The Vivo foldable phone is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about devices ahead of next year, thanks to a built-in Stylus Pen that tucks neatly into the hinge. Vivo has now joined the foldable smartphone race, and this design promises an easy, pen-driven way to operate the phone. Here is what the patents and reports reveal so far.
What we know about the Vivo foldable phone
Vivo is set to launch a foldable mobile next year, and its standout feature is a Stylus Pen that slots directly into the hinge. With the pen in place, you can operate the phone more easily than on a typical slab handset.
Vivo is not alone in this push. OPPO, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi are all working on next-generation foldables, and each of these companies is expected to launch new foldable phones next year.
Design patent and hinge details
Vivo patented the design of a foldable phone with a stylus pen in February 2020. According to a report by LetsGoDigital, the design was filed at the World Intellectual Property Office under the title display panel and mobile terminal.
Based on Vivo's documents, the phone folds inwards and opens out into a tablet-like shape. It is described as looking similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Fold2. When folded, a gap forms at the hinge, and the Stylus Pen is meant to rest inside that gap.
Key design points
- Stylus Pen stored inside the hinge for easy operation.
- Folds inwards and unfolds into a tablet form factor.
- Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Fold2.
- A hinge gap is used to hold the stylus.
Specifications at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Vivo |
| Type | Foldable smartphone with Stylus Pen |
| Patent filed | February 2020, World Intellectual Property Office |
| Patent title | Display panel and mobile terminal |
| Fold style | Folds inwards, opens into a tablet shape |
| Expected launch | Next year |
Why this matters for buyers
Vivo may use the latest technology to protect the foldable screen from damage, which would make it more user friendly. Reports suggest the features of this Vivo foldable could be similar to popular foldables from Samsung and other companies, while its price may be comparatively low.
The wider foldable category is also evolving fast. In the coming time, a company like OPPO could launch a rollable phone packed with advanced technology, signalling that the next wave of devices will go well beyond today's designs.
