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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Japanese tech giant Sharp decided to shift its focus to the European market in terms of smartphone sales. Since then, we have seen a couple of Sharp models such as the Aquos D10, C10, B10 and others. Despite the seeming success of the models released, the tech company is still a far off from the top tier category of smartphone manufacturers in terms of market share. In a bid to further ramp up its relevance in the industry, Sharp may have concluded plans to launch a foldable smartphone in the near future.

A patent by Sharp suggests that the company may have commenced development of a foldable phone. The patent was actually filed in 2017 with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO). The sketch of the design shows that the Sharp foldable may come with a clamshell design. With such a design, we should be looking forward to a display which would be around 4 inches when the device is folded. The aspect ratio may also be a source for concern but we believe the device may feature a wider display. Another good thing about this clamshell is that it makes the device to be compact such that it woud easy to carry in the pocket. LetsGoDigital eqully poted some 3D renders designed based on the sketch. The 3D renders, no doubt, gives us better idea of the design.

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This year will likely see the birth of several foldable phones. Already, Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Fold and Huawei, the Mate X. Xiaomi had also teased its foldabble phone which we expect to drop this year. Other OEMs such as LG, Motorola, and OPPO are also said to hve got a foldable phone in the works. It is yet to be seen if Sharp will release its own foldable phone this year. The clamshell phones of yore are said to be popular in Japan even after they have gone into extinction in other markets. As at five years back, 1 in 4 phones sold in Japan had the clamshell design.

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