Here’s yet another version of TCL’s foldable phone concept

Last year, Samsung and Huawei practically went head to head in attempt to launch the best foldable phone, first. But TCL, on the other hand, has made it clear that it’s in no hurry at all. 

At CES 2020, the company showed off another version of its foldable phone concept. With absolutely no plans to actually manufacture it. 

TCL did the same thing last February at Mobile World Congress, with its interesting bendy hinge. The latest design looks way different though, and is much, much flashier.

The first thing that caught my eye was the really cool prism design on the outside. Coupled with its shiny green color, it gave me serious mermaid vibes. 

Image: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLE

The back features four cameras and an LED flash. But the front (when folded) remains super plain. Although, I personally would’ve liked to see another display in that vacant space. 

On the inside is a 7.2-inch flexible display, giving you plenty of room to see tons of content. Whether you’ve got it completely unfolded to watch your favorite show or in split screen mode to see multiple things at once. 

But there’s one obvious thing missing and that’s a front-facing camera. The first thing I noticed when I opened it up was how odd it looked without one.

Of course, since it’s a prototype, there are plenty of things to improve on. 

Image: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLE

For starters, it doesn’t feel very premium. I’m not sure how I feel about the texture of the prism design, and holding it in my hands felt comfortable but clunky. The crease is also very visible. 

Image: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLE

However, overall performance wasn’t as smooth as can be. When tapping on the display, I saw a bit of a lag and had some trouble pulling up the split screen feature.

But there’s really no point in being too critical, seeing as how this is only one of many foldable concepts TLC has whipped up. 

Image: zlata iveleva/mashable

So, when exactly can we expect the company to release its final version? Let’s just say whenever the company is fully satisfied with the product. 

“Our intention is to have a foldable device in market this year. But if we get to that point and the experience isn’t meaningful enough, and [we] can’t introduce it at a relatively affordable price, then we have no problem waiting if we need to.” Jason Gerdon, head of global communications at TCL, told Mashable.

Seeing as how the Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X are priced at over $2,000, it’s refreshing to think there might soon be a foldable phone that doesn’t break the bank. 

Let’s just hope it doesn’t feel as cheap as it might cost.