Lenovo patents a foldable phone with a cool second screen that folds from the back

Motorola is expected to introduce its first foldable smartphone this year with the throwback Motorola RAZR (2019). The device opens and closes vertically, and when open it reveals a 6.2-inch display with a resolution of 876 x 2142 and an aspect ratio of 22:9. There will be a smaller external display with a resolution of 600 x 800 and an aspect ratio of 4:3. We should see the RAZR (2019) surface this summer, priced at $1,500.

Motorola's parent, Lenovo, is apparently looking at other foldable form factors for Motorola or its own brand. Today, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published a patent (via LetsGoDigital) received by the Chinese manufacturer last year. The patent covers a foldable clamshell with some similarities to the Motorola RAZR patent. The key to this phone is the flexible hinge that allows the user to fold the device in a couple of different ways. With a second screen found on the bottom rear of the phone, this screen can be folded over to cover a small part of the main flexible screen. The phone can be folded again making the device more pocketable, protecting much of the display and revealing a small part of the top of the flexible screen.

The primary camera would be found on the back of the device with a selfie snapper placed in the top bezel. A speaker is located on the top of the phone. Samsung will be the first major manufacturer to release a foldable phone when the Galaxy Fold launches on April 26th carrying a $1,980 price tag. Later this summer, the Huawei Mate X will be available, priced at the equivalent of $2,600. Other companies like Oppo, Xiaomi, and TCL have revealed that they will be offering their own foldable models. We've seen some patents from Apple that are related to a foldable iPhone; such a product could appear in 2020.

Lenovo's patent number is US D828,321 S and is titled Flexible Smart Mobile Phone. It was originally filed back in November 2017.