Huawei Pura X Max Launches as the Industry’s First Wide-Screen Foldable Smartphone

Huawei has introduced the Huawei Pura X Max, putting forward what it calls the first wide-screen foldable to reach the market. The sales opened today in China at 10:08, with pricing starting at CNY 10,999 (roughly $1608), placing it firmly in the premium segment. Obviously, this is the norm for "firsts" in this premium foldable category. It may take some years until this becomes mainstream and reaches lower prices. 

The device stands out mainly for its display approach. Instead of the tall and narrow format seen in most foldables, Huawei is pushing a wider, more balanced aspect ratio on both the inner and outer screens. The company describes it as a “paper-like” layout, aimed at delivering a more natural viewing experience. In practical terms, that means less scrolling and a layout that feels closer to a small tablet when unfolded.

This design direction attempts to solve one of the long-standing criticisms of foldables. Many current models sacrifice usability when closed or feel awkward when open. By keeping a consistent wide-screen format across both displays, Huawei is trying to make the transition between modes feel less like a compromise. It's a new, totally different approach for foldables, and we are curious to see how users will react to this new form factor. 

On the hardware side, the Pura X Max runs on the Kirin 9030 Pro, the same as inside the Huawei Mate 80 series. Huawei’s latest in-house chip is aimed at flagship performance. The phone is paired with HarmonyOS 6.1, which has been tuned to better handle large and adaptive displays. The interface adjusts depending on whether the device is folded or fully open, with an emphasis on multitasking and app continuity.

Huawei is also leaning into AI with an updated version of its Xiaoyi assistant. The company positions it as a more proactive system, designed to handle everyday tasks and improve interaction across the device.

The Pura X Max does not just follow the current foldable trend. It tries to shift it, focusing less on compactness and more on usability and screen comfort. Whether that approach gains traction will depend on how users respond to this wider format.

Huawei had a hard time in the years that followed the US ban, but the company managed to overcome the challenges e reconquer its position in the Chinese market. Now, it is trying with different concepts, and the Huawei Pura X Max seems like a jump in the right direction, considering that foldables are yet to conquer the mass market.