We could see an even cheaper foldable launch in 2022 from this BBK brand

Foldable phones are still well out of reach for most people. Sure, you can now have the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 for under $1,000, but what if you want a larger screen? Well, it appears that realme is the latest company to throw its weight behind the folding form heading into 2022.

Xu Qi Chase, realme’s marketing head, recently published a teaser to Weibo, claiming that “under-screen and folding” phones will “further mature” heading into the new year. That statement probably goes without saying, but it likely also signals the brand’s intent to launch foldable phones and under-display camera devices.

2022: The year of the affordable foldable?

Notably, we’ve seen plenty of smartphone firms linked with upcoming foldables, including vivo and OPPO. We’ve yet to see any of these companies launch mainstream foldable phones, however, it’s interesting that a fellow BBK brand in realme is now furthering the folding agenda.

Per early rumors, OPPO has reportedly delayed its foldable phone to 2022, which may include a 7.7-inch foldable display and a much smaller outer display. Other rumors pointed to a larger vivo device, packing an 8-inch main screen and a 6.5-inch external screen. It’s unclear which design philosophy realme would adopt.

Either way, if realme is serious about launching a folding phone in 2022, it’ll enter an arena dominated by Samsung. Although the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the most polished large foldable phone yet, it remains a hefty $1,800 investment. realme has traditionally undercut its major rivals with its flagship phones. Employing the same strategy with its foldable could give us the cheaper alternative consumers have long been waiting for.

We’ll have to wait until 2022 to see how this all plays out and if realme does debut its first foldable in the new year.