Huawei to launch foldable phone on February 24: Details here
What's the story
Huawei has tweeted an invite on Twitter, teasing the launch of, what could be, the world's first 5G-ready foldable phone. The Chinese tech giant has scheduled an event in Barcelona on February 24, at 2PM CET (6:30pm IST). Interestingly, Huawei's event is planned four days after Samsung's Unpacked event where the latter is expected to showcase its foldable phone and launch S10 flagships.
Twitter Post
Here's the official invite from Huawei
Come with us to explore #ConnectingTheFuture LIVE from #MWC @GSMA. Are you ready to reveal the unprecedented? #HuaweiMWC #MWC2019 pic.twitter.com/ErPD7eKMh1
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) February 1, 2019
Unofficial
Everything we know about Huawei's 5G foldable phone
Looking at the silhouette in the teaser, the device is likely to feature an out-folding display that opens up to form a tablet and folds back into a compact device. Reportedly, it will offer 7.2-inch display in tablet form. Moreover, Huawei's foldable phone is expected to be powered by the 7nm Kirin 980 processor, paired with the recently launched 5G multi-mode Balong 5000 modem.
First batch
Huawei's foldable phone may initially launch in select regions only
As per reports, Huawei will manufacture around 24,000-30,000 units of its foldable smartphones in the first phase. Hence, given the limited number of units, the device may initially launch in select regions. We expect Huawei to give specific details about production plans on the launch day itself. As for pricing, the phone could cost over $1,500, considering the best-in-class technology it would offer.
Competition
Meanwhile, here's what to expect from Samsung's foldable phone
Meanwhile, Samsung's foldable phone is expected to be showcased on February 20. The device was briefly unveiled at Samsung's developer conference last November, mainly confirming its presence and highlighting the out-folding mechanism. Now, some reports suggest the phone will sport a 7.3-inch internal display which will fold like a book to convert into a candy bar phone with a 4.6-inch external screen.
From the grapevine
The phone could pack 8GB RAM, 12MP+12MP cameras, 6,000mAh battery
According to previous reports, Samsung's foldable phone will be powered by an Exynos 9820 chipset or Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, paired with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and 6,000mAh battery. The phone is rumored to sport a 12MP+12MP dual rear-camera setup. But, unlike Huawei's upcoming foldable phone, the Samsung device will not support 5G network.
Global availability
At least 1 million devices will be shipped: DJ Koh
Additionally, Samsung Electronics President DJ Koh earlier said that the foldable phone won't be limited to select markets like Korea and China, confirming that it would be made available globally. Further, as per industry insiders, Samsung could launch its foldable smartphone at around $1,770 (approx. Rs 1,30,000). It remains to be seen who wins the foldable space!