Vivo tri-fold foldable phone with virtual keyboard patent surfaces

Vivo is working on a number of new ideas. The Vivo Pad is believed to be on its way soon. It will be the first tablet from the Chinese OEM. It’s also said to be working on Funtouch OS Android 12 for several Vivo devices. The most recent phone we featured was the Vivo S10e. We also remember the Vivo X70 series phones. In the coming year, Vivo may also venture into the foldable phone game. We’re probably looking at the Vivo NEX series that will offer not only foldable but also rollable phones.

A Vivo foldable phone sounds exciting but then a tri-fold foldable smartphone may be more than a treat. This is only a concept but it’s fun to imagine what could be. The idea is from a patent filed by Vivo for a large foldable device featuring a 16:9 display and what appears to be a virtual keyboard.

The mystery device is believed to be more focused on productivity. The large screen real estate will definitely be to allow a bigger preview whether for work, school, home, gaming, or entertainment.

We have seen several tri-fold smartphones in the past but not one concept has become a reality. The idea is that they can be folded at two points. We have seen concept phones from OnePlus, Samsung, and TCL. Similar two-fold designs have also been shown off by LG.

The patent filed with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) included a nine-page documentation. It was also published in the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) database which tells us Vivo may be serious. We’re not sure though if and when the device will go into production.