On March 20, 2025, Huawei made a significant impact in the tech world by launching its latest innovation, the Huawei Pura X, a wide foldable smartphone that is set to revolutionize mobile devices. The announcement took place during the Pura Pioneer Ceremony and HarmonyOS Smart New Product Launch, where Huawei’s Executive Director, Yu Chengdong, touted the device as an unexpected and affordable product for everyone.
The Pura X is notable for its unique design, featuring a 16:10 aspect ratio screen that provides an immersive experience. According to Yu, this device isn’t merely another smartphone; “This phone, when folded, is like a small phone, and when unfolded, it’s a tablet.” This duality caters to users who demand versatility in their devices. The foldable nature of the Pura X allows it to combine functionalities of both a smartphone and a tablet, appealing to a broad spectrum of users.
One of the most impressive features of the Pura X is its integration of HarmonyOS 5, which represents a substantial upgrade over previous versions. Yu emphasized that the experience delivered by HarmonyOS 5 has significantly improved, stating, “Compared to previous versions, HarmonyOS 5 experience has greatly improved, with comprehensive upgrades […] the whole machine performance increased by 40%.” This enhancement is pivotal as it ensures that top applications such as Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and iQIYI are deeply optimized for the Pura X, signaling Huawei's commitment to ecosystem growth.
The device also showcases a remarkable external screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio, which matches the internal display measuring 6.3 inches when unfolded. This unique structure elevates the user experience, particularly when watching videos or browsing content. As Yu further explained, “The design significantly increases display area by 40% and 60% for videos and images respectively.” With features such as AI eye-tracking for flipping pages—automatically turning to the next page as the user’s eyes reach the end—Huawei is making strides in user interaction technologies.
The starting price for the Huawei Pura X is set at 7499 yuan, with a Collector's Edition available for 8999 yuan. This competitive pricing reflects Huawei’s strategy to make high-quality technology accessible to a wider audience. Incorporating premium specifications like a built-in 4720mAh battery that supports both 66W wired and 40W wireless fast charging only sweetens the deal for potential buyers.
While showcasing the Pura X, Huawei also announced that its new computers powered by HarmonyOS will be launched in May 2025, demonstrating Huawei's broader strategy to integrate its ecosystem across multiple device types. This move is not only a testament to their technology advancement but also a bid to reshape user experiences in a holistic manner.
This launch is especially timely, as IDC data indicates that global foldable smartphone shipments fell by 18% in 2024, yet, interestingly, China's market saw a significant 30.8% increase, with Huawei leading the way at a 48.6% market share. This positions Huawei favorably in a recovering segment with strong consumer interest.
In the larger context of Huawei's performance, the company regained its leadership in the Chinese smartphone market with an 18.1% share in Q4 2024. This recovery has been propelled by a remarkable 36% increase in sales year-on-year, showcasing Huawei’s resilience in a competitive industry.
Yu concluded the event with optimism about Huawei’s trajectory, inviting developers and partners to contribute to the HarmonyOS ecosystem: “We are expanding, and we want to grow together.” The Pura X is not just a product but a step toward creating a more interconnected digital experience for users in various aspects of daily life.
As Huawei continues to innovate, the Pura X could very well mark a turning point in the smartphone segment, merging advanced technology with user-friendly designs—an anticipated hit among tech enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike.
