Huawei’s wide foldable push is starting to face real competition. Vivo and Honor are now both linked to devices that follow the same broader-screen direction, a sign that the foldable market may be moving beyond the tall, narrow book-style format that has dominated so far.
The shift matters because the wide foldable concept addresses several long-standing complaints about conventional foldables. When opened, the wider display gives more comfortable room for multitasking, a better fit for video viewing, and a more spacious layout for creative apps.
Huawei appears to have sparked that momentum. The Pura X Max is said to have sold out within minutes, and that kind of response has become a strong signal that demand for a wider foldable format is real.
Vivo takes the cautious path
Vivo is not expected to jump straight into the wide foldable category. According to Smart Pikachu, the company first wants to refine hinge quality through the Vivo X Fold 6, which is scheduled to arrive at the end of 2026.
That model is still expected to use a conventional book-style design with a taller-than-wide shape. The approach suggests Vivo is prioritizing stability and build quality before moving into a more aggressive new format.
Only after that step is Vivo expected to move to a wide book-style device. The unnamed model is reportedly planned for 2027 and is being positioned to challenge both the Pura X Max and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide.
Honor moves more boldly
Honor, by contrast, is said to be taking a more ambitious route. A prototype leaked by Guan Tongxue GiM reportedly uses a wide foldable layout that opens horizontally and includes three rear cameras.
Another notable element is the secondary display on the back of the device. That feature sets it apart from Huawei’s Pura X Max and could appeal to users who want to check notifications without unfolding the phone.
Honor’s direction also shows that foldables are no longer competing on screen size alone. Premium photography, daily convenience, and a tablet-like experience when opened are all becoming part of the value equation for buyers.
A wider race is forming
Honor is not expected to launch the device soon. The timeline in circulation points to Q1 2027, giving the company time to observe market reaction and refine the hinge, display durability, and user interface.
Vivo also still has room to fine-tune its transition into this segment. If both companies follow the leaked direction, the wide foldable category will become much more crowded and Huawei will no longer stand alone on that stage.
The industry’s direction is beginning to move toward foldables that feel broader, flatter, and more versatile. With Vivo and Honor entering the picture, the competition in wide foldables looks set to become far more serious.
