Huawei has officially launched its latest foldable smartphone, the Pura X, a device that not only breaks design norms with its wide 16:10 aspect ratio but also completely ditches Android. Instead, it runs on Huawei’s own HarmonyOS, marking a significant shift for the company in its ongoing efforts to build a self-reliant ecosystem.
Adding to its uniqueness, the Pura X comes with an advanced AI assistant, Xiaoyi, powered by DeepSeek’s technology and Huawei’s Pangu model. While the phone is unlikely to launch in the United States due to trade sanctions, it remains a fascinating piece of tech for smartphone enthusiasts worldwide.
From its tablet-like foldable display to its AI-driven software experience, the Pura X is Huawei’s latest attempt to redefine the foldable smartphone industry. Let’s dive deep into its design, features, and impact on the future of smartphones.
A Bold Design Choice: The Wide 16:10 Foldable Display
One of the most striking aspects of the Huawei Pura X is its wide 16:10 aspect ratio. This is a departure from the taller, more elongated foldable screens seen in devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Google Pixel Fold.
- Primary Display: When unfolded, the phone reveals a 6.3-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it wider than most foldables on the market.
- Compact Form Factor: When closed, the device folds into a square shape, featuring a 3.5-inch external display and repositioning the rear camera array to the front.
This design makes the Pura X more tablet-like in its unfolded state, providing an immersive viewing experience for videos, gaming, and multitasking. However, its square form factor when folded is quite unconventional compared to traditional smartphones.
Huawei has experimented with bold designs before, such as the Mate X series, but the Pura X takes a fresh approach that blends a compact phone and a widescreen tablet in a single device.
Also Read: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Set to Compete With Galaxy Z Fold 8
Ditching Android: Huawei’s Full Transition to HarmonyOS
For years, Huawei has been forced to move away from Android due to U.S. sanctions that restrict its access to Google services. While previous Huawei smartphones used a modified version of Android, the Pura X marks a full departure from Google’s ecosystem.
- The Pura X runs on an independent version of HarmonyOS, a custom operating system Huawei has been developing since 2019.
- Unlike past HarmonyOS versions, which were still based on Android open-source code, this version is completely rebuilt without any Android dependencies.
- This means no access to Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, or YouTube—users will need to rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party alternatives.
Huawei is betting on self-reliance by pushing HarmonyOS as a viable Android alternative, particularly in China, where Google services are already restricted.
AI-Powered Assistance: Xiaoyi and DeepSeek’s Role
Another major highlight of the Pura X is its AI assistant, Xiaoyi, which is powered by:
- DeepSeek’s advanced AI models
- Huawei’s own Pangu AI model
Unlike Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri, Xiaoyi is designed to work seamlessly within HarmonyOS, offering features such as:
- Real-time translation
- Context-aware smart recommendations
- Voice-controlled smart home integration
- AI-enhanced photography assistance
With DeepSeek’s technology, Xiaoyi is expected to improve user interactions, making AI-driven smartphone experiences more personalized and intuitive.
Also Read: Foldable iPhone 2026: Design, Price, iOS 19, and Siri Updates
Huawei Pura X: Technical Specifications and Pricing
Key Specifications of Huawei Pura X
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Main Display | 6.3-inch foldable, 16:10 aspect ratio |
| Cover Display | 3.5-inch secondary screen |
| Processor | Kirin chipset (exact model TBA) |
| RAM & Storage | Expected 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage |
| Operating System | HarmonyOS (No Android) |
| AI Assistant | Xiaoyi (DeepSeek-powered) |
| Rear Camera | Multi-lens AI-enhanced system |
| Front Camera | Uses rear camera with external display |
| Battery | 4,500mAh+ (estimate) |
| Charging | Fast charging support |
| Price | 7,499 Chinese Yuan (~$1,037) |
At approximately $1,037, the Pura X is positioned as a premium foldable, competing with high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Oppo Find N3.
Also Read: Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5-Max AI Model Challenges DeepSeek and OpenAI’s GPT-4
Conclusion
The Huawei Pura X is a bold step toward a future where Huawei operates independently of Google. With its wider foldable display, HarmonyOS, and AI-powered Xiaoyi assistant, it is a compelling alternative to mainstream foldables. While U.S. sanctions limit its availability in some markets, the Pura X represents Huawei’s determination to innovate despite challenges.
With AI-driven features and a striking design, the Pura X could reshape expectations for foldable smartphones, particularly in markets where Huawei remains a dominant player.
FAQs About Huawei Pura X
1. What makes the Huawei Pura X unique?
The Huawei Pura X stands out for its 16:10 foldable display, HarmonyOS (without Android), and the DeepSeek-powered Xiaoyi AI assistant.
2. Does the Huawei Pura X run Android?
No, the Pura X does not run Android. It is one of the first Huawei phones to be fully powered by HarmonyOS without any Android components.
3. What AI features does the Pura X offer?
The phone includes Xiaoyi, an AI assistant powered by DeepSeek, which provides real-time translation, smart recommendations, and AI-enhanced photography.
4. What is the screen size of the Huawei Pura X?
The main foldable display is 6.3 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, while the external cover display is 3.5 inches.
5. Will the Huawei Pura X be available in the US?
No, due to U.S. sanctions, Huawei is not able to sell the Pura X in the United States.
6. How much does the Huawei Pura X cost?
The Huawei Pura X is priced at 7,499 Chinese Yuan, which is approximately $1,037.
7. What chipset does the Huawei Pura X use?
Huawei has not officially disclosed the chipset, but it is expected to use a Kirin processor developed in-house.
8. Does the Huawei Pura X support Google apps?
No, since it does not run Android, it does not support Google Play Services. Users must rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party apps.
9. What is the battery life of the Huawei Pura X?
While Huawei has not released official details, the battery is expected to be around 4,500mAh or higher, with fast charging support.
10. How does the Pura X compare to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series?
The Huawei Pura X has a wider aspect ratio (16:10) compared to Samsung’s taller design and does not run Android, making it a unique alternative in the foldable market.