Huawei seems to have a major plan for its “Air phone iteration this year – instead of launching an ultra-thin model in the Mate series, the company could introduce it to its mid-range Nova family. Perhaps the firm is making its slim devices more affordable.
Weibo leaker @SuperDimensional reported that Huawei is working on a new, wide Nova Air or Nova 17 Air phone. Earlier, the device was expected to be a Mate model. However, the company could be bringing an ultra-thin creation to the mid-range group.
The tipster stated that Huawei planned to continue iterating on the Mate Air handset in 2026. But currently, a new Airy device is making its way to the leaks segment.
Details reveal that the rumored Nova Air smartphone will equip a 6.39-inch LTPO OLED panel supporting 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 16:10 wide screen ratio.
Other specifications include a triple camera setup on the back consisting of a 50MP primary shooter (1/1.3-inch), a periscope telephoto shooter, and a multispectral lens. Based on the leak, it seems the OEM may skip an ultrawide sensor for the phone.
Huawei could launch the new Air handset anytime between November and December. In the meantime, things will get clearer regarding the device’s official name.
Ultra-thin Phone Trend
Apple is the first brand to introduce an Air model last year, and since then, the smartphone industry has experienced a crazy trend of “ultra-thin” handset launches.
Samsung followed up with the Galaxy S25 Edge, Huawei introduced the Mate 70 Air, and Honor brought its Magic 8 Pro Air! Despite top launches, the slim phone market performed sluggishly throughout the year.
Though the case was different for Huawei, as the Mate 70 Air features a giant 7-inch screen, 6500mAh battery, and a 6.6mm thin body. Powered by Kirin 9020 chip, the device comes out of the box with HarmonyOS 5.1, offering flagship performance.
As of now, the company is reportedly working on a new Airy model. What big changes the upcoming handset brings over the previous-gen device will be known in the time ahead.
(Image Credits: Weibo)
