Barcelona — There has already been an onslaught of foldable devices announced before MWC 2019 has even begun, but TCL has confirmed that it won’t release its first foldable phone until 2020. Instead, the manufacturer is previewing its new DragonHinge technology, aimed at making the back of foldable devices bend just as effortlessly as their displays.

Without going into much detail, TCL explained that the DragonHinge technology “creates a mechanical housing” for foldable display devices to function in several different use cases. The company showcased a number of different foldable form factors, including an inward folding tablet-to-phone model and a handset that bends closed similar to a clamshell phone.

The first form factor is likely what we can expect from TCL’s first market foldable. The device may feature a 7.2-inch 2K (2048 x 1536) AMOLED display with a 90.73 percent screen to body ratio that folds inward from 0 to 180 degrees. Its user interface will be optimized for multitasking, email, gaming, and other common smartphone functions.

TCL also showcased potential accessories for foldable phones, many which resemble wallets and spectacle cases. The company said it aims to have its foldable device sell at competitive prices once they are available to market.

TCL will collaborate with its sister company CSOT to provide in-house flexible AMOLED displays for future devices, noting that it is working to overcome a number of challenges in making its foldable devices viable for practical applications. These include perfecting its flexible AMOLED display and ensuring the mechanical housing is durable enough for long-term use, as well as developing software that functions well with various foldable form factors.

Delaying the market launch of its foldable device is likely a smart move on TCL’s part as many devices are currently launching as market prototypes with astronomical prices and first-generation issues that remain to be seen. Samsung’s new Galaxy Fold will sell for nearly $2,000 when it releases in April. During its Samsung Unpacked event last week, the manufacturer discussed its own “sophisticated hinge system” that hides the gears that allow the Galaxy Fold to bend.

Meanwhile, the developer model of the obscure Royole Flexpai is available online for $1,318, with no word on if or when there will be a commercial model. Though the Chinese manufacturer, Royole claims the handset can bend over 200,000 times in average use, the device’s seemingly plastic hinge is susceptible to wear and tear.