The original idea for foldable phones was to allow people to enjoy larger screens but still have the convenience of a small device they can slide into their pockets or purses. Over the years, hover, a new kind of foldable design emerged, one that went the opposite direction to make a normal-sized phone even smaller. After all, phones are getting bigger these days, so some of them actually start looking like awkward bulges in pockets.With tri-fold designs now starting to take the stage, its really only a matter of time before the same concept gets applied to clamshell-type foldables. Rather than wait for that opportunity, Infinix is showing off that its actually leading the way with a concept design that demonstrates the possibilities of a phone that can fold into an even more compact form that you can almost stick anywhere you want, including on a bike handlebar.Designer: InfinixTri-fold is technically a misnomer, though its one of those marketing terms that seems to have stuck because its catchier to say. In reality, there are only two hinges and two folds, but there are three segments that fold into each other, hence the name. But while something like the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition or TECNO Phantom Ultimate 2 Concept transform between phone and tablet, the Infinix ZERO Series Mini Tri-Fold forever remains a phone.Instead, the point of the design is to expand the phones use cases without changing what it is. When completely folded down, for example, it becomes a mini camera, almost like a tiny point-and-shoot with a large LCD screen on its back. It can also be something like an action camera that you can stick to your backpack or chest strap. Another use case for this compact form would be attaching it to bicycle handlebars, gym machines, or car dashboards, giving you something like a small screen for navigation, tracking, and maybe even some tiny videos without taking up as much space as a regular phone.And thats with the phone completely folded. Fold only one segment and you can prop the phone up vertically without requiring a stand accessory, letting you make video calls anytime, anywhere. This also sets up a dual-screen experience where two people on opposite sides can see different things, with real-time translation presented as the main use case.Admittedly, a mini tri-fold, if that will indeed be the name of this category, is going to be an even bigger novelty than any other foldable design so far. It does have interesting use cases, but there might be as just as many counter-arguments for those. Its definitely interesting to see what other ideas Infinix will come up with and, more importantly, whether this design actually becomes a commercial product in a few months time.The post Infinix ZERO Series Mini Tri-fold concept goes small for big gains first appeared on Yanko Design.