Patent reveals LG's potential answer to the Galaxy Fold and Mate X

New patent-based renders show what could become LG’s answer to the Galaxy Fold and HUAWEI Mate X.

Dutch publication LetsGoDigital has uncovered an LG patent depicting a double-folding device equipped with a stylus. LetsGoDigital created the renders based on schematics from a design patent awarded to LG in April 2019. The patent, registered with the Korean patent office, shows a device that folds twice, similar to the foldable prototype that Xiaomi teased back in January.

The design cleverly incorporates a stylus that can be stowed away in one of the two hinges. In its unfolded state, the device looks like a 16:10 tablet, with thin bezels on three sides and a wider “handle” that houses a triple camera.

When folded, the device takes the aspect ratio of a modern smartphone, with thin bezels at the top and bottom. The device described in the patent documentation is very thin, but obviously, the real-world product could look different.

There’s no guarantee that LG will bring this specific design to market. The company has experimented with a few other flexible display ideas, including this wild roll-up model. However, the design revealed today appears to be easier to implement, which is crucial at this point.

The foldables we’ve seen so far have suffered from a lack of refinement, both in terms of design and underlying technology. Neither Samsung nor HUAWEI (not to mention Royole) have managed to produce sleek, seamless foldable products, though that’s to be expected from first-gen devices with limited runs.

Report details just what Samsung is doing to update the Galaxy Fold

LG, meanwhile, is not in a hurry to release its own foldables. In early 2019, the company said it won’t attempt to beat Samsung and HUAWEI to market, choosing instead to launch optional secondary display attachments. But that doesn’t mean LG has ceased working on foldables in the background.

Don’t expect to hear any foldable announcements from LG at IFA this week. The company is likely to announce the more mundane LG G8X, potentially coupled with a secondary display.

Samsung meanwhile is gearing up to re-announce the trouble Galaxy Fold. Will the second time be the charm?