Huawei Unveils Innovative Sideways-Opening Flip Phone, the Pura X
Chinese tech giant Huawei has launched its latest smartphone, the Pura X, featuring a unique sideways-opening design that sets it apart from traditional flip phones. This innovative device marks a significant departure from Huawei’s previous offerings, both in terms of design and software.
The Pura X boasts a wider form factor with a tablet-like aspect ratio when opened. At first glance, the closed device resembles popular flip phones like the Samsung Galaxy Flip or Motorola Razr, with a palm-sized design and a square cover screen positioned below its triple camera setup. However, the Pura X’s distinctive feature lies in its side-mounted hinge, which allows the phone to open horizontally rather than vertically.
Upon opening, users are greeted with a 6.3-inch display sporting a 16:10 aspect ratio. This unique design approach aims to bridge the gap between compact flip phones and larger book-style foldables, offering users a more versatile experience.
In a bold move, the Pura X is Huawei’s first smartphone to completely abandon Android compatibility. The device runs on HarmonyOS Next, Huawei’s proprietary operating system launched in November 2024 with the Mate 70 series. This marks a significant shift in Huawei’s software strategy, as the Pura X exclusively uses the new software without an Android-based alternative.
The Pura X also introduces Huawei’s in-house AI assistant, Harmony Intelligence. Based on the company’s Pangu model and enhanced by DeepSeek, this AI integration showcases Huawei’s commitment to developing its own technological ecosystem.
Industry experts note that Huawei’s advancements in AI technology, including the development of in-house Ascend AI chips, have not gone unnoticed. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently acknowledged Huawei’s growing presence in the AI field, highlighting the company as a significant technology player in China.
Despite facing US trade restrictions, Huawei’s technological progress appears unhindered. The launch of the Pura X and its accompanying software innovations demonstrate the company’s resilience and continued focus on pushing technological boundaries.
Currently, the Pura X is available exclusively in China, priced at 7,499 yuan (approximately $1,037). While early teasers had suggested the possibility of the Pura X being Huawei’s first commercial rollable phone, the company has instead opted for this unique sideways-opening design.
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, Huawei’s Pura X represents a bold step forward in design and software integration, potentially influencing future trends in mobile technology.
