TCL
Chicago

The TCL Chicago (aka Project Chicago) was a prototype flip phone with a folding display that the company developed to gauge interest in a more affordable foldable smartphone. This development came after TCL had been showcasing prototype devices with flexible displays for several years (see pictures below). With an expected price of approximately $700, the TCL Chicago was at least $200 cheaper than market leader Samsung’s first Galaxy Z Flip foldable and was slightly thicker and heavier. In the end, TCL abandoned plans for a commercial launch due to a lack of (financial) support from mobile network operators and other key channels, as well as being unable to hit a low enough retail price point to make the phone viable to TCL’s target market. However, several units were shared with key influencers including Michael Fisher (aka MrMobile) whose video reviewing the device can be found below. A unit was also kindly donated to the Mobile Phone Museum.