Huawei, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has outpaced competitors Apple and Samsung by introducing the first foldable smartphone in the industry with a “wide” screen design.

Named the Pura X Max, this innovative device features a wide display, diverging from the taller screens typically associated with foldable smartphones. Huawei has promoted the Pura X Max as the first horizontally oriented foldable phone in the market.

Images posted by Huawei on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, depict the phone as being quite wide—comparable to an iPad mini. Currently, all available foldable devices transition from a standard-sized phone to a tablet with a nearly square aspect ratio. In contrast, Huawei has opted for a broader design that stands out from the norm. This approach harks back to the original Google Pixel Fold, which has a 5.8-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen. However, Huawei has yet to disclose the technical specifications of its new wide foldable model.

The wide format offers certain benefits over conventional foldable designs, particularly for media consumption, as it minimizes the occurrence of large black bars during video playback, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. Nonetheless, the wider construction may lead to a bulkier device, potentially making it less comfortable to hold compared to more compact alternatives.

Official visuals released by Huawei illustrate the Pura X Max as a short and wide foldable device featuring a triple rear camera system, a subtle crease, and three color options: white, orange, and purple. Additional information about the phone is scheduled to be unveiled on April 21, although consumers in China can already place pre-orders for the foldable device. Prior to the Pura X Max, Huawei had made attempts to create a flip smartphone with a wide screen.

This launch positions Huawei ahead of Apple and Samsung, both of which are planning to release their own foldable phones with similar wide-screen designs later this year. Samsung is expected to introduce its own Wide Fold model as soon as July, while Apple may reveal its inaugural foldable device, also anticipated to include a wide screen, in September.

Experts in the industry suggest that with the smartphone market nearing saturation, manufacturers are increasingly exploring new form factors and introducing premium-priced foldables to attract consumers. Huawei’s Pura X Max, along with the forthcoming offerings from Apple and Samsung, will likely target a similar consumer demographic, featuring screens that are nearly identical in size and a shared 4:3 aspect ratio, ideal for media consumption and reading.

Samsung, which has been a strong competitor to Apple in the global smartphone arena, launched its first foldable phone in 2019. iPhones remain a critical revenue source for Apple, contributing over half of the company’s reported revenue of $143.8 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Huawei, a leading smartphone brand in China and a rival to Apple, has been active in the folding phone market for several years.

Anuj Bhatia, a seasoned technology journalist at indianexpress.com, has been active in the field for more than a decade. Since 2011, he has carved a niche in tech journalism, specializing in comprehensive narratives that connect complex innovations with consumer experiences. He has been with The Indian Express since late 2016 and has previously worked as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine, as well as a tech reviewer at Gizbot. Anuj’s extensive background in technology reporting is supported by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.

His expertise encompasses a wide range of topics in personal technology, characterized by a distinctive combination of contemporary analysis and historical insight. Key areas of focus include:

• Core Technology: In-depth coverage of smartphones, personal computers, applications, and lifestyle technology.
• Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in creating long-form feature articles and explainers that delve into the relationship between technology, history, and culture.
• Global & Local Scope: Reports on significant international product launches from major companies like Apple and Google while also covering the ecosystem of independent tech startups.
• Niche Interests: A concentrated interest in vintage technology and retro gaming, providing readers with a nostalgic yet analytical view of technological evolution.

Anuj is recognized as a credible voice in the tech industry, known for his ability to simplify complex topics and provide context for rapid technological changes. His authority is further enhanced by his active participation in major international tech events and his thoughtful approach to product evaluations. By balancing coverage of leading tech brands with emerging startups, he presents a comprehensive and impartial perspective on the global technology landscape.

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