The flip phone market is growing, but most devices prioritize compact size over functional screen space. The Huawei Pura X breaks this mold with a unique 6.3-inch wide-screen design that excels at video and reading, offering a more versatile experience than traditional flip phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series or Motorola Razr.
A Different Aspect Ratio Matters
Most flip phones use tall, narrow 21:9 aspect ratios, resulting in awkward letterboxing when watching standard video content. The Pura X uses a wider 16:10 screen, which minimizes black bars and maximizes viewing area. This means less wasted space and a more immersive experience, making it ideal for consuming media on the go. In fact, the Pura X’s usable screen area is larger than many 6.9-inch flip phones.
China-Exclusive, But Worth Considering
The Pura X is currently only available in China, meaning preloaded apps are in Chinese. However, installing Google apps like Chrome and YouTube is possible to provide a familiar user experience. The device offers a compelling combination of portability and functionality, bridging the gap between pocketable flip phones and book-style foldables.
Key Specs and Performance
The Pura X boasts a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, 2,120×1,320 resolution, and peak brightness of 2,500 nits for HDR content. It runs on a Kirin 9020 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, with HarmonyOS 6.0 providing a smooth user interface. The device also features a versatile triple-camera system:
- 50MP primary (f/1.6)
- 40MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
- 8MP telephoto (3.5x optical zoom)
The camera performance is in line with Huawei’s standards, delivering bright and detailed images. A 4,720mAh battery supports 66W wired and 40W wireless fast charging.
Unique Design Challenges
The Pura X’s wider design can feel slippery in hand, but its sub-200-gram weight helps mitigate this issue. The unfolding mechanism requires a 90-degree rotation to switch between folded and unfolded orientations, which may take some getting used to. The fingerprint sensor placement also shifts during unfolding, requiring muscle memory adjustments.
Pricing and Availability
Launched earlier this year at ¥7,499 (approximately $1,065), the Pura X recently received a price cut to ¥6,899 (around $980) for the 12GB/256GB model. While currently limited to China, the Pura X demonstrates how innovative design can redefine the flip phone experience.
The Huawei Pura X isn’t just another foldable; it’s a focused device that prioritizes video and reading in a pocketable form factor. For those willing to navigate the language barrier or import restrictions, this phone delivers an unparalleled viewing experience in the world of flip phones.
