There are still other concepts on the table that Stefan Streit did not bring to this conference, such as tri-fold, the smartphone model that folds back and that had already been anticipated last year. This clearly shows that the foldable concept can be applied to devices larger than a smartphone, creating a new category and applying the hinge technology DragonHinge and ButterflyHinge.
In this way it is possible to transform a 6.65 inch screen into a 10 inch display with a 20.8: 9 ratio, with 3K resolution. the first equipment with two hinges, that work and that show a minimum interval between screens.
"We don't want to make beta testers customers"
Stefan Streit, general manager TCL Communication marketing, had already said in an interview with SAPO TEK that TCL will only move forward when the concept is more mature, and reinforced this idea again.
Defending that this is a concept for the future, TCL's marketing manager says that people are not buying foldable models at this stage.
We have prototypes and we are working on the mechanics, he says, showing the equipment in a videoconference from Shenzen, China.
Asked about the launch date, Stefan Streit said he could not confirm if he could reach the market this year or just in 2021. We are monitoring, but due to COVID-19 there are many movements in the market, he explains. Even so, there is a chance of advancing with controlled group tests. It depends on the market and whether we feel comfortable. We don't want to do beta testing of customers, he said.
The strategy will always be in line with what TCL has done in other more traditional smartphone models and that will bet on top features but with affordable prices. That is why the price bar for a mobile phone with a flexible screen is set at around one thousand euros.
Our strategy is to bring affordable smartphones to the market. We can make flagships at higher prices but we don't think they are the best proposal, he says.
