Additional Component Costs
The high costs extend beyond just the screen. Replacing the motherboard is priced at a steep CNY 9,099 ($1,278, €1,160), which exceeds the price of numerous mid-range smartphones. Fortunately, a battery replacement is more affordable at CNY 499 ($70, €63).
Due to the unique tri-fold design, there are multiple back covers. Replacing the back that includes the camera module costs CNY 1,379 ($193, €175), while each of the other two sections costs CNY 399 ($56, €50).
Camera Repair Expenses
Camera repairs are another cost to consider: the telephoto lens repair is CNY 578 ($81, €73), the selfie camera is CNY 379 ($53, €48), the main rear camera is CNY 759 ($106, €96), and the ultrawide camera is CNY 269 ($37, €34).
For potential Mate XT Ultimate owners, the takeaway is straightforward: take extra precautions. The cutting-edge design comes with premium expenses, not only at the point of purchase but also over the course of its use.
