The foldable phone market has been going from strength to strength for years, and while it may seem that manufacturers are slowly starting to settle 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 too much new, focusing on improving the shortcomings of their predecessors.
The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, while bringing vast improvements to its camera and battery life compared to the previous generation, also retains a familiar design.
The same is also true of other manufacturers, which opt for either a modern flip phone or a book-style device. However, the latest rumours indicate that Huawei will be the one to break the mould.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
According to Chinese site Securities Daily, the Chinese company has been working on a ‘tri-fold’ smartphone that can be shaped into a Z-configuration for five years. The phone was also mentioned by Huawei Executive Direction Yu Chengdong in a recent recent interview.
What’s more, the brand might even have plans to mass-produce it by the end of 2024.
The Register claims that a patent granted to Huawei in March of this year suggests the device will feature a double hinge system, allowing the screen to fold in both directions.
Despite being called a ‘tri-fold’, it has two folds and three distinct screens, unfolding to reveal a 10-inch display. Besides that, the phone is likely to include a rear-facing camera and use lightweight glass to minimise weight and bulk.
Industry sources from Korea suggest Chinese display maker BOE will supply the screens. The device is also likely to run on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s Android alternative.
The company’s own Kirin 9100 is expected to be 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 seems to be preparing for the launch of this radical device, many rivals will be watching with interest. If successful, it could become the next major foldable form factor, reaffirming Huawei’s position as a key tech 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 foldables.
