Huawei’s Mate XT has captured widespread attention, evoking a sense of national pride among many in China. This foldable smartphone, part of Huawei’s Mate series, represents a significant achievement for the tech giant as it continues to navigate global challenges, particularly with the ongoing trade tensions and restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. However, despite its innovative design and the symbolic victory it represents for Chinese technological independence, the device’s steep $2,800 price tag has sparked debate and criticism.

The Mate XT showcases some of Huawei’s most advanced technology. With its sleek, foldable design, the phone transforms from a 6.6-inch device into an 8-inch tablet. It includes Huawei’s cutting-edge display technology and an ultra-thin, durable hinge mechanism. Under the hood, the device is powered by the company’s Kirin 9000 chipset, making it one of the most powerful smartphones on the market.

Given Huawei’s difficulties in accessing U.S.-made chips and other critical components due to trade restrictions, the Mate XT’s launch signifies a bold step forward for the company. It showcases Huawei’s determination to continue innovating in the face of adversity, drawing heavily on domestic resources to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the smartphone industry.

For many Chinese citizens, this success is a point of national pride. Huawei’s ability to produce such an advanced phone without reliance on Western suppliers reflects the broader ambition of China’s tech sector to become self-sufficient and competitive on the global stage. As the company continues to work on its own HarmonyOS to replace reliance on Google’s Android system, the Mate XT serves as a symbol of China’s growing tech prowess.

• Trending Now: Google’s $2.7B Lesson: Power Comes with Responsibility

Despite the technological innovations, the Mate XT’s staggering $2,800 price tag has not gone unnoticed. The high cost has sparked a wave of criticism in China and internationally. For many potential buyers, especially in China’s price-sensitive market, the cost is considered exorbitant and inaccessible to the average consumer. While Huawei positions the Mate XT as a premium, luxury product, the price point places it well above many competing devices from other manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung.

The price has also led to discussions about Huawei’s broader strategy. Some critics argue that Huawei is catering too heavily to a niche, high-end market, alienating the majority of consumers who can’t afford to spend such a large sum on the phone. This contrasts with the company’s earlier success in producing affordable, high-quality smartphones that appealed to a broader demographic.

The release of the Mate XT has ignited a debate between national pride and practicality. On one hand, Huawei’s advancements are widely celebrated, especially as the company positions itself as a leader in the face of external pressures. Many in China feel that supporting Huawei is a way to support their nation’s technological growth and independence from the West.

On the other hand, the high price is a barrier for many consumers, even those passionate about supporting domestic brands. With economic conditions being uncertain for many, some argue that it’s impractical to spend such a large sum on a smartphone, regardless of its symbolic significance.

Huawei’s Mate XT represents a major technological and symbolic milestone in the company’s journey. While it evokes a strong pride among many Chinese consumers, the phone’s price tag remains a sticking point. The debate around the Mate XT reflects broader tensions between technological innovation, national pride, and the realities of consumer markets. As Huawei continues to push forward, the company must balance its ambitions with the need to keep its products accessible to a broader audience.