## Xiaomi’s Tri-Fold Phone Patent Detected in China: A New Competitor in the Foldable Arena?
In the past few years, foldable smartphones have piqued the interest of both tech aficionados and the general public, with brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi taking the lead. Now, it seems Xiaomi is poised to make a significant move in this fierce sector. A patent for a **tri-fold smartphone** from Xiaomi has been identified in a Chinese database, indicating that the company may be working on a device to rival Huawei’s **Mate XT** and possibly challenge Samsung’s upcoming rollable models.
### Key Points to Consider
– **Xiaomi** is reportedly developing a **tri-fold phone**, following in Huawei’s footsteps, as a patent has recently been uncovered in China.
– The patent showcases initial renderings of the device, featuring a camera bar reminiscent of Xiaomi’s **Mix Fold 3**.
– It is still uncertain if the device will go into production, especially since **Samsung** has moved its focus from tri-fold designs to rollable devices.
### The Finding: Xiaomi’s Tri-Fold Patent
The patent, found by **91Mobiles** and cataloged in the **China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)** database, provides insight into Xiaomi’s potential intentions for a tri-fold smartphone. The early visuals reveal a device with a slim, rectangular camera bar, akin to the **Mix Fold 3**, but equipped with only three camera lenses as opposed to four. While the design is still in its formative phase, the patent acts as a concept approval, suggesting that Xiaomi is at least contemplating a tri-fold device.
The patent illustrations imply that Xiaomi might be developing a model with **flat sides and rounded edges**, which would enhance user comfort. Nevertheless, many specific features, including display dimensions and internal components, are still undisclosed.
### A New Competitor in Foldable Technology?
If Xiaomi persists with the creation of this tri-fold phone, it could debut under the company’s **”Mix”** series, renowned for its cutting-edge designs. The tri-fold configuration would enable the device to expand to a significantly larger screen, potentially reaching **10 inches** when fully opened. This would place it in direct competition with Huawei’s **Mate XT**, currently recognized as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone.
The Mate XT boasts a **10.2-inch display** when unfurled, complemented by a premium look that features a textured leather rear panel, gold highlights, and a newly engineered hinge mechanism. If Xiaomi can provide a similar or enhanced user experience, it may have a formidable competitor in the foldable space.
### The Foldable Market: An Evolving Scenario
Although Xiaomi’s tri-fold patent is thrilling, it’s crucial to recognize that the foldable market is still in flux. **Samsung**, initially rumored to be developing a tri-fold gadget, has reportedly shifted its attention to **rollable smartphones**. The company recently presented a prototype of its **”Rollable Flex”** device at **CES 2024**, indicating a potential transformation in the foldable smartphone landscape.
Samsung’s choice to pivot away from tri-fold designs may have been spurred by Huawei’s triumph with the Mate XT. Reports suggest that Huawei’s tri-fold phone took Samsung by surprise, leading the South Korean giant to investigate other designs, such as rollable displays. This transition could create an opportunity for Xiaomi to leverage the tri-fold concept, particularly if it can introduce the device to a worldwide market.
### Will Xiaomi’s Tri-Fold Phone Become Reality?
While the patent offers a hopeful indication of Xiaomi’s commitment to tri-fold technology, it remains unclear whether the device will actually reach the market. Many patents do not advance beyond the conceptual phase, and Xiaomi has yet to formally announce any intentions for a tri-fold smartphone. However, speculation indicates that the company might unveil the device at **MWC 2025**, providing further insight into its potential.
Should Xiaomi proceed with the tri-fold phone, it could gain a notable advantage over Huawei by offering the device to a global audience. Currently, Huawei’s Mate XT is unavailable to international buyers, potentially giving Xiaomi an edge if it opts to launch its tri-fold smartphone worldwide.
### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Foldable Smartphones?
The revelation of Xiaomi’s tri-fold patent adds yet another layer of intrigue to the swiftly changing foldable smartphone market. While it’s premature to conclude whether the device will be made available to consumers, the patent signifies that Xiaomi is serious about exploring innovative form factors. If the company can deliver an appealing tri-fold phone, it could emerge as a significant player in the foldable arena, especially if it offers the device globally.
As the foldable market continues to expand, with brands like **Samsung** and **Huawei** redefining smartphone architecture, Xiaomi’s potential venture into the tri-fold sector could indicate the dawn of a new era for foldable devices.
