Huawei Slashes Pura X Price As Samsung And Apple Prepare To Shake Up Foldables

Huawei Slashes Pura X Price as Samsung and Apple Prepare to Shake Up Foldables

Huawei has taken a decisive step in the fast-changing foldable smartphone market by cutting prices on its widescreen Pura X device. The move comes at a crucial time, with competition expected to intensify as Samsung and Apple prepare to launch their own next-generation foldable phones.

The price reduction reflects growing pressure in the foldables segment, which is seeing steady growth but also rising expectations from consumers. With rivals planning devices featuring wider displays and new form factors, Huawei is acting early to protect its strong position, especially in the Chinese market.

Huawei Cuts Pura X Price by Up to 800 Yuan

Huawei Technologies confirmed that it has reduced prices on the Pura X foldable handset by as much as 800 yuan, or around US$114. The price cut was rolled out over the weekend and applies to the widescreen, vertically folding smartphone that was first launched in March this year.

Following the reduction, the Pura X now starts at 6,899 yuan. This adjustment makes the device more competitive at a time when consumers are increasingly weighing their options in the premium foldable category. Price sensitivity has become more noticeable as more brands enter the segment and technology matures.

The markdown is widely seen as a strategic move rather than a sign of weak demand. Huawei is positioning itself to defend market share before rival launches draw fresh attention to foldable devices globally.

What Makes the Huawei Pura X Different

The Pura X stands out from most foldable smartphones currently available. Unlike typical clamshell-style foldables that focus on compactness, the Pura X offers a wider display that changes how users interact with the device.

It features a 6.3-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This makes it closer to a small tablet than a standard smartphone, offering more screen space for multitasking, reading, and media consumption. The wider screen format is a key selling point and sets it apart from narrower foldables on the market.

Another major distinction is software. The Pura X is Huawei’s first foldable smartphone to run HarmonyOS Next. This is the company’s home-grown operating system and is not compatible with Android. The move underlines Huawei’s broader strategy to build an independent software ecosystem, especially after years of restrictions affecting its access to Android services.

Timing the Price Cut Ahead of Rising Competition

Huawei’s decision to cut prices comes as the foldable smartphone market braces for a new wave of high-profile launches. Both Samsung and Apple are widely expected to introduce foldable devices with broader screen designs in the near future.

Reports from South Korean outlet ETnews and supply-chain sources suggest that upcoming foldables from Samsung and Apple could feature displays closer to a 4:3 aspect ratio. This would place them in direct competition with Huawei’s widescreen approach seen in the Pura X.

By reducing prices now, Huawei is attempting to strengthen its value proposition before these devices arrive. The goal is to make the Pura X more attractive to buyers who may otherwise delay purchases in anticipation of new products from global rivals.

Huawei’s Strong Position in China’s Foldable Market

Huawei currently holds a dominant position in China’s foldable smartphone market. According to IDC data released last month, the company accounted for nearly 70 per cent of foldable phone sales in China during the third quarter.

This strong performance reflects Huawei’s early investment in diverse foldable designs, including trifold and widescreen models. While many competitors focused on refining traditional book-style or clamshell foldables, Huawei experimented with new formats that appealed to different user needs.

The Pura X played an important role in reinforcing this dominance, offering a unique design that stood out in a crowded market. The recent price cut is likely aimed at maintaining momentum and ensuring Huawei remains the first choice for foldable buyers in China.

Expansion of Huawei’s Foldable Line-up

The Pura X is not the only foldable device Huawei has introduced recently. After launching the clamshell-style Pura X earlier this year, the company expanded its foldable portfolio with the Mate X7.

The Mate X7 is a premium book-style foldable smartphone that was released in China in November. Earlier this month, Huawei also began rolling it out globally, signalling renewed confidence in its international smartphone strategy.

Together, the Pura X and Mate X7 show Huawei’s commitment to covering multiple segments of the foldable market. From compact flip-style devices to larger book-style models, the company is aiming to meet a wide range of consumer preferences.

Samsung’s Global Lead Outside China

While Huawei dominates foldables in China, Samsung continues to lead the category globally. According to Counterpoint Research, Samsung held a 64 per cent share of the foldable smartphone market outside China during the September quarter.

Huawei, by comparison, accounted for 15 per cent of the global foldable market during the same period. This gap highlights the challenges Huawei still faces internationally, including brand perception, software ecosystem limitations, and competition from well-established players.

Samsung has been actively reinforcing its position through regular product updates and innovation. Its global distribution network and strong brand recognition continue to give it an edge in markets outside China.

Foldable Smartphone Market Continues to Grow

Despite still being a niche category, foldable smartphones are showing steady growth. Counterpoint Research reported that the segment reached a quarterly record in the third quarter, with shipments rising 14 per cent year on year.

Foldables accounted for 2.5 per cent of worldwide smartphone shipments during this period. While this share remains small compared to traditional smartphones, the consistent growth suggests rising consumer interest and improving technology.

Manufacturers see foldables as a key area for differentiation in a market where conventional smartphone upgrades have become more incremental. As designs improve and prices gradually fall, foldables are expected to attract a broader audience.

Samsung Pushes Ahead with New TriFold Device

Samsung has recently taken another step to strengthen its position in the foldable market. The company launched the Galaxy Z TriFold in South Korea, introducing a new form factor that expands beyond traditional folding designs.

A global roll-out of the Galaxy Z TriFold is already under way, with a US launch expected as early as the first quarter of next year. This aggressive expansion shows Samsung’s confidence in foldable devices and its belief that consumers are ready for more advanced designs.

Devices like the Galaxy Z TriFold increase competitive pressure on rivals such as Huawei, particularly in markets where Samsung already enjoys strong brand loyalty.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Change the Market

The biggest potential shift in the foldable smartphone market may come from Apple. The company’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone is expected to arrive in 2026, and industry analysts believe its impact could be significant.

According to IDC senior research director Nabila Popal, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could capture more than 22 per cent of unit share in its first year. Even more striking is the forecast that Apple could account for 34 per cent of the total value of the foldable category during the same period.

Apple’s entry would likely bring foldables to a much wider audience, especially in premium markets. Its influence could also push competitors to accelerate innovation and reconsider pricing strategies.

IDC Forecasts Strong Growth for Foldables in 2026

IDC expects the foldable smartphone market to see a major boost in 2026. The research firm forecasts growth of around 30 per cent, driven largely by new devices from Samsung and Apple.

This projected expansion explains why companies like Huawei are taking pre-emptive action now. Price cuts, expanded product line-ups, and new form factors are all part of a broader effort to secure long-term positions in a market that is expected to grow rapidly.

For consumers, this competition could lead to better designs, improved durability, and more attractive pricing over time.

Why Huawei’s Price Cut Matters

Huawei’s decision to reduce the Pura X price is more than a short-term promotion. It signals how seriously the company views the upcoming competitive landscape in foldable smartphones.

By making the Pura X more affordable, Huawei is lowering the barrier for consumers who are curious about foldables but hesitant about premium prices. It also helps the company clear inventory and keep its devices relevant as newer models from rivals approach launch.

The move highlights how pricing has become a key battleground in the foldable segment, alongside design, software, and brand strength.

The Road Ahead for Foldable Smartphones

The foldable smartphone market is entering a new phase. Early adopters have proven there is demand, and major brands are now preparing to scale up with more refined products.

Huawei’s price cut on the Pura X shows that competition is already influencing strategy, even before Samsung and Apple release their next wave of devices. As more players enter the space, consumers can expect faster innovation and greater choice.

The next two years are likely to define whether foldables remain a niche or move closer to the mainstream.

Also Read- Cleer Audio Arc 4 Earbuds Bring Dolby Atmos Sound Without The High Price