Huawei beats Samsung and Apple to market with the first wide foldable

At a glance:

• Huawei launches Pura X Max, the first commercially available wide foldable phone
• Device features 7.7-inch internal display and 5.4-inch cover screen with high brightness
• Two versions available starting at $1,613, with premium options up to $2,053

Huawei's Revolutionary Foldable Hits Market First

Huawei has made a significant splash in the mobile technology market by launching its Pura X Max foldable phone in China, beating both Apple and Samsung to the punch with this innovative device. This passport-style foldable represents the first time consumers can actually purchase a wide foldable phone, marking a milestone in smartphone evolution. The launch comes after Huawei unveiled the device's design last week, and now the company has revealed the full specifications and pricing details for eager consumers.

The Pura X Max stands out in the crowded smartphone market with its unique book-like design that differs significantly from the traditional vertical foldables we've become accustomed to seeing. This horizontal orientation offers a more natural reading experience and potentially more productive multitasking capabilities, positioning Huawei as an innovator rather than a follower in the foldable space. The device's early availability gives the Chinese tech giant a significant head start in what industry analysts predict will become a major trend in premium smartphones over the next few years.

Pricing and Configuration Options

Huawei is offering two distinct versions of the Pura X Max, both available for preorder starting today. The standard version begins at 10,999 yuan (approximately $1,613) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration, while customers can upgrade to 512GB of storage for 11,999 yuan (about $1,800). For those seeking a more premium experience, the Pura X Max Collector's Edition starts at 12,999 yuan (around $1,906) for the 16GB RAM/512GB storage option, and tops out at 13,999 yuan (approximately $2,053) for the 16GB/1TB variant.

These pricing positions Huawei's new foldable in the premium segment of the market, competing directly with other high-end smartphones and foldables from competitors. The company's decision to offer multiple storage configurations at different price points demonstrates its understanding of diverse consumer needs, from those who want the cutting-edge technology without breaking the bank to enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar for maximum storage capacity. The availability of preorder options suggests strong consumer interest and confidence in the product's market reception.

Impressive Display Specifications

One of the most striking features of the Pura X Max is its sophisticated display system. The device features a 5.4-inch cover display with an impressive 3,500 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. When unfolded, the phone reveals a spacious 7.7-inch internal display that tops out at 3,000 nits, maintaining excellent brightness across both screens. Both displays support a 1-120Hz LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) adaptive refresh rate, which optimizes battery life while providing smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions.

The wide aspect ratio of the internal display is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a more natural reading experience for documents and web pages compared to traditional smartphone screens. This book-like orientation also makes the device more suitable for productivity tasks such as split-screen multitasking, document editing, and media consumption. The combination of high brightness and adaptive refresh rate positions the Pura X Max as a premium device that can perform well in various lighting conditions while maintaining smooth performance for demanding applications and games.

Competitive Landscape and Future Developments

While Huawei has secured first-mover advantage with the Pura X Max, the company faces competition from industry giants Apple and Samsung, both of which are reportedly developing their own wide-style foldable phones. Various leaks and rumors have provided glimpses of potential designs for Apple's rumored foldable iPhone and an expanded version of Samsung's Z Fold series. However, industry analysts expect these competing devices won't hit the market until the second half of 2026, giving Huawei a substantial lead in this emerging product category.

This head start could prove strategically valuable for Huawei, allowing it to establish brand recognition, develop a loyal customer base, and refine its foldable technology before major competitors enter the market. The early availability of the Pura X Max also gives Huawei an opportunity to gather real-world usage data that can inform future iterations of the device. For Apple and Samsung, the emergence of a viable competitor in the wide foldable space may accelerate their development timelines or prompt them to reconsider their design approaches to differentiate their offerings.

Hardware and Software Features

Under the hood, the Pura X Max is powered by Huawei's homegrown Kirin 9030 Pro chipset, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to developing its own semiconductor technology despite external challenges. The device houses a substantial 5,300mAh battery, supporting 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging capabilities, ensuring users can quickly recharge their device even during intensive usage. The camera system is equally impressive, featuring a triple-camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel main camera with variable aperture, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 12.5-megapixel ultra-wide shooter.

Running on Huawei's latest HarmonyOS 6.1, the Pura X Max offers a seamless and integrated user experience that leverages the company's ecosystem of devices and services. The device supports the Huawei M-Pen 3 Mini stylus, adding productivity and creative capabilities to the mix. Perhaps most notably, the phone incorporates a wide array of AI-powered features, including pose recommendations for photographers that help users capture better images. These smart features highlight Huawei's focus on combining cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software to deliver a superior user experience that goes beyond mere specifications.

Market Implications and Future Availability

Huawei hasn't officially confirmed whether the Pura X Max will be released outside of China, leaving international consumers uncertain about when or if they might be able to purchase this innovative device. However, the company's success in the Chinese market with this first-of-its-kind foldable could potentially influence its global expansion strategy. The early launch and positive reception of the Pura X Max should give Samsung and Apple cause for concern, as it demonstrates that Huawei can still innovate and bring groundbreaking products to market despite various challenges.

The introduction of the Pura X Max also signals a potential shift in the foldable phone market, moving away from the vertical folding designs that have dominated thus far toward horizontal, book-like configurations. If this form factor proves popular with consumers, we may see more manufacturers adopting similar designs in the coming years. The success of Huawei's wide foldable could also accelerate the development of supporting technologies, such as improved hinge mechanisms, more durable foldable displays, and software optimized for the unique aspects of horizontal foldable devices.