Huawei’s latest foldable smartphone, the Pura X, marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy, showcasing a unique design and a complete departure from Android. Launched on March 20, 2025, in Shenzhen, China, the Pura X features a 6.3-inch inner display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it wider than typical smartphones and more akin to a tablet when unfolded. This device is powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset and runs on HarmonyOS 5, Huawei’s self-developed operating system, signaling a bold move away from Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. Additionally, the Pura X introduces Xiaoyi, an AI assistant enhanced by DeepSeek AI, further emphasizing Huawei’s push towards self-reliance in technology.
### Huawei Pura X: A New Era in Foldable Smartphones
The Huawei Pura X stands out not only for its unique design but also for its technological advancements. When closed, it resembles a traditional flip phone with a 3.5-inch square outer display, but its hinge is positioned on the side, allowing it to open into a wider format. This design choice aims to bridge the gap between flip phones and larger book-style foldables, offering users a more versatile screen experience. The device starts at 7,499 yuan (approximately $1,037) and is available in several stylish options, including Moon Shadow Gray, Zero Degree White, Phantom Night Black, and two collector’s editions with premium finishes and up to 1TB of storage.
The Pura X is equipped with a 4,720mAh battery supporting 66W wired and 40W wireless charging, an IPX8 protection rating, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.2. Its camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 40MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, optimized by Huawei’s imaging technology. The device’s chipset, the Kirin 9020, features a 12-core CPU with hyperthreading, comprising an 8-core processor with one 2.5 GHz Taishan Big core, three 2.15 GHz Taishan Mid cores, and four 1.53 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. The GPU, Maleoon 920, is another in-house development, running at up to 840 MHz.
Huawei’s decision to run the Pura X on HarmonyOS 5 is a significant step towards independence from Google and Android, following U.S. sanctions that have impacted the company since 2019. HarmonyOS 5, initially launched as HarmonyOS Next in November 2024, does not use code from the Android Open Source Project and is not compatible with Android apps. This move is part of Huawei’s broader strategy to develop its own ecosystem, which also includes the introduction of Xiaoyi, an AI assistant powered by Huawei’s Pangu model and enhanced by DeepSeek AI. Xiaoyi offers advanced features such as voice commands and eye-tracking page turns, showcasing Huawei’s commitment to AI integration in its devices.
### Huawei’s Global Impact and Collaborations
Beyond the Pura X, Huawei continues to make strides in global technology initiatives. In a collaboration with Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, Huawei launched its first smart village site in Muchila, Zambia, in July 2024. This project aims to bring electricity and internet access to rural areas, enhancing education and healthcare services. The initiative was showcased at MWC Barcelona 2025, highlighting Huawei’s role in promoting inclusive connectivity and digital transformation in Africa.
Additionally, Huawei is expanding its influence in the automotive industry. The company has partnered with Chinese carmaker GAC to launch a new car brand, further diversifying its portfolio and leveraging its technological expertise in new markets.
### Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
Huawei’s launch of the Pura X comes at a time when the company is experiencing a revival in its smartphone business in China. According to the International Data Corporation, Huawei’s market share in China rose to 16.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, up from 13.7% the previous year, while Apple’s market share declined from 20% to 17.4% over the same period. This resurgence is attributed to Huawei’s aggressive launch of innovative devices, including the Pura X and the trifold Mate XT, which have helped differentiate the company from its rivals.
The Pura X’s unique design and HarmonyOS 5 have garnered attention from industry leaders. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, acknowledged Huawei’s growing presence in AI, stating that the company’s technological advancements cannot be ignored. Huang also noted that U.S. trade restrictions on Huawei have been ineffective, highlighting Huawei’s status as a formidable technology company in China.
### Key Takeaways
Huawei’s Pura X represents a bold step forward in the foldable smartphone market, with its unique 16:10 aspect ratio and complete shift to HarmonyOS 5. The device’s advanced features, including the Kirin 9020 chipset and Xiaoyi AI assistant, underscore Huawei’s commitment to technological innovation and self-reliance. Beyond smartphones, Huawei’s collaborations in Zambia and the automotive industry demonstrate its broader impact on global technology and digital transformation. As Huawei continues to challenge industry giants like Apple and Google, its influence in the tech world is set to grow, driven by its relentless pursuit of innovation and market differentiation.
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