Huawei Pocket3: A New Chapter for Foldable Phones Driven by Hardware Revolution and Policy Tailwinds

Huawei Pocket3: A New Chapter for Foldable Phones Driven by Hardware Revolution and Policy TailwindsWhile the global tech industry buzzes about AI and the metaverse, the Chinese smartphone market is undergoing a dual transformation fueled by a "hardware revolution" and "policy tailwinds." Huawei's upcoming Pocket3, with its anticipated specifications, competitive pricing, and the boost from national subsidy policies, is poised to lead this change

Huawei Pocket3: A New Chapter for Foldable Phones Driven by Hardware Revolution and Policy Tailwinds

While the global tech industry buzzes about AI and the metaverse, the Chinese smartphone market is undergoing a dual transformation fueled by a "hardware revolution" and "policy tailwinds." Huawei's upcoming Pocket3, with its anticipated specifications, competitive pricing, and the boost from national subsidy policies, is poised to lead this change. This article delves into the Huawei Pocket3 and the market forces behind it.

I. Huawei Pocket3: A Perfect Fusion of Disruptive Design and Performance

Initially slated for a March release, recent reports suggest a late-March launch for the Huawei Pocket3. While the release date remains unconfirmed, leaks have steadily built consumer anticipation.

Leaked information reveals a unique design. The Pocket3 features a 6.3-inch inner screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 3.5-inch square outer screen, diverging from the mainstream 20:9 aspect ratio of most foldable phones. This tablet-like form factor offers a distinctly different user experience compared to traditional straight phones, representing a redefinition of the phone's very form. Reportedly, the physical button placement has also been adjusted, significantly differentiating it from current foldable phones. Concept images even suggest a 360-degree rotating inner screen with both forward and reverse folding capabilities. If realized, this bold design would revolutionize user interaction with foldable phones. Imagine the inner screen rotating to function as the outer screen, utilizing the rear camera for selfiesunprecedented convenience. Regardless of the final design, the Huawei Pocket3's aesthetics are a bold challenge to the existing market, and its success will profoundly influence future foldable phone design trends.

The Pocket3's hardware is equally promising. It will be the first device to launch with HarmonyOS NEXT, a pure-blooded HarmonyOS system, completely breaking free from the Android architecture. Leaked developer documentation indicates that HarmonyOS NEXT has undergone fundamental restructuring in distributed architecture and cross-device collaboration, with deep optimization participation from internet giants. This suggests that the native HarmonyOS ecosystem is poised to overcome the "app shortage" bottleneck, providing users with a smoother and more convenient cross-device experience.

The interplay between the foldable form factor and the HarmonyOS NEXT human-computer interaction is one of the most anticipated aspects. Although specific interaction details are yet to be revealed, the integration promises to usher smartphones into a new era of "form serving function."

II. Price Surprise and Government Subsidies: Propelling Foldable Phones into the Mass Market

Huawei's Consumer Business CEO, Richard Yu, has stated that the Huawei Pocket3 will be a foldable phone "everyone can afford." This signifies not only competitive pricing for the Pocket3 itself but also a close relationship with impending national subsidy policies.

The digital product subsidy policy, implemented in January 2025, provides up to a 15% subsidy for phones and tablets priced below 6000 yuan, with a maximum subsidy of 500 yuan per unit. This policy ignited consumer upgrade enthusiasm. Counterpoint data shows a 65% year-on-year surge in sales during the first week of implementation, with January sales exceeding 29 million unitsa recent high. Leading brands like Huawei, vivo, and Xiaomi captured 53.8% of the market share during this subsidy wave.

This policy is particularly significant for foldable phones. The high price has long been a major barrier to their widespread adoption. The government subsidy effectively lowers the final price, bringing foldable phones into the mainstream consumer range and providing an excellent opportunity for market validation. Simultaneously, policy stimulus requires product innovation to maintain momentum, while the breakthrough of the HarmonyOS ecosystem enhances the value appeal of consumer electronics. This two-way empowerment is fostering a new industry ecosystem.

III. Kirin Processor, High Refresh Rate Screen, and Enhanced Imaging: All-Around Performance Improvement

Beyond design and system innovation, the Huawei Pocket3 boasts comprehensive hardware upgrades. It's rumored to feature a Kirin processor, a high refresh rate screen, and significant improvements in imaging capabilities. This means the Pocket3 delivers not only groundbreaking design and an advanced operating system but also powerful performance and exceptional photography. This combination is undoubtedly highly attractive to consumers.

IV. A Convergence of Historical Nodes: The Perfect Fusion of Technological Innovation, Consumer Demand, and Policy Support

Huawei's decade-long development of HarmonyOS, consumers' enduring pursuit of technological advancements, and strong government support have converged at a pivotal moment to bring forth the Huawei Pocket3. This is not merely the launch of a new phone but a microcosm of the interplay between technological innovation, market demand, and policy guidance. It signals the Chinese smartphone market's entry into a new phaseone brimming with dynamism and opportunity. The success of the Huawei Pocket3 will profoundly impact the future development of the foldable phone market.