Huawei announces new folding smartphone, but it's not for you

Here is the Pocket 2! A clamshell format, with a folding screen and very elaborate finishes.

Huawei has just made its latest smartphone official, the Pocket 2. You know the format: a smartphone that fits in your pocket, but when you open it, bam, a folding screen.

Huawei has unveiled its latest foldable phone, the Pocket 2, aiming to build on the success of its predecessor, the P50 Pocket. This iteration boasts a larger display, a more powerful processor, and a unique quad-camera setup on the cover screen, making it a strong contender in the burgeoning foldable market.

A very correct technical sheet

It is only 7.25 millimeters thick and weighs just 199 grams. This smartphone is light but still has IPX8 certification. But what changes is the design of the Art Edition with its 3D sculpted Kunlun glass back.

There is a small 1.15-inch (60 Hz) OLED exterior screen. It's perfect for looking at your notifications. Or taking a selfie without opening the phone. The main screen is a 6.94-inch LTPO OLED with a definition of 2,690 x 1,136 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

On the photo side, Huawei has four back cameras. They include a 50-megapixel main sensor, which Huawei says is very bright (f/1.6 aperture, OIS). Add an ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12-megapixel sensor. Also, add a telephoto lens with a 3x zoom. And even a "spectral" camera. And the selfie camera? 10.7 megapixels, discreetly integrated into the screen in a small bubble.

On the performance side, Huawei does not communicate at all on its ARM chip. A priori, it is very likely that we are talking about a 5G-compatible Kirin 9000S. This further reduces the likelihood that this Pocket 2 will be marketed outside of Chinese territory. This chip is behind the resounding success of the Huawei Mate 60 in China. engraved in 7 nm, it is capable of offering 5G connectivity. Which was one of Huawei's obstacles since its American embargo.

For the rest, it runs HarmonyOS 4.0 and is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6. As for autonomy, the battery capacity is 4520 mAh with very fast wired charging, which goes up to 66 Watts. It's a shame not to see it marketed in our region. The Huawei Pocket 2 would have been an interesting alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Unveiling the Specs:

The Pocket 2 flaunts a spacious 6.94-inch LTPO OLED main display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for immersive visuals. Under the hood, the Kirin 9000s processor, built on a 7nm architecture, delivers capable performance and 5G connectivity. Users can choose between 12GB or 16GB of RAM, accompanied by ample storage options ranging from 256GB to a whopping 1TB, catering to diverse needs.

Photography Reimagined:

The camera system takes center stage with a quad-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, a telephoto sensor, and a macro sensor for capturing intricate details. The 10.7MP front-facing camera housed in a punch-hole cutout ensures clear selfies and video calls. Notably, the cover screen boasts its camera system, making it ideal for quick captures and vlogging without unfolding the phone.

HarmonyOS 3.0 and Beyond:

The Pocket 2 runs on Huawei's HarmonyOS 3.0, offering a user-friendly and customizable experience. The waterdrop hinge design promises a crease-free display, a common concern for foldable phones. The phone comes in four standard colors and a special Art version with a unique design, catering to various styles. Prices start at 7,499 Yuan (around $1,040) for the base model, reaching 10,999 Yuan (around $1,530) for the top-of-the-line option.

A Note on Availability:

Currently, the Huawei Pocket 2 is exclusive to the Chinese market, with no official word on a global release. This limitation likely stems from the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, impacting Huawei's access to certain technologies.

The Verdict:

The Huawei Pocket 2 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a larger display, better performance, and innovative camera features. However, its limited availability remains a hurdle for international buyers. Despite this, the Pocket 2 stands as a compelling option for those within reach, showcasing Huawei's continued innovation in the foldable phone segment.