Rumours about a foldable iPhone have been circulating for quite some time, but Apple has maintained its usual stance, offering no definitive answers. Despite this, these seemingly baseless rumours appear to have ignited a spark of inspiration at Huawei. Recently, Huawei CEO Richard Yu generously "leaked" a new device on Weibo, and this device looks strikingly like a mini version of the iPad mini, except for the subtle addition of a hole-punch front camera on the screen.

This new device may belong to the Pura series or Pocket series. Although it looks compact, its screen is noticeably more spacious than that of traditional foldable phones. The slogan Huawei teased in the preview is "16:10, unleash your imagination," which immediately brings to mind the classic 16:10 widescreen ratio commonly seen in laptops. This suggests that the display will be more suitable for reading and entertainment. While the industry continues to speculate about Apple possibly releasing a foldable device similar to an iPad mini, Huawei seems to be one step ahead. Despite the device's smaller appearance, it may offer a user experience closer to that of an iPad mini when unfolded, combining the functionality of both a smartphone and a tablet.

If a foldable phone can be compared to a pocket-sized book that can be flipped open at any time, then Huawei's new device is more like a finely bound, compact "digital magazine." Although the new model appears smaller than the iPad mini on the outside, its internal capabilities should not be underestimated. According to analysis, this device is likely to feature an 8-inch screen with a 16:10 ratio — when used vertically, the screen is around 4 inches, making it very comfortable to hold without feeling bulky. Opening this foldable device feels like flipping through a small electronic book, immersing users in a visual feast anytime, anywhere.

Huawei seems to have its sights set on an untapped "mid-sized device" segment within the foldable screen market. This product is aimed at consumers who prefer a "one-device-fits-all" solution — those who don't want to carry around a large tablet but also aren't satisfied with the limitations of a small-screen phone. The foldable device, with its perfectly balanced size, not only meets basic communication needs but also delivers a more immersive viewing, reading, and entertainment experience, making it an ideal "pocket cinema" and "portable work device" for modem urban dwellers.

While Apple has been crawling at a snail's pace when it comes to foldable devices, Huawei has no intention of waiting for its competitors to make a move. With the release of this device's teaser, Huawei is not only signalling its technological ambition to the market but also throwing down the gauntlet to its competitors in the foldable screen field. If this device turns out to be as speculated — positioned at the

"golden size" between a smartphone and a tablet - Huawei may be able to capture the interest of consumers eagerly awaiting such devices before Apple launches its foldable iPhone.

Considering the current landscape of the foldable phone market, Samsung dominates with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, while brands like OPPO and Xiaomi continue to innovate to claim a slice of the pie. In contrast, Huawei's strategy appears more distinctive — rather than simply making another foldable phone, it is introducing a device that offers an experience similar to the iPad mini, but in a foldable form.

Apple's prolonged inaction in the foldable device arena has given Huawei ample time for technical accumulation and market positioning. Once this iPad mini-like foldable device hits the market, consumers may realize that their anticipation for Apple's foldable device has already been quietly replaced by Huawei's innovative product Huawei is not only taking the lead in the foldable phone market but also accurately identifying the "gap." between smartphones and tablets, launching a device that could fundamentally change user habits. The arrival of this device may signal a more diversified future for mobile devices. Will Apple be forced to speed up its pace? Will the market witness a brand-new battle for foldable supremacy? Tech enthusiasts can look forward to finding out.

（Writer：Cily）