Huawei shook up the mobile industry with the Huawei Pura X last year. Its unusual 16:10 aspect ratio defied current smartphone trends, and the gamble appears to have paid off. The foldable device carved out its own niche in a crowded market dominated by traditional slab phones and book-style foldables.
Digital Chat Station, a well-known source on Weibo, claims Huawei is now working on a new direction. The company plans to bring that distinctive wide aspect ratio to a candybar-style, non-folding smartphone. This means a traditional slab phone sporting either a 16:9 or 16:10 screen ratio.
What We Know About the Device
The rumor suggests the display development is already underway. Huawei has reportedly set a launch window between October and December this year. The Chinese market appears to be the primary target, with Huawei banking on the same success formula that made the Pura X a hit.
Current flagship smartphones typically stick to 19.5:9 or 20:9 ratios. These taller, narrower displays work well for vertical scrolling but can feel cramped for landscape content. A 16:10 or 16:9 ratio would offer significantly more horizontal space without requiring a foldable mechanism.
Why This Form Factor Matters
The Pura X proved consumers want alternatives to standard aspect ratios. Video content, web browsing, and multitasking all benefit from extra width. However, the Pura X required unfolding to access that screen real estate. A non-folding version would deliver the same benefits in a simpler package.
Huawei's confidence likely stems from sales figures out of China. The company rarely releases official numbers, but industry chatter suggests the Pura X outperformed expectations. If true, a non-folding variant could capture users who want the wide screen without the complexity of a hinge.
Market Positioning
This device would sit in a unique spot. It wouldn't compete directly with mainstream flagships like the iPhone or Galaxy S series. Instead, it would target users specifically seeking a different aspect ratio experience. Think of it as Huawei doubling down on differentiation rather than following the pack.
The October-December timeline puts it in the busy holiday season. This suggests Huawei views it as a significant release, not a niche experiment. We'll be tracking developments closely as more details emerge.
Source (in Chinese)