Huawei has dropped the first official details on its new foldable smartphone, the Pura X Max, ahead of its April 20 launch. The device marks a shift in foldable design by sporting a noticeably wider, horizontally oriented internal display, aiming to deliver a mini-tablet experience rather than the usual tall, narrow foldables.
The Huawei Pura X Max stands out as the industry’s first foldable with a wide, horizontal screen rather than the elongated panels common in current models. When unfolded, its main display is expected to measure around 7.6 to 7.69 inches diagonally, with a 16:10 aspect ratio-closer in format to a compact tablet. This wider layout caters well to multitasking, media consumption, and productivity, distinguishing it from more phone-like foldables.
The external screen is rumored to be around 5.5 inches, designed for everyday tasks like messaging and taking calls without opening the device. The phone’s design features flat edges, a centered hole-punch selfie camera on the outer display, and a slightly off-center camera on the inside. On the back, expect a horizontally aligned camera array with multiple sensors.
Powering the Pura X Max is said to be Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9030 chipset, which may also appear in the upcoming Pura 90 series. This proprietary chip signals Huawei’s continued commitment to developing its own silicon amid global supply challenges and Western restrictions.
Pre-orders for the Huawei Pura X Max have already started in China, ahead of its full reveal alongside the Pura 90 lineup on April 20. The device will come in several memory configurations:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
- 12GB RAM + 512GB storage
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage (collector’s edition)
- 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
Color options include black, white, blue, gold, and orange. This range of finishes and memory combinations targets a broad user base, from everyday consumers to enthusiasts seeking premium editions.
Huawei’s Pura X Max comes as foldables seek new ways to stand out beyond mere screen size bumps or incremental improvements. Its tablet-like width challenges the dominant vertical fold, offering a different user experience better suited for productivity. While Samsung and other rivals continue pushing ultra-thin, tall foldables, Huawei bets on a wider canvas that feels more like a mini tablet with phone capabilities.
With supply chain hurdles and geopolitical pressures still shaping Huawei’s strategy, the Pura X Max will be a key test of the company’s ability to innovate in foldable tech while relying on in-house chips. Its success could signal a new direction for foldables, especially in markets hungry for productivity-focused devices. Keep an eye on how this wider form factor influences app optimization and user adoption after launch.