Tag: Tri-fold smartphones

  • Huawei Tri-Fold: High Repair Costs Revealed

    Huawei Tri-Fold: High Repair Costs Revealed

    Huawei recently introduced the Mate XT Ultimate Design, marking a milestone as the globe’s first-ever tri-fold smartphone. This remarkable piece of technology showcases a groundbreaking design that sets it apart from any prior models.

    The innovation, however, comes with a substantial price tag. The phone’s base price is CNY 19,999, which equates to approximately $2,809 or €2,549.

    Repair Costs and Challenges

    The financial impact doesn’t end with the initial purchase. Repairing the Mate XT Ultimate also involves significant expenses. As per Huawei’s official repair costs, replacing a cracked screen will set you back CNY 7,999 ($1,123 or €1,019).

    There are some alternatives for those looking to save on repairs, although they are limited. A few screen replacements are available at CNY 6,999 ($983, €892), but these might be scarce. Additionally, screen replacement insurance can be purchased for CNY 3,499 or CNY 3,999 ($491-$561, €446-€509), covering one replacement during the first year.

    Additional Component Costs

    The high costs extend beyond just the screen. Replacing the motherboard is priced at a steep CNY 9,099 ($1,278, €1,160), which exceeds the price of numerous mid-range smartphones. Fortunately, a battery replacement is more affordable at CNY 499 ($70, €63).

    Due to the unique tri-fold design, there are multiple back covers. Replacing the back that includes the camera module costs CNY 1,379 ($193, €175), while each of the other two sections costs CNY 399 ($56, €50).

    Camera Repair Expenses

    Camera repairs are another cost to consider: the telephoto lens repair is CNY 578 ($81, €73), the selfie camera is CNY 379 ($53, €48), the main rear camera is CNY 759 ($106, €96), and the ultrawide camera is CNY 269 ($37, €34).

    For potential Mate XT Ultimate owners, the takeaway is straightforward: take extra precautions. The cutting-edge design comes with premium expenses, not only at the point of purchase but also over the course of its use.


    Huawei Tri-Fold: High Repair Costs Revealed
  • Is the Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 the Future of Foldable Tech?

    Is the Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 the Future of Foldable Tech?

    The foldable smartphone industry has experienced remarkable progress in recent years, with companies continually exploring new frontiers in design and functionality.

    Tecno, recognized for its cutting-edge approach to mobile technology, has made a stride into the tri-fold smartphone sector with its latest concept, the Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2. This device, characterized by its ultra-slim profile and cutting-edge features, holds the promise of transforming our perception of foldable smartphones.

    Tri-Fold Concept

    As stated by the company, the Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 distinguishes itself as the world’s slimmest tri-fold smartphone, boasting a folded thickness of merely 11mm. This sleek design is made possible by an advanced hinge mechanism and Titan Advanced Fiber material for the battery cover, which measures only 0.25mm thick, making it the thinnest in the market. Once unfolded, the Phantom Ultimate 2 morphs into a 10-inch tablet featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio, offering a spacious and engaging display. The seamless transition from smartphone to tablet renders it a versatile gadget for both professional and recreational use.

    Advanced Display Technology

    A notable highlight of the Phantom Ultimate 2 is its display technology. This device is outfitted with a 3K LTPO screen that delivers a resolution of 392ppi, ensuring crisp and vibrant imagery. It also incorporates Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI) technology, which merges the touch sensor and display driver into a single chip, resulting in a thinner, brighter screen with enhanced touch responsiveness. Besides the impressive display, it is also robust. The Phantom Ultimate 2’s hinge boasts a strength rating of 2100MPa and can endure over 300,000 folds without compromising the display’s quality. This blend of durability and innovation guarantees a crease-free, lasting screen.

    Functionality

    According to the company, the software and user interface (UI) have been optimized to fully leverage the tri-fold design. For instance, the device includes a screen hovering feature, enabling users to type on a keyboard while the screen remains upright, akin to a laptop. The Phantom Ultimate 2 also features a “tent mode,” ideal for face-to-face AI translation. The multi-window mode further augments multitasking capabilities, allowing users to operate multiple applications concurrently.

    Tecno’s Vision

    The Phantom Ultimate 2 exemplifies Tecno’s dedication to advancing foldable technology. This device follows the company’s previous concept, the Phantom Ultimate rolling screen phone, which also highlighted Tecno’s innovative approach to mobile design. Although the Phantom Ultimate 2 remains a concept with no confirmed release date, it indicates Tecno’s ambition to become a significant contender in the foldable market.

    Future of Foldable Tech

    While Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2 is an impressive concept, it is crucial to note that Huawei is set to make history as the first brand to introduce a consumer-ready tri-fold smartphone. Reports indicate that the tri-fold device will be revealed in September, anticipated to incorporate state-of-the-art technology and a design that could potentially outshine the Phantom Ultimate 2. The rivalry between Tecno and Huawei in the tri-fold segment will likely spur further innovation in the foldable market. As consumers, we can look forward to seeing more advanced, feature-rich foldable devices that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2 marks a promising beginning, but the quest to lead the foldable market is far from over.

  • Huawei Tri-Fold Smartphone Set for Release This Year

    Huawei Tri-Fold Smartphone Set for Release This Year

    The patent for Huawei’s smartphone featuring a tri-fold display has been revealed. The exact launch date for Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone is still uncertain, but insights from the patent shed light on the phone’s design. There are speculations that the trifold phone could hit the market by the end of this year.

    Huawei Set to Unveil Tri-Fold Smartphone

    Samsung previously showcased a tri-fold display smartphone at the CES event but did not bring it to market. Both Huawei and Samsung might introduce phones with tri-fold displays in 2024.


    Huawei Tri-Fold Smartphone Set for Release This Year

    Huawei Tri-Fold Smartphone Design: Z-Shape

    According to a recent report by ITHome on Huawei’s patent, the upcoming smartphone appears to adopt a "Z" shape when folded and incorporates two distinct hinges. A key feature of tri-fold devices is that the screen connected to the second hinge can fold outward, enabling the third part of the screen to function as a fully operational display when the device is folded. In comparison, flip-style foldable devices with outer screens often face screen interruptions due to rear cameras.

    Embracing a Lighter Tri-Fold Design

    The market has yet to witness tri-fold devices, primarily due to the challenge posed by their intricate design and potential heaviness with two different hinges. Huawei’s patent, however, indicates that each section of the display will have varying thicknesses, potentially reducing the overall weight of the device.

    The practicality of tri-fold smartphones remains uncertain, as no company has introduced one to date. While current rumors are inconclusive, it is plausible that some phone manufacturers may introduce tri-fold smartphones in 2024.