Foldable phones have been turning heads for a while now, but let’s be real—most of them feel like they’re trying too hard to be either a phone or a tablet. They’re cool in theory, but sometimes you just end up wondering if they’re really worth the hype. Then along comes the Huawei Pura X, and it feels like someone finally said, “What if we stop overthinking this and just make something different?” Different? Oh, it’s different alright.
The Huawei Pura X isn’t your typical foldable phone. It doesn’t try to be a giant screen that folds into a pocket-sized brick, nor does it settle for being a tiny flip phone with limited functionality. Nope, this thing is its own vibe. The first thing you notice is how wide it is—like, really wide. Unfolded, it rocks a 6.3-inch, 16:10 inner screen that looks more like a mini tablet than a phone. Folded? You’ve got yourself a quirky little square screen that’s oddly practical and kind of adorable (yes, I said adorable). If you’re imagining a gadget that’s equal parts portable and playful, you’re starting to get the picture.
But here’s the kicker—it’s not just about the screens. The Huawei Pura X brings some serious tech to the table. From its clever hinge design to its beefy camera setup, this phone feels like Huawei took all their wildest ideas and crammed them into one sleek package. And let’s not forget about the HarmonyOS, which ties everything together with some seriously smart features. Think real-time navigation on the outer screen, hover shooting for selfies, and even AI-driven eye movement page turning. Yeah, you read that right—this phone can literally track your eyes and flip pages for you. Wild, right?
Of course, none of this would matter if it felt like a chore to use. But after spending some time with the Pura X, it’s clear that Huawei didn’t just focus on flashy features—they actually thought about how people would interact with this thing in everyday life. Sure, it might take a minute to get used to the width, especially if you’ve got smaller hands, but once you do, it starts to feel surprisingly natural. Folded, it’s compact and easy to carry around. Unfolded, it gives you all the screen real estate you could want without feeling clunky.
So, yeah, the Huawei Pura X is definitely a bold move. It’s not perfect, and it’s not for everyone, but it’s hard not to appreciate the creativity behind it. A statement that says, “We don’t have to follow the rules to make something awesome.” And honestly? I’m here for it.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Pura X doesn’t just look like any other phone—it feels like its own thing entirely. From the moment you pick it up, you notice how different it is. Folded, it’s compact and almost cute, with a square outer screen that makes it stand out in a sea of boring rectangles. Unfolded, it transforms into something much more serious—a wide, tablet-like device that screams productivity. It’s a bit like having two phones in one, but without the awkwardness of carrying around a second gadget.
The first thing you’ll notice is the width. This thing is wide. Unfolded, it measures 91.7mm across, which might sound manageable until you actually try holding it. People with smaller hands might find it tricky to use one-handed, but once you get used to it, the extra real estate starts to feel kind of nice. You can reach most parts of the screen without too much trouble, though there’s definitely a learning curve. Folded, it’s surprisingly slim at just 15.1mm thick, and the single-side thickness drops to 7.15mm when unfolded. For a foldable phone, that’s impressive. It doesn’t feel bulky in your pocket or bag, which is a big win for portability.
The materials are where things get even more interesting. The back is made of glass, giving it a smooth, polished finish that feels luxurious to touch. Paired with the bright metal frame, it looks sharp and modern. There’s no unnecessary clutter—just clean lines and a minimalist crater camera module that blends seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. It’s clear Huawei put a lot of thought into making this phone feel premium without overdoing it.
Then there’s the hinge—the unsung hero of any foldable phone. Huawei calls it the basalt water drop hinge, and it’s designed to be both durable and flexible. You can fold and unfold this phone hundreds of thousands of times without worrying about it breaking down. Better yet, it supports multi-angle hovering, meaning you can prop it up halfway and use it hands-free for video calls or watching content. When closed, the hinge fits tightly, so there’s no wobbling or loose parts. And while some foldables have noticeable creases on the screen after unfolding, the Pura X keeps things impressively smooth. Sure, if you squint hard enough, you might spot a faint line, but it’s nothing that distracts from the experience.
Speaking of screens, they deserve their own shoutout. The inner screen is a 6.3-inch, 16:10 display that feels closer to a mini tablet than a traditional phone. With a resolution of 2120×1320 and support for a 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, everything looks crisp and vibrant. Scrolling through apps or watching videos feels buttery smooth, and the colors pop without feeling overdone. The outer screen, meanwhile, is a quirky 3.5-inch square display with a 1:1 aspect ratio. At first glance, it seems gimmicky, but spending time with it reveals how practical it really is. Checking notifications, navigating maps, or even playing games like Candy Crush Saga works surprisingly well on this little screen. Plus, it supports the same high refresh rate and peak brightness as the inner screen, so you’re not sacrificing quality for convenience.
Weight-wise, the Pura X hits a sweet spot. At around 195g, it’s lighter than many flagship phones, let alone other foldables. Carrying it around doesn’t feel like a chore, and the build quality ensures it still feels sturdy despite its relatively light weight. Every detail, from the tactile buttons to the placement of the speakers and USB-C port, shows attention to ergonomics and usability.
What stands out most about the Huawei Pura X is how cohesive everything feels. Nothing about its design seems accidental or tacked on. The wide screen, the square outer display, the hinge, the materials—all these elements work together to create a device that’s bold and unique. It might take some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a standard smartphone, but once you do, it’s hard not to appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation behind it.
Display Features
The Huawei Pura X’s screens are where things get really interesting. This phone doesn’t just have one display—it has two, and both of them feel like they’re designed to make your life easier in their own unique ways. The inner screen is a 6.3-inch, 16:10 widescreen that feels closer to a mini tablet than a traditional phone. It’s sharp, vibrant, and packed with features that make it a joy to use for everything from scrolling through social media to watching videos. The outer screen, on the other hand, is a quirky little 3.5-inch square display that might look gimmicky at first but quickly proves itself as surprisingly practical.
Let’s start with the inner screen because it’s the star of the show when unfolded. At 6.3 inches, it’s bigger than most standard smartphone displays, but what really sets it apart is the 16:10 aspect ratio. That extra width makes a huge difference. For starters, it feels more natural for multitasking—whether you’re reading an article, editing a document, or watching a video, there’s just more room to see and do things. The resolution is crisp at 2120×1320, so text looks sharp, and images pop with detail.
And let’s not forget about the adaptive refresh rate, which goes from 1Hz all the way up to 120Hz depending on what you’re doing. Scrolling through apps feels buttery smooth, and animations are snappy without draining the battery unnecessarily. Watching videos? Even better. Huawei claims the visible area increases by 40% for short videos compared to traditional 16:9 phones, and honestly, it shows. You get less wasted black space around the edges, and the content fills up the screen beautifully.
Now, about that outer screen—the 3.5-inch square display is a bit of a wildcard, but it grows on you fast. For one thing, it’s not just a tiny secondary screen; it’s fully functional. You can check notifications, reply to messages, and even navigate maps without ever unfolding the phone. Need directions while walking? Just glance at the outer screen—it’ll show you your route in real time. Flying somewhere? The Pura X will preview your flight info and even pull up your boarding pass with a single tap. It’s also great for quick interactions like hailing a ride or checking updates on your orders. And if you’ve got a few minutes to kill, you can open apps directly on the outer screen. Playing games like Candy Crush Saga works surprisingly well, and scrolling through social feeds feels intuitive despite the square shape.
What’s impressive is how consistent the quality is between the two screens. The outer display matches the inner one in terms of resolution (980×980) and brightness, hitting peaks of 2500 nits. That means whether you’re using the inner or outer screen, everything looks just as sharp and vivid. Both screens support the same 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, so performance stays buttery smooth no matter which side you’re interacting with. There’s none of that frustrating drop in quality when switching between the two—it’s seamless.
Another cool feature tied to the display is how it handles apps. Some apps, have been optimized specifically for the Pura X’s unusual aspect ratios. On the 16:10 inner screen, you can see more content vertically, making it perfect for browsing posts or reading articles. Flip over to the square outer screen, and the layout adjusts dynamically to fit the smaller space without feeling cramped. It’s clear Huawei put thought into how people would actually use this phone in everyday situations.
One standout feature worth mentioning is the AI eye movement page turning. Sounds futuristic, right? It kind of is. When you’re reading something on the 16:10 screen, the phone tracks your eye movements and automatically flips to the next page when you reach the end of the current one. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it feels oddly satisfying. It’s one of those small touches that makes the Pura X feel ahead of its time.
Of course, it’s not all perfect. There are some quirks, like the black borders you sometimes see during 4K video recording. They’re noticeable enough to be distracting, especially since you’d expect a phone with such high-quality displays to handle video better. But honestly, that’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things. Most users won’t run into this issue often, and the benefits of the dual-screen setup far outweigh any downsides.
Performance
The Huawei Pura X might not shout about its performance specs right off the bat, but once you dig into what’s under the hood, it becomes clear that this phone is packing some serious tech. At its core is the Kirin 9020 chipset, a self-developed powerhouse from HiSilicon, Huawei’s in-house chip division. This isn’t just any ordinary processor—it’s the same chip that debuted with the Mate 70 series back in late 2024, and it’s been fine-tuned to handle everything you can throw at it. From multitasking to gaming, the Pura X feels smooth, responsive, and ready for action.
Let’s break it down. The Kirin 9020 uses an 8-core CPU design, though some apps might list it as 12 cores because of hyperthreading. That’s tech jargon for “it’s smarter about how it handles tasks.” There’s one big Taishan core clocked at 2.5 GHz, which takes care of heavy-duty stuff like gaming or video editing. Then there are three mid-tier Taishan cores running at 2.15 GHz for everyday tasks, and four smaller Cortex-A510 cores at 1.53 GHz for lighter work like browsing or checking notifications. The mix of these cores ensures the phone doesn’t waste power on simple jobs while still having the muscle to tackle more demanding ones.
Now, here’s the interesting part—Huawei didn’t rely entirely on outside tech for this chipset. The Taishan cores are their own creation, showcasing just how far they’ve come in developing their own hardware. The Cortex-A510 cores, on the other hand, are based on Arm designs, but those were acquired before Huawei faced export restrictions. It’s a clever blend of old and new, and it works. In terms of raw CPU power, the Kirin 9020 holds its own against Qualcomm’s flagship chips, meaning you won’t feel like you’re missing out compared to other high-end phones.
Graphics performance is where things get a little more nuanced. The GPU inside the Kirin 9020 is called the Maleoon 920, another in-house product from Huawei. Running at up to 840 MHz, it’s no slouch, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of top-tier GPUs from competitors like Qualcomm or Apple. For casual gamers or people who just want smooth scrolling and crisp visuals, it’s more than enough. But if you’re planning to max out graphics settings on the latest mobile games, you might notice it’s not quite as powerful as the very best out there. Still, it gets the job done without hiccups, and most users won’t even think twice about it during regular use.
What really ties the whole performance package together is the memory setup. Depending on the model, the Pura X comes with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, paired with storage options ranging from 256GB all the way up to a whopping 1TB.
Camera System
The Huawei Pura X doesn’t mess around when it comes to its camera system—it’s stacked with features that make it feel like a serious contender in the smartphone photography game. At the heart of the camera module is a 50MP RYYB main sensor, which is paired with an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). For those who aren’t camera nerds, this means it can take sharp, detailed photos even in low-light situations. The RYYB sensor tech is something Huawei has been perfecting for years, and it shows. Colors pop, details stay crisp, and nighttime shots don’t end up looking like a grainy mess. It’s not just about taking pretty pictures either—the OIS ensures videos are smooth, even if you’re walking or moving around while recording.
Then there’s the 40MP ultra-wide-angle macro lens, which is another standout feature. This thing is a multitasker—it handles wide-angle shots for landscapes or group photos, but it also doubles as a macro lens for close-up shots of flowers, food, or anything else you want to zoom in on. The level of detail it captures in macro mode is impressive, and the colors look vibrant without being overly saturated. It’s one of those lenses that makes you want to experiment with different angles and perspectives because it just works so well.
The third lens in the mix is an 8MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom and OIS. Optical zoom is always better than digital zoom because it doesn’t degrade the image quality, and 3.5x is enough to get decently close to your subject without losing clarity. It’s great for portraits or capturing details from a distance, like signs or architectural elements. Pair that with the OIS, and you’ve got a telephoto lens that’s reliable even when you’re shooting handheld.
Huawei didn’t stop at the lenses, though—they threw in a multi-spectral sensor too. This little guy helps improve color accuracy by analyzing the environment and adjusting accordingly. According to Huawei, this tech boosts color reproduction accuracy by 120%, which sounds like marketing jargon but actually translates to more lifelike photos. Reds look redder, blues look bluer, and skin tones look natural instead of washed out or overly warm. It’s subtle, but once you notice it, you’ll appreciate the difference.
On top of all this hardware, the Pura X packs some clever software tricks to make photography even easier. Hover shooting is one of those features that sounds gimmicky but ends up being surprisingly useful. Instead of holding the phone up to your face, you can prop it open at an angle and use gestures to snap photos. It’s perfect for group shots where you want to include yourself or for situations where holding the phone isn’t practical. Dual-screen selfies are another fun addition—you can use the outer screen as a preview monitor while taking selfies with the rear cameras. That means you get the quality of the main camera instead of relying on the lower-quality front-facing camera.
AI portrait refinement is another standout feature, especially for anyone who loves taking selfies or group photos. The phone uses AI to smooth out skin textures while keeping facial details intact, so you don’t end up looking like a plastic mannequin. It strikes a good balance between enhancing your appearance and keeping things realistic. Skin tones look natural, blemishes are softened but not erased completely, and overall, it just feels like a more thoughtful approach to beauty mode.
Video recording gets plenty of attention too, though there are a few quirks worth mentioning. On paper, the Pura X supports 4K video at 60fps, which should be more than enough for most users. However, there’s a catch—black borders appear during 4K video capture, both on the front and rear cameras. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable enough to be annoying, especially if you’re someone who cares about framing your shots perfectly. That said, the stabilization is solid, and the footage looks sharp and colorful, so it’s still a strong performer overall.
HarmonyOS Ecosystem and AI Integration
The Huawei Pura X leans heavily into the Hongmeng (HarmonyOS) ecosystem and AI-driven features to make the experience feel seamless and futuristic. One of the standout aspects of the Pura X is how well HarmonyOS ties everything together. The operating system feels like it was built with this unique form factor in mind. Switching between the folded and unfolded states isn’t jarring or clunky—it’s smooth, intuitive, and almost magical. Apps adapt dynamically depending on which screen you’re using, so you don’t have to fumble around resizing windows or adjusting layouts. When you’re using on the 16:10 inner screen, the app takes full advantage of the extra width to show more content vertically. Flip over to the square outer screen, and the layout shifts to fit the smaller space without feeling cramped.
Speaking of the outer screen, it’s not just a secondary display—it’s a fully functional tool that works even when the phone is folded. Need directions? You can pull up navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Gaode Map directly on the outer screen, and it’ll show you turn-by-turn info in real time. Flying somewhere? The Pura X pulls up your flight details and boarding pass automatically, so you don’t even need to unfold the phone to scan your code at security. And if you’re hailing a ride with Didi, the outer screen keeps track of your driver’s location and estimated arrival time. These might sound like small conveniences, but they add up to create a sense of effortless efficiency.
AI integration is another area where the Pura X shines. It’s packed with clever features that feel like they’re straight out of science fiction. Take hover shooting, for instance. Instead of holding the phone up to your face to take selfies, you can prop it open at an angle and use gestures to snap photos. It’s perfect for group shots where you want to include yourself or for situations where holding the phone isn’t practical. Dual-screen selfies are another fun addition—you can use the outer screen as a preview monitor while taking selfies with the rear cameras. That means you get the quality of the main camera instead of relying on the lower-quality front-facing camera. It’s one of those features that makes you wonder why other phones haven’t done this already.
Then there’s AI eye movement page turning, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie but turns out to be surprisingly useful. When you’re reading long articles or eBooks on the 16:10 inner screen, the phone tracks your eye movements and flips to the next page when you reach the end of the current one. At first, it feels a little strange—almost like the phone is reading your mind—but once you get used to it, it becomes oddly satisfying. It’s one of those subtle touches that makes the Pura X feel ahead of its time.
HarmonyOS also brings some smart optimizations to the table. Animations are buttery smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and apps open instantly without any noticeable lag. Scrolling through social feeds or switching between tasks feels fluid and responsive, which is exactly what you’d expect from a flagship device. Of course, no software is perfect, and the Pura X does have a few quirks. Some apps require you to unfold the phone before you can use certain features, and there are occasional bugs where buttons or menus don’t respond properly. These issues aren’t dealbreakers, though, and most of them will likely be ironed out with future updates.
Another cool feature is how the Pura X handles multitasking. With the 16:10 aspect ratio, you can split the screen to run two apps side by side, making it easy to browse the web while chatting with friends or watching videos while jotting down notes. The layout feels natural, and the extra width gives you plenty of room to work without feeling cramped. It’s not quite as expansive as a tablet, but it’s close enough to make a noticeable difference in productivity.
Battery Life and Charging
Let’s start with the battery itself. The Huawei Pura X packs a 4720mAh cell, which is pretty impressive for a device this compact. To put that into perspective, many foldable phones sacrifice battery size to keep the design slim, but Huawei found a way to include a hefty battery without making the phone feel bulky. In fact, at just 195g, the Pura X is lighter than some traditional flagship phones, so you’re getting a lot of juice in a surprisingly portable package.
Now let’s talk about charging, because that’s where the Pura X really shines. It supports 66W wired super fast charging, which is insanely quick. Wireless charging is also part of the package, and it’s no slouch either. The Pura X supports 40W wireless super fast charging, which is faster than what most other phones offer, even through wired connections. Wired reverse charging works at 5W, while wireless reverse charging bumps that up to 7.5W. It’s not the fastest way to charge another device, but it’s a lifesaver in emergencies.
Conclusion
$1100 is the starting price for the Huawei Pura X, and that number alone is enough to spark some strong opinions. For a foldable phone with such a unique design and feature set, it’s hard to know if that’s a bargain or a stretch. Foldable phones have always been expensive, but this one sits in an interesting spot—it’s not as pricey as some of the ultra-premium models like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, but it’s still far from cheap. To put it bluntly, $1100 is a lot of money no matter how you slice it, so the question becomes: does the Pura X justify its cost?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after cutting-edge tech and innovative design, the Pura X delivers in spades. The dual-screen setup—6.3-inch inner display and 3.5-inch outer square screen—is unlike anything else on the market. The $1100 integration feels seamless, and the AI-driven features like hover shooting and eye movement page turning are genuinely impressive. Add in the robust camera system, fast charging, and solid build quality, and you’ve got a device that punches above its weight in terms of functionality.
But let’s be real—$1100 is still a big ask. For that kind of cash, you could easily grab a high-end flagship phone like an iPhone 15 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, both of which offer top-tier performance and cameras without the quirks of a foldable design. Even Huawei’s own non-foldable flagships might give you more bang for your buck if you’re not sold on the idea of a folding screen. And while the Pura X has a lot going for it, it’s not perfect. The wide form factor takes getting used to, and some apps don’t play nicely with the unusual aspect ratios. There’s also the issue of those black borders during 4K video recording, which might bother videophiles. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth considering when deciding if the Pura X is worth the investment.
That said, there’s something undeniably appealing about the Pura X. It’s not trying to copy what everyone else is doing—it’s carving out its own niche. The “fat but cute” design grows on you, especially once you realize how practical it can be. Folded, it’s compact and easy to carry around. Unfolded, it gives you all the screen space you’d want for productivity or entertainment. It’s versatile in ways that other phones simply aren’t. Plus, the craftsmanship is undeniable. From the glass back to the basalt water drop hinge, every detail feels thoughtfully executed. You’re paying for premium materials and engineering, and that’s reflected in the price tag.
At the end of the day, the Huawei Pura X isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s a bold move by Huawei—a phone that doesn’t conform to traditional expectations but instead pushes boundaries. For tech enthusiasts who love trying new things or anyone who wants a device that stands out, the Pura X is a compelling option. It’s not just a phone; it’s a statement. A statement that says Huawei is willing to take risks and innovate even when the rest of the industry plays it safe.
So, should you spend $1100 on the Huawei Pura X? If you value creativity, innovation, and a willingness to break the mold, then yes, it’s worth considering. But if you’re looking for something more conventional or budget-friendly, this probably isn’t the phone for you.
