New Intel foldable phone patent comes to light

The first foldable phones from Samsung and Huawei did not impress with fantastic durability due to problematic design choices, but this is to be expected of all incipient stages for any technology. Hopefully, the next wave of folding devices will address the initial durability problems and further improve upon the design, triggering an increased adoption that would prompt more and more OEMs to try their hand at flexible displays. We have already seen patents from other smartphone makers, and it looks like laptop OEMs like Dell and Microsoft or even industry leaders like Intel are also interested in implementing folding screens on notebooks. Intel, however, is not only interested in PC-related devices, but also in handhelds, as revealed by a new patent filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

As always, this patent was uncovered by the guys over at LetsGoDigital, who also unveiled another Intel patent with double-folding screen back in early 2019. The latest patent comes with only one fold and a wrap-around display, meaning that the screen unfolds outwards on the right hand side. Unlike most patents we’ve seen thus far, this Intel foldable comes with a completely bezel-less screen that really adds to the sense of immersion. On the bottom of the left half there is a wide silver button that is supposed to activate the unfolding mechanism, while the upper half side appears to have a similar silver frame that, together with the lower button, is most likely part of a sturdy hinge system.

Judging by the renders coming from LetsGoDigital, the left side appears to be slightly bulkier, as it is housing all the components. Unfortunately, there are no renders for the rear side that would reveal what Intel is planning for the camera setup. Now, Intel may never release such a design for commercial use, but at least the company is showing interest for smaller foldable devices, and, who knows, maybe it will actually release an interesting design in a few years.