Xiaomi To Join Huawei With a Tri-Folding Smartphone Soon

In the past years, smartphone makers have been focusing on consolidating the functional foldable smartphone concept instead of exploring new ideas. Every year, we see better hinges, better form factors, and design adjustments. However, we are always dreaming of new ideas. In this regard, Huawei is bringing a nice surprise with its tri-folding smartphone. The tri-folding screens could be considered the next step for the foldable tech, and we are about to see the first devices with this design. Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone has already attracted considerable global interest. Now, it seems that Xiaomi is interested in this concept.

Xiaomi’s New Patent Reveals a Device Similar to the Huawei Mate XT

The company recently filed a patent application with China’s State Intellectual Property Office, under application number 2022308530675, detailing its tri-fold device. This move suggests that Xiaomi is working on a similar foldable technology, potentially bringing a new option to the growing market of tri-fold smartphones. With both companies exploring this innovative form factor, consumers could soon have more choices in the tri-fold category.

The patent application, while not specifying the exact model name, provides a glimpse into the design of Xiaomi’s upcoming tri-fold smartphone. According to the design details, the device will fold in a Z-shape, reminiscent of the Huawei Mate XT. This folding mechanism allows the phone to fold into a more compact form while offering a large display when unfolded. With this Z-shaped folding design, Xiaomi appears to be following a similar path as Huawei, indicating that the competition in the tri-fold phone market could intensify soon.

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The image shows that Xiaomi’s upcoming tri-fold smartphone will feature a horizontally placed rear camera island. It appears narrower than the one found on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4. The tri-fold will have three cameras on the back, while the Mix Fold 4 carries a total of four. The phone looks slightly thicker than the Huawei Mate X2. However, Xiaomi still has time to refine its folding mechanism and possibly create a slimmer version before its release.

Interestingly, Xiaomi’s pursuit of a tri-fold device isn’t new. The company has been experimenting with folding technology since at least 2019, as evidenced by previous patents. The older designs featured a dual inward folding mechanism, showcasing Xiaomi’s interest in exploring different form factors. The most recent design, though, departs from that, offering a unique Z-shaped folding mechanism.

Weibo tipster “Smart Pikachu” mentioned this development earlier in August 2024. As per the report, the new tri-fold smartphone could be released in 2025. If the rumors hold, Xiaomi could enter the tri-fold race alongside Huawei, offering a competitive alternative in the foldable market.

Huawei Mate XT – The First Commercially-Available Tri-Fold Smartphone is a Huge Success

Currently, Huawei has already reached 6.3 million reservations on its official website, despite the high price of the Mate XT. Because of this, many believe scalpers may take advantage of the parallel market.

This is because the Chinese manufacturer clearly won’t be able to meet the high demand. Commenting on the situation, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Huawei may revise its plans to deliver 500,000 units in the first batch of the Mate XT.

The company’s goal is to sell 1 million units in this initial phase. However, Kuo notes that it remains difficult to predict whether all of these reservations will turn into sales. In any case, this huge demand points to a high interest in this new concept foldable smartphone. Now that most of the mainstream brands have launched themselves in this market, we’re seeing many foldable smartphones that look the same. Huawei is offering an all-new device and the next step for this kind of device.

We are curious to see if Xiaomi will be able to deliver something in this regard soon. With the success of the XT, we are certain that many brands and even Samsung will soon launch their tri-folding devices.

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