Huawei is reportedly working on a never-before-seen tri-fold smartphone, which could give a new color to the foldable phone market.
Recently, a prototype of this innovative device was spotted in the hands of a top Huawei official, sparking excitement and speculation. Although there is no official release date or detailed information about its features, one thing is clear: this smartphone could come with a steep price.
As Gadget Match reported, a Weibo leaker Digital 80s uploaded a picture of Huawei chairman Richard Yu holding the new tri-fold smartphone prototype inside an airplane.
Judging from the image, the new smartphone folds like a small brochure. It also features a set of hinges. It's been a long time since it became the subject of multiple rumors. However, Huawei has not yet confirmed this.
Related Article: Samsung Galaxy S22 Series, Note 20 Receive Critical August Security Update
According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @jasonwill101, the development prototype of Huawei's tri-fold smartphone carries an astonishing price tag of approximately $4,900.
Currently, the cost of Huawei's tri-fold engineering prototype is over 35,000 RMB, and the company is continuously working on reducing costs. The anticipated retail price for the mass-produced model is set at 29,000 RMB($4000) pic.twitter.com/2JBvtx9IIN
— jasonwill (@jasonwill101) August 13, 2024
The Chinese tech giant is reportedly exploring ways to reduce the production cost before its mass-market release. However, even with potential cost-cutting measures, the final retail price is expected to be around $4,000.
If these pricing rumors hold true, Huawei's tri-fold smartphone would become the most expensive mass-market handset available, surpassing other high-end foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by a significant margin. Despite the premium price, questions stay afloat about whether the device's internal components will justify the cost.
The tri-fold smartphone is rumored to be powered by a Kirin 9 series chipset, with the Kirin 9010 being a likely candidate. This chipset is also expected to power the upcoming Huawei Mate 70 series. However, early reports suggest that the Kirin 9010 may not be as powerful as some of the top-tier processors on the market, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 9300.
In terms of design, the tri-fold smartphone is expected to feature a 10-inch inner display, which folds into three sections thanks to a dual-hinge system.
One section of the screen may fold inwards, while the other folds outwards, creating a unique user experience. Additionally, the device could include a hole-punch cutout for the front camera, positioned on the left-most screen.
Despite its complex folding mechanism, the smartphone is rumored to maintain a relatively slim profile, with an "average" thickness, according to Gadgets 360.
The sighting of Yu holding the tri-fold smartphone has led to widespread speculation that the smartphone's official launch could be imminent. However, without confirmation from Huawei, these details remain in the dark, as mentioned before.
If the rumored specifications and design features come to fruition, this device could set a new standard for foldable smartphones. However, its exorbitant price may limit its appeal to a niche market of early adopters and tech enthusiasts.
Read Also: iPhone SE 4 Is Getting Major Upgrade: When It Will Be Released?
most read
related stories
more stories from News
Oppo is now preparing to unveil ColorOS 15 for the upcoming "AI, One Step Closer" event on the annual Developer Conference, taking place on Oct. 17.
ernest hamiltonInfinix Zero Flip 5G is the subject of the latest leaks. What's interesting here is that its specs are no joke for a foldable device.
ernest hamiltoniPhone 16 Pro is the name of the game right now, but its battery replacements might hurt you more than its predecessors. Just how much is the increase?
ernest hamiltonSamsung Galaxy device users should brace themselves for a big September update upon the start of the One UI 6.1.1 release. Is your phone compatible? Let's find out.
ernest hamiltonThe Indian watchdog believes that big smartphone companies are involved in "exclusive phone launches," which hurt small retailers in the country.
ernest hamiltonRay-traced graphics is now coming to iPhone 16 that will boost your gaming by 30%. This might change your mind about switching from iPhone 15 if you love mobile gaming.
ernest hamiltonTo combat smartphone theft, Apple decided to drop the new activation lock for iPhone parts. This iOS 18 will make it harder for them to unlock the handset.
ernest hamiltonGoogle has rolled out a new Wallet app feature for commuters and travelers. With this, they can soon use a digital ID for their US passport.
ernest hamilton