Huawei Pura X: Huawei's new flip-style foldable SmartPhone Review - A Game Changer?
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Shaking Up the Foldable Space
- Unboxing the Collector's Edition
- Design, Build, and That Passport Size
- Display: The 16:10 Advantage
- Performance & HarmonyOS Next
- Camera Capabilities
- Battery and Charging
- Audio Experience
- User Experience & Practicality
- The Big Question: Global Release and APKs
- Conclusion: Innovation with a Caveat
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Huawei continues to innovate in the foldable smartphone market, a space where many other brands seem to be treading cautiously. With the Pura X, Huawei introduces a flip-style foldable that rethinks the conventional aspect ratio, aiming for a more user-friendly experience. This first look dives into what makes the Pura X potentially stand out.
The Huawei Pura X, open and ready.
Introduction: Shaking Up the Foldable Space
While the foldable market has seen entries from various manufacturers, Huawei has been notably adventurous, first with their trifold concept (Mate XT Ultimate) and now with a fresh take on flip phones. The Pura X promises a more standard and, arguably, more sensible aspect ratio for a flip device, harking back to what many might have envisioned for these phones from the outset.
Unboxing the Collector's Edition
The unboxing experience for the Collector's Edition (16GB RAM, 1TB storage) is premium. Inside the box, you'll find:
- The Huawei Pura X phone (presented open)
- SIM tray tool
- Paperwork (in Chinese for this version)
- A clear hard plastic case
- USB Type-C to Type-C cable
- A compact 66W Huawei Supercharger
It's great to see a case included, offering immediate protection, especially around the camera module and outer screen.
Huawei Pura X unboxing
Design, Build, and That Passport Size
The Pura X, when open, reveals a 6.3-inch display. To put its size into perspective, it's remarkably similar in width to a standard passport. When folded, it's just over half the width of a passport, making it very palm-friendly. The reviewer noted, "If you want to know what it's going to feel like in your hand, just grab your passport. And that is it. That's the same exact width."
The Collector's Edition features a vegan leather back, offering a nice texture and grip, and weighs 193.7g. Other models with a glass back are slightly heavier at 195.9g. When folded, it's 15.1mm thick, which, while not the thinnest, is understandable for a first-generation device of this style. Unfolded, it slims down to 7.2mm.
Build quality is described as "typical Huawei – very good," with a metal frame, antenna lines, and a metal spine. The hinge feels solid, snaps open satisfyingly, and can hold its position, allowing the phone to be used as its own tripod. The device also boasts IPX8 dust and water resistance.
- Ports & Buttons: Type-C port, dual loudspeakers, side-mounted fingerprint reader, multiple microphones.
- SIM Tray: Dual nano SIM support.
The Pura X folded, showing its compact form factor.
Display: The 16:10 Advantage
This is where the Pura X truly shines and aims to differentiate itself.
Inner Display:
- Size: 6.3 inches
- Resolution: 1320 x 2120 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz LTPO
- Brightness: Up to 2500 nits (very legible in direct sunlight)
- Crease: Noticeable, but reportedly better than Samsung's Flip and even Fold devices.
The 16:10 aspect ratio is a standout feature, providing a wider screen that's excellent for media consumption with minimal black bars for 16:9 content. The reviewer expressed a nostalgic fondness, comparing it to the Xiaomi Mi Max series: "This thing it just gives me that nostalgic feel... it's like having the Mi Max all again."
Outer Display:
The outer screen is also 120Hz LTPO and highly usable. It's not just for notifications; you can reply to messages, access widgets (gallery, camera, wireless payments, calculator), and customize its layout. It’s particularly great for taking selfies or vlogging using the main cameras.
A thoughtful design touch is a small raised bezel around the inner screen, offering protection from debris when closed.
Performance & HarmonyOS Next
The Pura X is the first device to launch with HarmonyOS Next. Paired with 16GB of RAM (in the Collector's Edition), the system is described as "very fast... very very fluid," with no noticeable slowdown or lag during initial testing.
Storage options start from 256GB (non-upgradable) up to 1TB. However, there's a significant caveat for users outside China: the reviewer was unable to install any APK files. This means access to apps is limited to Huawei's AppGallery. This is a critical point for potential importers.
Another minor annoyance noted was that the main UI doesn't rotate to landscape, although most apps do. This is something that could potentially be addressed in a future software update.
Camera Capabilities
The Pura X packs a versatile camera system:
- Main Camera: 50MP with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), f/1.6 aperture.
- Ultrawide Camera: 40MP.
- Zoom Camera: 8MP with 3.5x optical zoom.
- Inner Front-Facing Camera: 10.7MP (can shoot 4K 30/60fps with EIS).
The camera module doesn't protrude excessively. The 3.5x optical zoom is a welcome addition, though the 8MP sensor means digital zoom beyond this will see a quality drop. The camera app offers Pro mode (with RAW support), various filters, and typical Huawei modes like Super Macro, Night Shot, and Portrait.
Video: The outer cameras (main and ultrawide) are recommended for vlogging and selfies due to superior quality and the utility of the outer screen as a viewfinder. The main camera with OIS and the ultrawide with EIS deliver good video performance.
Stills: Main and ultrawide cameras produce excellent results. Portrait photos are good, though some oversaturation was noted with bright colors. Indoor photos also look good. The 3.5x optical zoom is decent, while the 5x digital preset shows some degradation.
The triple camera setup on the Pura X.
Battery and Charging
For a flip foldable, the Pura X has a respectable battery capacity:
- Capacity: 4,720 mAh
- Wired Charging: 66W (charger included)
- Wireless Charging: 40W
This should provide decent endurance, though extensive battery tests are yet to be conducted.
Audio Experience
The Pura X features dual loudspeakers (one at the bottom, one on the back when folded/side when open) that are described as sounding "great" with "a bit of bass." Haptics are also reported to be good. There's a tiny slit earpiece for calls when the phone is open, and you can also take calls with the phone folded by placing the speaker area against your ear.
User Experience & Practicality
The wider 16:10 aspect ratio of the inner screen is a major win for usability, especially for media consumption and general app use. The ability to fold it into a compact, passport-width device is highly practical. The outer screen is genuinely useful for quick interactions and high-quality selfies.
The side-mounted fingerprint reader's orientation might take a little getting used to depending on whether the phone is open or closed, but it's a minor learning curve. The hinge mechanism allows for versatile use, including hands-free video calls or photography.
The primary concern remains the software restriction on APK installations for the current Chinese version with HarmonyOS Next.
The Big Question: Global Release and APKs
The reviewer strongly hopes for a global release of the Pura X with a global ROM. Without it, the inability to install APKs makes the phone a non-starter for most users outside of China who rely on Google services or other apps not available on Huawei's AppGallery. "Right now it makes no sense for anyone to import this because you're not going to be able to run any of your favorite apps," the reviewer stated clearly.
Huawei might be testing the waters in its local market before considering a global launch. This is a phone many will be watching closely.
Conclusion: Innovation with a Caveat
The Huawei Pura X is an exciting and innovative take on the flip-style foldable. Its 16:10 aspect ratio feels like a natural evolution for this form factor, offering a superb media and app experience. The build quality is excellent, cameras are versatile, and the outer screen is highly functional.
However, the current software situation with HarmonyOS Next on the Chinese model, specifically the restriction on APK installations, is a significant hurdle for international users. Until (and if) a global version with a more open software experience is released, the Pura X remains a fascinating piece of tech best admired from afar for most outside of China.
Keywords Summary: Huawei Pura X, flip phone, foldable, HarmonyOS Next, 16:10 aspect ratio, camera review, smartphone innovation, user experience.
Pros:
- Innovative 16:10 aspect ratio on inner display
- Excellent build quality and design
- Highly usable outer screen
- Versatile camera system with 3.5x optical zoom
- Fast performance with HarmonyOS Next (on supported apps)
- Good battery capacity and fast charging
- IPX8 water and dust resistance
Cons:
- APK installation currently not possible (on Chinese version with HarmonyOS Next)
- Slightly thick when folded (though acceptable for Gen 1)
- UI doesn't rotate to landscape (minor issue)
- Availability outside China uncertain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the standout feature of the Huawei Pura X?
- Its 6.3-inch inner display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which offers a wider, more standard viewing experience compared to many other flip phones.
- Can I install Google Apps or other APK files on the Huawei Pura X?
- On the Chinese version reviewed, running HarmonyOS Next, it was not possible to install APK files. This means no Google Mobile Services and limited access to apps outside Huawei's AppGallery. A global version might differ.
- What is HarmonyOS Next?
- It's Huawei's new operating system, built from the ground up. The Pura X is the first device to launch with it. It's designed to be fast and fluid but currently has restrictions on third-party app installations (APKs) in its Chinese iteration.
- How is the crease on the inner display?
- The reviewer noted that while there is a noticeable crease, it's "definitely better than the Samsung Flip and other Flip phones," even comparing favorably to the Z Fold 6.
- Is the Huawei Pura X durable?
- It features IPX8 dust and water resistance and is described as having excellent Huawei build quality with a metal frame and solid hinge. An included case also helps with protection.
- What are the camera specifications?
- A 50MP main (OIS), 40MP ultrawide, and an 8MP 3.5x optical zoom camera on the rear. There's also a 10.7MP inner front-facing camera.
- Should I import the Huawei Pura X?
- Given the current inability to install APK files on the Chinese version, the reviewer advises against importing it for users outside China who rely on a wider app ecosystem. It's best to wait and see if a global version is released.
No comments:
Post a Comment