The latest TCL concept phone is capable of folding inwardly and outwardly, thus presenting a slew of functionality for the device. The eye-catching prototype device was showcased during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022 holding in Barcelona, Spain. The concept phone is part of an array of different devices showcased by TCL during MWC 2022 which is in its first full day.

The double foldable concept phone is called Ultra Flex and it has a 360-degree rotating hinge as well as a flexible display that adjusts with the folding of the screen. It should be noted that the 360-degree folding mechanism will put much stress on the strip above the hinge and it is unclear how this will measure under stress testing. Some experts think that the Ultra Flex may be prone to breaking.

Being a concept phone, we cannot say for certain whether it will scale through all the obstacles to become a finished commercial product. Apart from the display which is yet to be demonstrated by TCL, it made some sounds that need to be resolved. Overall, it is believed that the Ulta Flex may be far off from becoming a commercial product.

As per the justification for having a double foldable display, TCL insists that it will combine the benefits of both types of folding devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Huawei’s first Mate X foldable. The company says the Ultra Flex will offer the benefits of both worlds but the outward foldable functions seem difficult to comprehend. Huawei has since adopted a forward folding design in its newer Mate X foldable.

RELATED:

• TCL 30 XE 5G to be available for purchase in the US from this week for $198
• TCL TAB MAX launched with Snapdragon 665 and no 3.5mm headphone jack
• TCL 305 launched with Helio A22, 5,000mAh battery, 13MP dual cameras

The post TCL showcases a foldable phone that bends inwards & outwards appeared first on Gizmochina.

Among the top contenders in the foldable smartphones segment is the Chinese brand TCL. The company has been working on foldable devices for quite some time now and was able to draw a lot of attention with its prototypes. But it looks like their stint with their current project has finally come to an end as the foldable program codenamed the Project Chicago has been called off.

From what it appears, TCL could not keep the prices in the bracket they initially intended in order to compete with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and this became the reason for dropping the project. $800 was the cheapest TCL could make, the culprit being recent component shortages, and global pandemic.

• TCL X9 features Google TV, an ultra-thin 85-inch mini-LED 8K screen & pop-up camera – Gizmochina
• TCL 20 R 5G launched with 90Hz display, Dimensity 700, 13MP triple cameras – Gizmochina
• TCL 20Y with triple cameras and 4,000mAh battery Unveiled for $132 – Gizmochina

(via)

The post TCL’s foldable Z Flip 3 rival program shelved for being too expensive appeared first on Gizmochina.