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TCL's prototype foldable phone has two hinges

This totally different take on foldable phone design looks like a taco holder.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

We've seen a lot of prototypes and sketches for foldable phones, but none that look like this. This foldable phone prototype from Chinese company TCL has two hinges, which breaks it into three screens.

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2 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Unfolded, TCL's foldable phone screen will be the size of a full tablet, somewhere in the 10-inch range versus the 7.3-inch Galaxy Fold, whose screen feels comparatively small.

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3 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Each hinge folds in a different direction -- one in, one out -- which means that you'll be able to use either one, two or three screens.

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4 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

This prototype folds like an accordion into a device about the same dimensions as a typical phone, but much thicker.

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5 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

It's fairly thin when unfolded.

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6 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

There are four cameras on the back.

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7 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Here's what's under the hood.

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8 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The prototype has an iridescent backing.

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9 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

This is a simulation of how the screen could look.

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10 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

We don't know when the trifold phone will come out or how much it will cost. 

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11 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

We know there will be a front-facing camera, but other specs are still hush-hush. 

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12 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Keep scrolling through for a few more photos of TCL's prototype phone.

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13 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET
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14 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET
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18 of 18 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

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