Huawei is intensifying its challenge in the competitive foldable smartphone market, launching the nova Flip S in China as one of the country’s most affordable devices in the category. The new smartphone is now available for pre-order, aiming to capture a significant segment of the domestic market.
The nova Flip S starts at 3,388 Chinese Yuan, approximately $467, for its 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. This pricing positions it as a budget-friendly option compared to many high-end foldable models currently on the market.
This release follows Huawei’s initial foray into the foldable flip phone segment with the nova Flip, launched in August 2024. The nova Flip S is described as a direct continuation, featuring new color options and a lower entry price point.
The device is powered by Huawei’s in-house HiSilicon Kirin 8-series chipset. While the specific model was not explicitly disclosed by the company, industry rumors suggest it could be the Kirin 8030. The Kirin 8030 is reportedly an upgrade from the Kirin 8020, which debuted in May 2025 with the Huawei nova 14 Ultra.
The rumored Kirin 8030 processor is expected to feature an octa-core CPU configuration. This includes one prime core clocked at up to 2.29 GHz, three performance cores at up to 2.05 GHz, and four efficiency cores running at up to 1.30 GHz. Graphics processing is handled by a Maleoon 920 GPU.
Other specifications largely mirror its predecessor. The nova Flip S incorporates a 2.14-inch OLED external display on its lid. The main foldable OLED screen offers Full HD+ resolution and LTPO technology, allowing for a dynamic refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz.
The smartphone maintains a 4,400 mAh battery capacity, supporting 66 W fast charging. It runs on HarmonyOS 5.1, Huawei’s proprietary operating system.
For photography, the nova Flip S is equipped with a dual-camera system on the rear. This includes a 50-megapixel main camera with a 1/1.56-inch RYYB sensor and an f/1.9 aperture, alongside an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. A 32-megapixel camera is available for selfies.
The nova Flip S is offered in multiple color choices, including Feather Black, White, Azure Blue, Green, Soft Pink, and Star Black.