Huawei has unveiled its latest innovation in the smartphone market, the Huawei Pura X, in China. This device marks a significant departure for the company, as it is the first Huawei smartphone to operate without Android. Instead, it introduces Harmony Intelligence, Huawei’s proprietary AI assistant, alongside the new HarmonyOS Next.
No Android Support
The Huawei Pura X stands out as the company’s inaugural phone not powered by the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), a platform that had been utilized since Huawei faced restrictions from the US. The Pura X runs exclusively on HarmonyOS Next, which does not support Android applications. This shift follows the launch of HarmonyOS in 2024 with the Mate 70 series, where users had the option to choose between Android and HarmonyOS. However, the Pura X does not offer this flexibility.
Huawei Pura X Specifications
In terms of design, the Huawei Pura X resembles other flip phones but incorporates unique features that set it apart. When closed, the device presents a conventional appearance, showcasing a 3.5-inch outer OLED screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz. The phone is equipped with a triple rear camera system. Notably, the hinge is positioned on the side rather than the top, allowing it to open like a book-style foldable phone.
Upon opening, the Pura X reveals a 6.3-inch foldable OLED screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, featuring an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120 Hz and 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming for enhanced visual performance.
Since the US ban, Huawei has pivoted to using its own Kirin-branded chipsets in its devices. While the specific processor for the Pura X has not been disclosed, reports suggest it is powered by the Kirin 9020 chip, which was released last year. The device supports up to 16GB of RAM and offers a maximum storage capacity of 1TB.
In the camera department, the Pura X boasts a robust triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 40MP ultra-wide-angle macro camera, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and OIS. The inner display is complemented by a 10.7MP selfie camera.
Powering the Pura X is a 4720mAh silicon-carbon battery, which supports 66W wired fast charging and 40W wireless fast charging. Additionally, the device is rated IPX8 for water resistance, enhancing its durability.
Huawei Pura X Price and Availability
The Huawei Pura X has been launched in China with a starting price of CNY 7499, approximately ₹89,000. Given Huawei’s historical performance and the challenges it faces regarding device support in India, it is unlikely that the Pura X will be available in that market. Furthermore, the absence of Android compatibility poses significant hurdles for potential importers looking to use the device in India.
