Foldable smartphones promise to be a big trend this year. The truth is that we have seen quite a few concepts from almost every mobile device manufacturer. The most noteworthy ones are undoubtedly Samsung and Huawei's first Foldable Smartphones expected at MWC 2019 in a few days. However, TCL seems to be on another level as its working on five different foldable devices.
According to CNET, TCL who also owns Alcatel and BlackBerry is currently working on several foldable concepts. One of these is a smartphone that folds around your wrist just like a smartwatch. In addition, the Verge suggests that TCL may have more to tell about their folding devices in the context of the Mobile World Congress that is about to begin soon.
The idea is not something totally new as Lenovo was already seen working on a very similar idea back in 2016 - a smartphone that was capable of turning in to a smartwatch. Analyst Anshel Sag has also shared a video of the concept in the past. Although interesting, Lenovo's concept was unable to make waves, probably because of the size.
According to CNET, the first folding display devices from TCL will take years to reach the market but they can demonstrate their plans and prototypes way earlier. Five different folding display devices have already been spotted in different TCL documents and patent applications including smartphones with internal or external foldings, few larger tablets, and a smartwatch that wraps around the wrist.
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A smartwatch is perhaps the most interesting application of foldable displays where its benefits can be best realized. TCL is certainly not the only one, with plans to folding the displays into wearable devices. ZTE is also expected to present a sophisticated version of the folding-screen device under its sub-brand Nubia, which will also feature a concept and prototype in Mobile World Congress.
