Xda-Developers | Xiaomi’s President teases a double foldable smartphone
While 2019 will be dominated by bezelless designs and display holes, we will also see more of foldable smartphones. Samsung is all set to launch its foldable phone along with the Galaxy S10 on February 20, 2019. Motorola is also keen on reviving its Moto Razr flip phone with a foldable display, and OPPO was also said to be working on its own foldable phone. Xiaomi also showcased interest in the foldable phone technology to compete with Samsung, and it now seems they have a working prototype of a double foldable smartphone.
Xiaomi's President and Co-Founder Mr. Lin Bin shared a Weibo post wherein he is showing off a working prototype of a double foldable smartphone developed by Xiaomi.
Check out this special video from #Xiaomi President and Co-founder Bin Lin, showing off a very special phone prototype…
What does everyone think we should name this phone?
#InnovationForEveryone pic.twitter.com/1lFj3nM7tD
— Donovan Sung (@donovansung) January 23, 2019
Mr. Lin's post goes on to describe some of the technical challenges involved in creating a foldable smartphone, such as the folding screen, the flexible cover, a suitable folding technology and the software changes required to adapt MIUI to the scenario. The end result of Xiaomi's work is the world's first double folding smartphone. This symmetrical double-folded form factor combines the experience of a conventional mobile with a tablet, and the symmetry allows it to be both practical and not-ugly.
Do note that the phone is still a prototype and not the final product. Xiaomi will "consider making a mass production machine in the future", which implies that they are still figuring out whether there is enough consumer interest in the segment to make it a viable business decision and overcome the challenges of mass production.
Mr. Lin is also inviting suggestions for the name of this double foldable smartphone, with his two choices being Xiaomi Dual Flex and Xiaomi MIX Flex. I think separating this product from the MIX lineup into its own sub-category makes more sense. What are your thoughts?
Source: Twitter – Donovan Sung