Nokia is back in full swing after teasing new Android-based phones. Since its official demise on missing out on the Android trend a few years back, the company is reportedly eyeing new tech -- that is, a possible Nokia branded "foldable smartphone."

According to reports, Nokia has had a granted patent for a "foldable device" since 2013. PhoneArena revealed that the patent looks like a pocket mirror connected by a hinge. The device can fold in half and has a single screen. Excerpts from the patent state that the company can provide a large display into a pocket-sized unit.

Nokia has not commented on the patent and has not confirmed if there is a "foldable phone" in the works. A patent filing does not mean anything unless the company confirms that they are working on it.

The news indicates that the battle for foldable phones has long been underway. Apple was also granted a patent for a flexible iPhone that can fold in half back in 2016. The patent was reportedly filed in July 2014. In the patent, the "foldable iPhone" can open like a notebook.

Samsung is going to win the race for foldable phones. The Korean company is expected to launch its first foldable unit this year or in 2018. The project dubbed as Galaxy X will likely hit the market before Nokia and Apple's foldable unit.

Speculations have hinted that Samsung might release 100,000 units to test out the market. Reportedly, the device can double as a 7-inch tab when unfolded. The company has not commented on the phone's possible release date.

LG is also looking to enter the foldable phone race. The company is looking into the possibility of rolling out 100,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2017. Huawei has also weighed in prospects for a foldable smartphone. Stay tuned for more news and updates.