Last week, Gizmochina reported that Sharp is working on a couple of tablet-like game consoles with magnetically attachable physical controls. Now, the company has patented a wide variety of foldable smartphones which once launched would take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X and Royole Flexpai. The patent set includes five different devices, each of which, at least has one distinguishing feature. 
The first device in the list has a clamshell design with negligible bezels. Dissimilar to the foldable smartphone that Sharp showcased earlier this year, this device lacks any obstruction causing notch which will provide for an immersive viewing experience. The hinge on the smartphone is present right in the middle which will allow it to shrink into a considerably smaller package. While the device lacks any camera sensors, it is expected to undergo some design changes ahead of its launch.
The second device looks very similar to the first one, however, it features a wide notch up top that accommodates the earpiece receiver. Unfortunately, the patent is not thoroughly detailed, therefore, it is hard to divulge whether the notch will be present on the front or rear side of such a smartphone.
The third device is clearly the most distinctive out of the bunch. It features a wide slot to insert a debit/credit card, accordingly, this handset could double up as a payment terminal. Even though this illustration seems similar to the first one accrediting to an edge-to-edge display, it is not the case. Unlike the first device, this one could fold both ways i.e inside and outside.
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At number four is a device that looks like a combination of a fitness band and smartphone. Due to its form factor, the user would be able to strap it around their wrist which seems to have a similar approach to previously launched Nubia Alpha. Besides, like the number two device, this handset also has a wide earpiece receiver up top. Going by the illustrations, the width of the band seems quite thick and Sharp will have to chisel some of its thickness before such a device could turn into a reality.
Lastly, Sharp has patented two other foldable smartphones that seem to have a focus on gaming. Both of the said devices look identical with a hinge that allows them to be folded into half. The first device has square corners, in contrast, the second one has rounded. The device looks identical to a Sony PSP or similar game consoles with a landscape display that is flanked by controls on either side. But, in this case, the controls are on-screen rather than physical buttons.
To wrap things up, Sharp with the investment it has received from Foxconn seems to be working towards diversifying its portfolio of products, beyond manufacturing display panels for TVs and Smartphones. Having said that, we cannot predict if any of these devices will see the light of the day or not. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope Sharp brings at least one of these devices to life.
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