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Huawei has quietly reset expectations for budget foldables with the new Nova Flip S. Launched in China as a successor to the original Nova Flip, this clamshell device trims the price while keeping the core foldable experience — a move that could widen appeal beyond early adopters.
What you get for the lower price
On the outside, the Nova Flip S looks and feels familiar. It keeps the same compact silhouette as its predecessor — a 6.9mm thin body that weighs 195 grams — and introduces two fresh finishes, Sky Blue and Feather Sand Black, alongside New Green, Zero White, Sakura Pink, and Star Black.
Cover screen and quick access
The 2.14-inch external square display runs at 480×480 and supports playful themes, DIY wallpapers, and interactive call layouts. You can pin apps for instant tasks like checking the weather, scanning QR codes, or tracking deliveries with live window updates — small conveniences that make the clamshell form factor feel useful beyond novelty.
Inside the fold: display, hinge and durability
Open it up and you get a 6.9-inch main panel with a 1136×2698 resolution and an adaptive 1–120Hz LTPO refresh rate, which balances smoothness and battery life. Huawei uses a water-drop hinge design to minimize crease visibility, and the hinge has been tested for reliability with a 1.2 million-fold SGS certification.
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Performance, batteries and software
Huawei hasn’t confirmed the chipset powering the Nova Flip S, but it runs HarmonyOS 5.1 and offers features consumers expect from a modern foldable: a 4,400mAh battery, 66W wired fast charging, side-mounted fingerprint recognition, and splash-resistant life protection for everyday use.
Camera system that cares about video
The camera array is practical and capable. On the back you’ll find a 50MP main sensor (f/1.9) and an 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). The front-facing camera is a 32MP unit, and both front and rear can record 4K video with AIS stabilization — useful for creators who want high-resolution clips from either orientation.
Price and storage options
Where the Nova Flip S really changes the conversation is price. Huawei is launching it in two storage trims: 256GB for 3,488 yuan (~$490) and 512GB for 3,788 yuan (~$530). That starting tag makes it Huawei’s most affordable foldable to date in China and positions it as a serious contender for buyers who want foldable design without flagship-level cost.
Why this matters
Imagine getting the foldable form factor without the usual wallet shock. That’s the pitch here: familiar build, useful outer-screen features, solid camera and battery specs — and a price that could nudge mainstream consumers toward foldables. The missing piece is the chip disclosure, which will determine raw performance and broader appeal outside China.
For now, the Nova Flip S is a strategic, value-focused step for Huawei’s Nova line — proof that foldables are starting to trickle down from premium experiments into more accessible hardware.
Source: gizmochina
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