In the rapidly evolving world of foldable smartphones, Huawei has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation with its latest release, the Pura X. This unique device combines elements from both flip and book-style foldables, offering a surprisingly compact design with a functional twist. This article provides an in-depth hands-on review of the Huawei Pura X, showcasing its unique features and performance.
The Huawei Pura X defies conventional category boundaries, presenting a distinct option that is compact like a flip foldable but offers a larger display experience. When folded, it closely resembles popular devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip6, measuring slightly larger yet maintaining a manageable thickness.
| (closed) | Huawei Pura X | Huawei Pocket 2 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 91.7mm | 87.8mm | 85.1mm |
| Height | 74.3mm | 75.5mm | 71.9mm |
| Thickness | 15.1mm | 15.3mm | 14.9mm |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | 187g |
| Cover display | 3.5” | 1.15” | 3.4” |
Despite its thickness, the Pura X does not feel bulky in the hand, thus offering a comfortable experience typical of flip-style phones. One of its key advantages lies within its inner display: a 6.3” panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio that provides 13% more surface area compared to the standard 6.7” display of the Galaxy Z Flip6. This ensures more usability, especially for video content and document viewing.
The device cleverly utilizes a 90° twist design: when held closed with the camera array positioned at the top, it opens sideways like a book. However, the user interface is primarily designed for portrait mode, making it akin to a flip device in practical usage.
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the robust camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 40MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto module with 3.5x zoom. Additionally, a 10.7MP punch-hole camera is positioned inside for selfies and video calls.
Camera quality has been a stronghold for Huawei, and early samples from the Pura X demonstrate that this device maintains the high standards expected of the brand.
The device sports an impressive cover display that measures 3.5 inches with a resolution of 980 x 980 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. While it is adequate for quick tasks, the 6.3” main display, also 120Hz, is better suited for more intensive tasks and presents excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
In terms of performance, the Pura X is powered by Huawei's Kirin 9020 chipset, which delivers reliable everyday functionality, although it pales in comparison to flagship chipsets from its competitors. The device runs on HarmonyOS, which, while efficient for Chinese users, presents challenges regarding app availability for global audiences.
The Pura X is built for versatility, featuring a 4,720mAh battery that supports rapid charging with wired at 66W and wireless at 40W, ensuring users remain powered throughout the day. Additionally, the device's IPX8 rating ensures it can withstand immersion in water, although precautions should be taken regarding dust and debris.
Despite utilizing conventional foldable technology, Huawei’s innovative approach with the Pura X has resulted in a device that offers an exciting new take on foldable phones. While it remains uncertain how it will perform in the marketplace, it undoubtedly demonstrates Huawei's commitment to pushing boundaries in smartphone design.
