Huawei has introduced an innovative twist to the foldable phone market with its latest release, the Pura X. While it may resemble a typical clamshell foldable at first glance, this new device flips the concept by opening sideways rather than vertically.
A fresh take on foldable design
The Huawei Pura X features a unique hinge placement, allowing the device to unfold sideways instead of the usual vertical flip. This design sets it apart from traditional clamshell foldables and adds a fresh perspective to smartphone usability.
When opened, the Pura X reveals a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering a wide-screen experience. The screen orientation makes it versatile, enabling you to use it as a spacious flip phone when rotated. On the outside, a 3.5-inch OLED cover display provides quick access to essential functions like the camera, messaging apps, and music controls. You can also answer calls without unfolding the device.
The first Huawei phone without Android
The Pura X marks a major shift for Huawei as the first device to abandon Android fully. It runs on HarmonyOS Next, which no longer includes the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) core. This means the device is completely incompatible with Android apps and APKs. Unlike the Huawei Mate 70 series, which offers users a choice between HarmonyOS Next and an Android-based HarmonyOS, the Pura X is dedicated solely to Huaweiโs in-house operating system.
The phone also introduces Harmony Intelligence, Huaweiโs AI assistant powered by its proprietary Pangu model and enhanced with DeepSeek. This new AI-driven system is designed to optimise user experience and improve overall device performance.
Powerful cameras and fast charging
Huawei has equipped the Pura X with a triple-lens camera system on the back, including a 50MP f/1.6 primary camera with an RYYB sensor and optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 40MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. Inside, a 10MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls.
The phone packs a 4,720mAh battery that supports 66W wired and 40W wireless charging, ensuring fast and efficient power replenishment.
The Huawei Pura X is only available in China, with prices starting at 7,499 yuan (US$1,030). Huawei has not yet confirmed whether the device will be released globally.
