Multiple reports say Huawei is working on a new foldable phone design described in a patent application. The concept is a “vertical” tri-fold handset that uses two hinges to create three folded sections. According to one source, a mockup based on the patent depicts a layout that differs from tri-fold phones currently seen in the market, where Huawei’s earlier Mate XT Ultimate uses a different folding structure. NDTV reports that the patent appears to be filed in the US and shows the phone folding vertically into an S-shaped configuration. The patent drawings also depict the hinges placed horizontally, dividing the internal components into three compartments. NDTV adds that the proposed design is expected to compact into a form factor resembling a smaller flip-style phone when folded, potentially with a reduced horizontal footprint compared with Huawei’s existing Huawei Pura X flip handset. Another report notes the vertical tri-fold concept could extend Huawei’s tri-fold approach beyond its current tri-fold product line, but emphasizes that the patent information does not confirm a commercial release.