Huawei has taken the wraps off its latest innovation, the Pura X, a flip phone that defies conventional design norms. The device features a sideways-opening hinge, resulting in a wider 6.3-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, reminiscent of tablets. This bold move marks a significant departure from traditional flip phones and signals Huawei's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology.

The Pura X's design is a deliberate attempt to bridge the gap between flip phones and larger book-style foldables. When closed, the phone resembles a Samsung Galaxy Flip or Motorola Razr, with a palm-sized design and a square cover screen below its triple camera. However, the hinge's sideways orientation sets it apart, allowing for a more expansive display that challenges traditional notions of flip phone design.

Another notable aspect of the Pura X is its operating system. The device runs on HarmonyOS Next, Huawei's in-house operating system that doesn't utilize Android Open Source Project code. This marks a significant shift away from Android, as the Pura X is the first Huawei phone to abandon Android app compatibility. The OS was initially launched in November 2024 alongside the Mate 70 series, but owners of those phones were given the option to choose between Next and the Android-based HarmonyOS.

The Pura X is also the first phone to debut Harmony Intelligence, an AI assistant based on Huawei's in-house Pangu model and enhanced by DeepSeek. This development is significant, as Huawei is actively developing its own in-house Ascend AI chips. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has taken notice, acknowledging that Huawei's "presence in AI is growing every single year" and that the company is becoming a formidable force in the AI landscape.

Huang's comments are particularly noteworthy, given the US trade restrictions imposed on Huawei. The Nvidia CEO believes that these restrictions have "done poorly" and that Huawei is now "the single most formidable technology company in China." This endorsement underscores the significance of Huawei's AI ambitions and its potential to disrupt the industry.

The Pura X is currently available only in China, with a starting price of 7,499 yuan (approximately $1,037). While early teasers suggested that the device might be Huawei's first commercial rollable phone, it appears that the wait for a rolling phone will continue. Meanwhile, Lenovo has confirmed that its rollable laptop will hit the market this year.

Huawei's bold move with the Pura X is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and its willingness to challenge traditional design norms. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how the Pura X fares in the market and whether its unique features will inspire a new wave of flip phone designs.