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Huawei Pura X hits major milestone as demand for wide foldables accelerates
Huawei's Pura X, the industry's first wide-folding smartphone, has crossed an important commercial threshold: more than 700,000 units shipped in less than six months since its March launch. Industry sources report nearly 100,000 activations during the phone's first week on the market, signaling strong early demand for Huawei's alternative foldable form factor and reinforcing the company's leadership in China's foldable phone segment.
What makes the Pura X different: design and software
Wide 16:10 foldable display
The Pura X adopts a wide 16:10 aspect ratio when unfolded — a deliberate departure from the taller, narrow inner displays used by many competitors. This wider canvas improves readability, makes split-screen multitasking feel more natural, and enhances video and game playback without excessive letterboxing. For users who prioritize reading, productivity, and immersive media consumption, the Pura X's screen geometry represents a practical evolution in foldable smartphone design.
HarmonyOS 5 and AI features
Huawei shipped the Pura X fully outfitted with HarmonyOS 5, bringing the newest AI-powered capabilities and an upgraded virtual assistant. HarmonyOS 5 is positioned as a core differentiator for Huawei, integrating system-level optimizations for foldable layouts, multi-window workflows, and cross-device collaboration across tablets and laptops in the Huawei ecosystem.
Key product features
- Wide 16:10 internal display for enhanced reading, multitasking, and media playback
- Optimized multi-window and split-screen experiences powered by HarmonyOS 5
- Flagship-level hardware and camera system (detailed spec sheets vary by SKU)
- Premium build quality and hinge engineering tailored to a wide fold factor
- Starting price at 7,499 yuan (~$1,037), placing it in the premium but competitive bracket against pricier flagships
Comparisons: Pura X vs. other foldables
In pricing and positioning, the Pura X sits below top-tier competitors like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 (around $2,000), yet emphasizes a unique user experience through its wide display and HarmonyOS integration. Compared to taller foldables, the Pura X delivers a more book-like layout for reading and multitasking, while Samsung and others continue to focus on more traditional tall inner displays and wider global carrier support.
Advantages and practical use cases
- Productivity: Wider split screens let users run two apps side-by-side with comfortable aspect ratios for each pane, improving document editing and email workflows.
- Content consumption: Videos and web pages display with fewer black bars and more of the original framing visible, enhancing streaming and gaming.
- Reading and research: E-books, PDFs, and long-form articles feel closer to a small tablet, reducing the need to constantly zoom or pan.
- Ecosystem synergy: HarmonyOS 5 offers cross-device features that help users transfer work between a Pura X, MatePad, or laptop more seamlessly.
Market relevance and Huawei's competitive position
Huawei currently commands roughly 75% of China's foldable phone market, according to industry estimates, maintaining a comfortable lead over Samsung, Oppo, and Vivo. The Pura X's early momentum reinforces Huawei's dominance in the segment and demonstrates that consumer appetite for new form factors — especially those that prioritize reading and multitasking — remains strong.
Huawei is also expanding its foldable portfolio. The company recently introduced the Mate XTs, the world's second mass-produced tri-fold smartphone, and a new MatePad Mini. One earlier Mate XT model reportedly shipped close to 500,000 units in the first half of 2025, underlining a robust pipeline beyond the Pura X.
What’s next: roadmap and outlook
Industry insiders point to an aggressive product cadence: a double-folding Mate X7 is reportedly in development, and Huawei may launch a next-generation Pura X with an updated display technology slated for 2026. By combining HarmonyOS innovations, diverse form factors (wide fold, tri-fold, double-fold), and frequent product refreshes, Huawei is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of foldable smartphone innovation.
Bottom line
The Pura X's achievement of more than 700,000 shipments in under half a year is a clear signal that alternative foldable designs can resonate with consumers. For tech enthusiasts and professionals tracking foldable smartphone trends, Huawei's strategy—mixing distinctive hardware, HarmonyOS-driven software features, and competitive pricing—offers a compelling case study in how to scale a new device category within a crowded premium market.
Source: gizmochina
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