Several American media are relaying patents filed by the Chinese manufacturer Huawei suggesting that it could soon launch a flip smartphone with a foldable screen. It would thus be part of a trend inaugurated by Motorola with the Razr or Samsung with the Galaxy Z Flip.
This is not strictly speaking a surprise, Huawei having been a pioneer in the field of foldable screens with its Mate X, released in spring 2019, followed by Mate Xs. The idea this time would be to opt for a clamshell model, more compact and practical to use. Even if it is a niche market, with terminals sold for more than € 1,500, Motorola and Samsung have already rushed into the breach in early 2020.
The advantage of a so-called clamshell model, in addition to the nostalgia it generates in those who owned one in the early 2000s, is the possibility of using your smartphone in any position. Its hinge, thought to keep open, promotes for example taking a selfie (alone or in a group) but also video recording since it becomes possible here to film yourself while keeping your hands free. Ditto for videoconferences where the device can be placed on the table while we go about other occupations.
Here’s the first look at Huawei’s clamshell foldable phone design, appeared in a patent https://t.co/4RTX47YYPG pic.twitter.com/pXjvsq5Op4
– Zona HarmonyOS (@ZHarmonyos) July 7, 2020
Another advantage of this type of device, its format adapts perfectly to multitasking. This means that users can for example watch a video on the upper part of the screen while taking notes on the lower part, or vice versa. It remains to be seen whether these patents, filed with the CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration) will lead to a very real model.
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