Huawei’s tri-fold has eye-watering repair costs

Huawei unveiled the Mate XT Ultimate Design this week as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. It’s undeniably a technological marvel with a unique design, unlike anything we’ve seen before. 

The innovation unsurprisingly comes at a cost – a hefty one in fact. The starting price for the phone itself sits at a cool CNY 19,999, translating to a staggering $2,809 or €2,549.

However, the sticker shock doesn’t stop there. The Mate XT Ultimate brings a whole new level of “ouch” when it comes to repairs. According to official repair prices released by Huawei, a cracked screen replacement will cost a staggering CNY 7,999 ($1,123 or €1,019).  

There are some cost-saving options, though limited. A select number of screen replacements are available for CNY 6,999 ($983, €892), but these are likely in short supply. Additionally, users can purchase screen replacement insurance for CNY 3,499 or CNY 3,999 ($491-$561, €446-€509) which covers one replacement within the first year.

The high cost extends beyond the screen. A motherboard replacement carries a hefty price tag of CNY 9,099 ($1,278, €1,160) – more than the cost of many mid-range smartphones. Thankfully, a battery replacement is a more reasonable CNY 499 ($70, €63).

The unique tri-fold design also means multiple back covers. Replacing the back with the camera module will cost CNY 1,379 ($193, €175), while the other two sections cost CNY 399 each ($56, €50).  

Individual camera repairs also come with a price: CNY 578 for the telephoto lens ($81, €73), CNY 379 for the selfie camera ($53, €48), CNY 759 for the main rear camera ($106, €96), and CNY 269 for the ultrawide ($37, €34).

For those considering the Mate XT Ultimate, the message is clear: handle it with care. The innovative design comes with premium costs, not just upfront but throughout its lifespan.