The latest Oppo’s patent may indicate the company is moving towards making a foldable tablet with a special book design. A single outer camera and a USB Type-C port in the patent document implies the compact but modern approach to tablet design the device offers.
Although Oppo hasn’t mentioned anything about launching the Oppo’s Foldable Tablet, the information in the patent suggests that Oppo is working on exploring new form factors for mobile computing. Thanks to some very popular foldable devices in recent years where companies like Samsung and Huawei dominated the foldable smartphone market.
In this article, we will discuss the Oppo’s Foldable Tablet, its expected design, features, specifications and many more things.
Patent Details and Design Insights
The patent for Oppo’s foldable tablet was published on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) portal under patent number CN 309147396 S. That application was filed in June 2022 by the company and then granted in September.
Although patents have been known to hint to what companies are planning, they do not always result in the release of a product. However, this is a sign that Oppo is actively developing foldable tablet technology.
The book-style folding of the tablet is detailed in the document and includes the use of it in multiple positions; folded, partially unfolded, and fully unfolded. This level of flexibility might make it a good choice for the professionals who need a portable workstation, or for those in the entertainment business who wish to have a bigger screen without having the bulk of a traditional tablet.
Single Camera and Port Placement
According to the patent images, the Oppo foldable tablet has only one outer camera, namely on one of the folding panels. While many of the modern tablets that have come out with many cameras, Oppo seems to be going the minimalist route. The meaning of this could be a cheaper price point, but if so, the camera quality has to be acceptable for video calls and photography.
The USB Type-C port also appears on one of the panels, therefore the device is likely to include support for fast charging and data transfer. The volume buttons are also placed on the corner in the same panel, that makes them easily accessible while trying to use the tablet. The power button is further separated and placed on other part of the other panel for a simple and intuitive UX.
Sleek and Compact Foldable Design
According to one of the key highlights of this tablet is its ultra-thin design. The tablet doesn’t appear to be all that slim when closed, however, especially considering that it is still supposed to fit within a brief, robe, or pocket, regardless of being folded. It gets a little handier in the hand with the rounded corners which help it when you hold the gadget for extended time.
The hinge mechanism is another important element of the design. When the tablet is closed, iPhone makes sure that the gap between the two folding panels is as narrow as it possibly can be, as suggested by the patent. This would help in reducing screen creases and increase the durability of the device.
Potential Use Cases and Market Impact
With Oppo’s own version in the pipeline, it could be a versatile device for multiple type of users if it is launched. For this, business professional would find it to be useful in their presentations and multitasking, and kids could use its portability and large display. On top of that, it could be used for streaming movies, playing games or reading e-books on a larger screen without a full-size tablet.
If one managed to fold a tablet, that could bring a new breath of life to the industry, especially for such users who would like a balance between portability and a big screen experience. As the popularity with foldable technology becomes more prevalent, Oppo’s venture into this territory would be a challenge for the like of Samsung, Apple, and Huawei.
Is Oppo Going to Launch This Foldable Tablet?
However, the patent is exciting news nonetheless, as Oppo has not formally confirmed that they will be releasing a Oppo’s Foldable Tablet. While many companies file patents on experimental designs, not all of them find themselves on the production line. But the fact that this design is present suggests that Oppo is not only on the lookout for new form factors, but that it is really looking into some.
Without knowing exactly what the future of Oppo’s foldable tablet is, this patent highlights where the company sees future portable computing devices heading. Regardless of whether it will be a commercially available product, it seems very clear that foldable technology will be more and more of a thing in the future of tablets.
