In true Apple fashion, the tech giant has once again sent jaws dropping with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece, the iPhone 16 series.
The sleek device promises innovation with new colour options, a sleek aluminium finish, an action button (we’ll get to that), and the lightning-fast 3nm A18 chip.
However, for many Kenyans, the real shock isn’t the advanced technology—it’s the price. With the iPhone 16 Pro starting at KSh129,870 and the Pro Max beginning at KSh155,870, Apple is making headlines for more than just the tech upgrades.
Add taxes and shipping, and you’re looking at a price tag that could easily soar past KSh200,000.
To put this in perspective, while the iPhone 16 might have you browsing Instagram faster, it’ll also have you browsing your bank account slower.
As many Kenyans face the harsh realities of the Finance Bill and the rise in the cost of living, the iPhone 16 and Huawei Mate XT launches are a reminder that luxury is alive and well—just not in most people’s households. Here’s what you need to know when picking/daydreaming about them.
But while Apple is pushing its limits with this latest launch, its Chinese competitor, Huawei, is making waves with its flagship device, the Huawei Mate XT. So how does the iPhone 16 stack up against Huawei’s trifold phone? Let’s dive into this tech showdown.
The Tech Specs: Apple vs Huawei
The iPhone 16 boasts Apple’s trademark finesse with its cutting-edge A18 chip, which promises better speed, efficiency, and AI capabilities. The capacitive slider for camera controls and action buttons offers a more interactive experience, but you’ll need to decide if those bells and whistles justify the price tag.
On the other hand, Huawei’s Mate XT is nothing short of ambitious. It’s not just another smartphone; it’s a trifold device, an innovation that took Huawei five years to perfect.
The Mate XT is powered by the Kirin 9010 5G processor, a successor to the Kirin 9000S, and comes with cutting-edge camera technology and a feature that helps you evenly apply sunscreen. Yes, you read that right—Huawei’s phone wants to make sure you don’t get sunburnt.
But with a starting price of Rmb19,999 (KSh361,981), the Mate XT is positioning itself as a luxury item that’s not for everyone.
Price Wars: The Big Divide
While the iPhone 16 Pro starts at KSh 129,870 ($843) in Kenya, Huawei’s Mate XT starts at a staggering Rmb19,999 (KSh361,981) for its basic model. That’s nearly three times the price of the iPhone! But Huawei’s top-priced version goes even higher, at Rmb23,999 (KSh434,381).
Despite the hefty price tag, Huawei’s marketing strategy seems to be paying off. On their website, the company reported 5 million reservations for the Mate XT, which could amount to over $13 billion in sales.
However, analysts are sceptical about whether Huawei can meet this demand due to ongoing production challenges with their chip partner, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation.
Competition and Market Challenges
Apple and Huawei face different hurdles. Apple’s iPhone 16, while technologically advanced, has seen a 10% drop in revenues in China due to stiff competition from local brands like Huawei. And despite its strong AI capabilities, the iPhone’s AI service isn’t even available in China, reducing its appeal in this crucial market.
Meanwhile, Huawei is bouncing back after US sanctions imposed in 2019 forced the company to halt 5G phone production and spin off its Honor smartphone brand. However, with the Mate XT, Huawei is aiming to reclaim its spot as an industry leader, showing that it can innovate without relying on foreign tech.
Consumer Reactions: Luxury for Some, Fantasy for Others
While Kenyans joke about needing to sell a kidney to afford an iPhone or Huawei, it’s clear that both tech giants are aiming for the luxury market.
For the average Kenyan, affording either phone feels like a pipe dream. As one X user joked, “By the time the iPhone 20 rolls out, maybe we’ll finally be able to afford the iPhone 13.”
On the global stage, Huawei is banking on the Mate XT to make a statement: they’re back, and they’re innovating like never before. Apple, on the other hand, is focused on refining its existing formula, continuing to push its ecosystem of seamless design, functionality, and exclusivity.
The Verdict: A Matter of Priorities
In the end, it all boils down to what you prioritize. If you’re into refined, reliable, and consistent performance with excellent AI capabilities and Apple’s famous ecosystem, the iPhone 16 might just be your dream phone.
But if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, with unique features like a trifold design and a focus on self-reliant technology, the Huawei Mate XT is a worthy contender—if you can stomach the price.
Either way, both phones are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone technology. The question is, which one will you choose? Or, more realistically for most of us, which one will you admire from a safe financial distance?
