The first foldable smartphone is here with a 7.8-inch display, $1300 price tag

While the smartphone’s main focus is its display, the spec sheet is rather impressive too. Nowadays, most flagships that aren’t produced by Apple or Huawei come running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845. This model, however, takes things a step further by supposedly utilizing the next-generation Snapdragon 8150 that is yet to be officially unveiled by Qualcomm. The processor is then paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage in the base model, although those willing to spend a little extra can purchase a version with 8GB of RAM and either 256GB or 515GB of internal storage. In either case, the latter figure is expandable via microSDs of up to 256GB.

Over in the camera department, a main 16-megapixel sensor can be found next to the display alongside a secondary 20-megapixel sensor that sports a telephoto lens. When unfolded, it can be used as a selfie camera, and when the hinge is in use it can be used as a rear camera. Speaking of the hinge, Royole claims it can be used over 200,000 times.
The device’s setup is complete by a USB Type-C port – it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack – and a 3,800mAh battery that can be charged with the included Ro-Charge fast charger. This allows the cell to go from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Pre-orders for the product start today in China at a cost of $1,290, $1435, and $1865 for the respective models. It’s unclear if or when Royole will bring this device to the United States, but shipments of the foldable smartphone are expected to begin in December.