The foldable phone market has been going from strength to strength for years, and while it appears manufacturers are slowly settling down, some may still be working on new form factors behind the scenes.
The recent Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 didn’t bring much new, with the focus on improving on the shortcomings of their predecessors.
While the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra has massive improvements in camera and battery life compared to the previous generation, it also retains a familiar design.
The same applies to other manufacturers, who opt for a modern flip phone or a book-style device. However, the latest rumors indicate that Huawei will be the one to break this trend.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
According to the Chinese site Securities Daily, the Chinese company has been working on a ‘tri-fold’ smartphone that can be formed into a Z configuration for five years. The phone was also mentioned by Huawei executive Yu Chengdong in a recent interview.
Furthermore, the brand may even have plans to put it into mass production by the end of 2024.
The Register claims that a patent granted to Huawei in March this year suggests that the device will have a double hinge system, allowing the screen to fold in either direction.
Despite being called a ‘tri-fold’, it has two folds and three different screens, which unfold to reveal a 10-inch screen. Additionally, the phone will likely include a rear camera and use lightweight glass to minimize its weight and size.
Industry sources from Korea suggest that Chinese display manufacturer BOE will supply the screens. The device will probably also run on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s Android alternative.
The company’s own Kirin 9100 is expected to appear under the hood, with a potential price tag of around ¥15,000 ($2,065).
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
As Huawei appears to be preparing to launch this radical device, many rivals will be watching with interest. If successful, it could become the next big foldable form factor, reaffirming Huawei’s position as a major technology innovator.
However, time will tell whether consumers actually want such a device. In the meantime, our guide to the best foldable phones includes both clamshell devices and book-style foldable phones.