Huawei Launches Pura X Max: First Wide Foldable Phone
The Pura X Max has officially been launched in China, making it the first wide-style foldable phone available to consumers, ahead of anticipated releases from tech giants Apple and Samsung. This innovative device not only showcases Huawei's advancement in foldable technology but also sets a new standard in design and functionality.
The Pura X Max is offered in two versions that are available for preorder as of today. The standard model comes with two storage options: 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage starting at 10,999 yuan (approximately $1,613) or 12,999 yuan (about $1,800) for the 512GB variant. Additionally, a Collector’s Edition is available, featuring 16GB of RAM with either 512GB of storage for 12,999 yuan (around $1,906) or 1TB of storage for 13,999 yuan (approximately $2,053).
One of the most distinguishing features of the Pura X Max is its wide display orientation, which adopts a book-like design. It boasts a 5.4-inch cover display with a peak brightness of 3500 nits. When opened, the device reveals a spacious 7.7-inch internal display that reaches up to 3000 nits of brightness. Both displays are equipped with a 1–120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, enhancing the user experience across diverse applications and media.
Huawei's entry into the wide foldable market comes at a critical time, as both Apple and Samsung are rumored to be developing their own versions of wide-style foldables. Leaks suggest that Apple is contemplating a foldable iPhone, while Samsung is working on a wider iteration of its Z Fold line. However, these competing devices are not expected to launch until later in 2026, giving Huawei a significant first-mover advantage.
From a hardware perspective, the Pura X Max is powered by Huawei's in-house Kirin 9030 Pro chipset and features a robust 5,300mAh battery. The device supports fast charging with 66W wired and 50W wireless capabilities. Its camera system is equally impressive, boasting a triple-camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 12.5-megapixel ultra-wide camera. This sophisticated camera arrangement is complemented by a range of AI-powered features designed to enhance photography, including pose recommendations for users.
The Pura X Max operates on Huawei's latest HarmonyOS 6.1 and is compatible with the Huawei M-Pen 3 Mini stylus, providing additional functionality for productivity and creative tasks. Despite the excitement surrounding its launch, Huawei has not yet confirmed whether the Pura X Max will be available outside of China, leaving potential international customers eagerly awaiting news.
This launch not only showcases Huawei's innovation in the smartphone market but also raises concerns for competitors like Samsung and Apple, who may find it challenging to catch up with Huawei's early lead in this emerging segment.
Source: The Verge News