Xiaomi could soon be joining the foldable smartphone revolution with its own tri-fold smartphone, as a recently leaked patent suggests. Following the launch of its Mix Fold 4 in July, Xiaomi appears to be working on a new foldable device, potentially adding to the mobile gadget lineup. The patent filing, spotted at the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), indicates a unique design, which could mark a significant shift in smartphone gadgets.
Xiaomi’s Tri-Fold Smartphone: What We Know So Far
Xiaomi’s patent for a tri-fold smartphone was reportedly filed on September 3, showcasing early design concepts of the device. According to the source, the patent reveals a foldable design with two hinges. One hinge allows the outer part of the device to fold outwards, turning it into a bar-shaped smartphone when closed. Fully opened, the phone takes on a tablet-like form factor with a rectangular main display. This innovative design could make Xiaomi’s tri-fold a standout among new Android phones.
Design Comparisons: Xiaomi vs Huawei Mate XT Ultimate
The design renders based on Xiaomi’s patent indicate that its tri-fold smartphone might be chunkier than Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, the first production-ready tri-fold smartphone. Despite having two hinges and three body panels, Xiaomi’s device looks taller and narrower compared to Huawei’s, giving it a more compact appearance. This design also draws comparisons to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its narrower cover screen, making it a potential competitor in the Android phones market.
Camera Module and Foldable Features
Xiaomi’s patent also hints at a horizontal camera layout with three cameras and a flash module positioned side by side. While the device’s full hardware specifications remain unknown, these early details suggest that Xiaomi’s tri-fold could have a distinctive look and feel, catering to both photography enthusiasts and tech-savvy users. If Xiaomi’s tri-fold device becomes reality, it could raise the bar for smartphone gadgets, especially in terms of folding technology.
Launch Speculations: Could We See It at MWC 2025?
Although Xiaomi has not confirmed if its tri-fold smartphone will be ready for production, rumors suggest it could be unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. Earlier leaks on Weibo hinted that the device would be thicker than usual due to its triple-panel design. As we await more information, this potential launch could bring a new level of excitement to the world of Android foldable devices.
Conclusion: A New Era for Foldable Mobile Gadgets
If the rumors and patent leaks hold true, Xiaomi’s tri-fold smartphone could redefine the foldable mobile gadgets space. With its innovative design and potential announcement at MWC 2025, Xiaomi might soon compete with other top-tier Android phones, offering a fresh alternative for users who want the flexibility of a new Android phone with foldable capabilities.