Huawei Pocket 3 Set to Launch Next Week as an “Unexpected Product,” First to Run HarmonyOS Next

Huawei is gearing up to launch its latest foldable smartphone, the Pocket 3, next week, and the company has teased it as an “unexpected product.” While Huawei has yet to officially confirm the name, industry insiders widely believe this refers to the Pocket 3, a clamshell foldable expected to introduce an unconventional design and hardware improvements over its predecessor. This will also be the first Huawei device to run HarmonyOS Next, the company’s fully independent operating system that moves away from Android.

The Pocket 3 will feature a 6.28-inch main foldable display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, a departure from the usual elongated foldable screens. This design could make it more compact and tablet-like when unfolded, resembling a smaller iPad mini rather than a traditional flip phone. On the outside, the cover display is expected to be 3.48 inches, which is larger than its predecessor and even bigger than the rumored external display of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6. This could allow for better usability, including improved mini-app support and gaming experiences.

In terms of optics, the Pocket 3 is said to pack a 50MP primary camera, alongside additional sensors, including a multi-spectral shooter. Huawei is known for its photography advancements, so expectations are high for its foldable camera system. The device is also tipped to include dust and water resistance, making it more durable than previous clamshell foldables. Security-wise, it will likely feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button.

Under the hood, leaks suggest the Pocket 3 will be powered by a new Kirin 5G chipset, potentially featuring overclocked cores for improved performance. It may also introduce 5.5G network support, which could provide faster and more stable connectivity. With HarmonyOS Next at the core, the device is expected to optimize Huawei’s ecosystem, potentially offering a smoother and more AI-integrated user experience.

While it is unclear whether the Huawei Pocket 3 will launch globally or remain exclusive to China, its unique form factor suggests that the company is trying to redefine the vertical foldable segment. More details, including official pricing and availability, are expected at the launch event next week.