Huawei has made waves in the smartphone industry with its latest offering, the Pura X, a flip phone that dramatically redefines traditional mobile design.

Unlike typical flip phones that fold vertically, this innovative device opens sideways, resulting in a wider screen that resembles a mini tablet.

This bold move not only challenges existing form factors but also aims to enhance user experience, creating buzz among tech enthusiasts and analysts alike.

Design and Features

The Pura X closely resembles popular models like the Samsung Galaxy Flip and Motorola Razr when closed, featuring a compact, palm-sized design and a square cover screen positioned below a triple camera setup.

However, the real surprise lies in its unique side-hinge design.

When flipped open, users will find a stunning 6.3-inch display boasting a 16:10 aspect ratio.

This wider format positions the Pura X somewhere between conventional flip phones and larger book-style foldables, making it an intriguing option for those who crave versatility.

Operating System

In a significant departure from industry norms, the Pura X is Huawei's first smartphone to operate without Android or any form of Android app compatibility.

It runs on the newly launched HarmonyOS Next, a completely proprietary operating system that shuns Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code entirely.

While some may worry about the app ecosystem, it's worth noting that this new OS launched alongside the Mate 70 series in November 2024, where users had a choice between Next and the Android-based HarmonyOS.

However, the Pura X exclusively features the cutting-edge HarmonyOS Next.

AI Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Pura X is its inclusion of Harmony Intelligence, an AI assistant developed from Huawei's in-house Pangu model, augmented by DeepSeek technology.

This advancement highlights Huawei's commitment to creating solutions that rival even the most prominent players in the AI sector.

Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, openly acknowledged Huawei's growing influence in the AI landscape, suggesting that the company must not be underestimated.

The executive remarked, “We can’t assume that they are not going to be a factor,” referencing the impact of US trade restrictions, which he admitted had not hindered Huawei’s formidable growth.

Availability and Market Impact

Currently, the Pura X is available exclusively in China, starting at 7,499 yuan (approximately $1,037).

The anticipation surrounding its wider aspect ratio led many to speculate that this could be Huawei's foray into the world of commercial rollable phones.

While Lenovo has announced its upcoming rollable laptop, the dream of a rolling phone remains tantalizingly out of reach—at least for now.

As Huawei continues to push the boundaries of smartphone design, tech aficionados and casual users alike will be eager to see how the Pura X performs in a market that values innovation, functionality, and style.

Stay tuned—this may just be the beginning of a new era in mobile technology.