TCL CSOT (TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology) has introduced the world’s first operational tri-foldable phone at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2024 exhibition. This comes five years after they presented a non-functional prototype of a similar design in 2019.
The tri-foldable phone boasts a “Free-type” display that unfolds into a 7.85-inch screen, offering a tablet-like experience when fully opened. When laid flat, the screen maintains a typical tablet aspect ratio and features a unique folding mechanism that supports both “G” and “Z” shaped configurations.
Slim Design and Advanced Features
One of the main challenges with previous tri-foldable phones has been excessive thickness. TCL seems to have tackled this issue effectively, with their model being just 427 microns thick.
The phone also incorporates a Sensor Under Panel (SUP) design, enabling 3D facial recognition through sensors placed beneath the display. This technology supports mobile payments and device unlocking.
Consistent Visual Experience
Both the regular display area and the SUP region offer a consistent pixel density of 420PPI, ensuring a uniform visual experience.
The panel includes modern tech such as LTPO technology, allowing the device to adjust its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz while maintaining low power consumption. Durability is another key focus, with TCL asserting that the display is built to last.
Future Prospects
TCL has not yet disclosed any plans for the commercial release of this tri-foldable phone. It's also noteworthy that major companies like Huawei are rumored to be developing similar devices, with whispers of Huawei potentially launching a tri-fold phone featuring a 10-inch display later this year.
