Huawei is exploring a radically different foldable phone form factor, according to a newly published patent that details a vertical tri-fold smartphone with two hinges and three display sections. Unlike current book-style tri-fold concepts, this design stacks the folds vertically to create an elongated, remote-like device when closed and a much larger panel when fully opened.
Patent shows triple-section design
The patent, filed with China’s intellectual property office under application number CN217847335Udescribes a foldable electronic device with a three-part housing connected by two hinge assemblies and a single flexible display that covers all three sections. Each housing segment is linked to the screen and hinges in a way that forces the device to fold in a specific sequence, which Huawei says helps keep the folding motion smooth and improves durability over time.
S-shaped folding and compact footprint
Drawings in the filing show an S-shaped fold mechanism when the phone is closed. The screen is divided into three regions and folds twice, so the device can shrink to about one-third of its full display area in the pocket. This vertical tri-fold setup aims to go beyond current clamshell or book-style phones by offering a tall, narrow handset when folded that can expand into a tablet-like canvas when opened.
Two hinges and signal-protection layer
The document details two hingesone on each side of the central housing, that coordinate the folding of the second and third segments. A separate connecting element controls the order of movement so one section folds before the other, preventing mechanical clashes. Huawei also mentions an optimized shielding structure around antenna components to reduce signal loss caused by the denser, multi-fold design.
Battery and thickness targets (from related tri-fold filings)
Related analysis of Huawei’s tri-fold concepts suggests the company is targeting batteries around 5,600mAh while keeping closed thickness to roughly 12.8mmonly about half a millimetre thicker than some current book-style foldables. The vertical tri-fold aims to maintain a manageable in-hand feel despite housing two hinges and multiple housing layers.
Still a concept, not a product
For now, Huawei has not announced any commercial device based on this vertical tri-fold layout. The company frames the design as a research-stage conceptand it remains unclear if or when it will reach mass production. However, the patent underlines Huawei’s intent to push beyond today’s single-hinge foldables and experiment with new folding directions and multi-step mechanisms.
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