We’re well-and-truly entering foldable season because a new smartphone that can fold twice has entered the fray.
With Samsung’s Galaxy Fold being released in Australia on October 30 and Huawei announcing its Mate X was coming to Chinese customers in November, foldables are on the way whether you’re a fan of them or not. Now Chinese electronics brand TCL has entered the chat with its foldable prototype, according to CNET, it folds in two places.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/10/samsung-galaxy-fold-australian-price-specs-release-date/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fold-open-fold-410×231.jpg” title=”Samsung’s Galaxy Fold Finally Hits Australia (And We Know How Much It Will Cost)” excerpt=”Boy has the Galaxy Fold been on a journey this year. After a faulty initial review period, Samsung rolled back the launch date to fix key issues that were found with this new-form factor device. Months later we have seen the Fold release overseas, but weren’t quite sure when it would land in Australia and how much it would cost. Now we know, and it’s coming real soon.”]
The 10-inch tablet has two hinges with one folding in, called DragonHinge, while the other folds out, called the Butterfly Hinge. When both hinges are partially closed, the device forms a ‘Z’ shape like an expensive hand fan. It’s a pretty nifty design decision.
What are your first impressions of TCL’s foldable phone prototype? Just right, or one hinge too many? https://t.co/7SZUnvrFkO pic.twitter.com/qKYKE4wR8c
— CNET (@CNET) October 24, 2019
When the screens are folded up, CNET explains it forms a three-panel stack with the outer screen showing due to the Butterfly Hinge design. As it’s just a prototype, a questions remains over the if and when this 10-inch creature will ever be released into our hot, little hands.
Australians might know TCL best for making some cheap, quality TVS but with the company entering the smartphone market and heading straight toward the frontier of design, it’s certainly an interesting time to be alive.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/10/huawei-mate-x-release-date/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/mate-x-1-410×231.jpg” title=”Huawei’s Foldable Phone Finally Has A Release Date” excerpt=”2019 has been the year of the delayed foldables. After a few false starts and showing it off on the down low at IFA, Huawei is finally releasing its bendy Mate X. But you won’t be able to get it in Australia yet.”]
[Via CNET]