Huawei is reportedly preparing to show off a new foldable smartphone that could outshine the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Google Pixel Fold. This new phone is rumored to have two hinges and possibly even three screens. It’s being called a trifold device and can fold and unfold in a Z or N shape, allowing at least three screen orientations.
Various publications in China have teased this unnamed folding phone, often citing Securities Daily, an authorized publication by the Chinese government. The report describes the device as having an inner and outer folding design with a dual hinge. When fully unfolded, it will have a 10-inch screen.
During a recent interview, Huawei Consumer Business CEO Richard Yu confirmed the existence of the N-shaped folding phone. He said it took five years to develop but did not share specific details or a release date, only mentioning it would be “released soon.” According to Securities Daily, the official announcement is expected around September this year, coinciding with the release of the Apple iPhone 16.
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Huawei has been a leader in folding phone technology since it showed the Huawei Mate X in 2019. At that time, Samsung only showcased the first Galaxy Fold behind glass. Yu mentioned back then that the Mate X took three years to develop. Since then, Huawei has focused on creating foldable phones with different designs and has built extensive knowledge of bendable screens and hinges.
Samsung and TCL have also shown off triple-fold concept phones, like Samsung’s Flex S. However, with Samsung already announcing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 this year and TCL still in the concept stage, it seems Huawei has the best chance to release a trifold phone first.
Unfortunately, due to Huawei’s inability to sell its smartphones in the U.S. and the lack of Google Play on its global devices, many people will likely only admire the trifold phone from afar if it gets a 2024 announcement. Despite this, the excitement for this innovative device remains high.
