A sequel to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is expected to arrive in early 2021, but there will likely be no major changes to the phone's basic design. However, Oppo has unveiled a new concept that shows the potential for the Z Flip-style design to evolve in some exciting ways.

The Oppo X Nendo "slide phone" debuted on Oppo's Twitter feed and is one of two devices designed between the Chinese phone maker and Japanese design firm Nendo. It's a 7-inch vertical display when fully opened, but it's much more versatile than similar folding devices like the Z Flip and Motorola Razr.

When closed, it looks like a regular foldable, but in addition to a hinge in the middle of the display, there are two more hinges above and below it. This allows the phone to be opened in thirds.

Oppo also produced a video showing the concept in action. According to the video, the folded device is about the size of a credit card and has touch-sensitive side controls that change function depending on how the phone is opened. Also shown is a large charging stand, which can power the Oppo X Nendo while the display remains usable.

You probably know the basic convenience that folding offers: a larger display in a smaller footprint; Oppo's new design takes it a step further by allowing the user to open the phone more closely The new design takes it a step further by allowing the user to open the phone more finely. For example, one leaf of the display can be opened to view music player settings and notifications, while two leaves can be opened to view the viewfinder of the phone's camera.

When the phone is fully opened, users can play games, watch movies, and multitask with up to three apps simultaneously using the virtual controls on either side of the display.

There are three cameras on the back of the phone, which are foldable, so these can easily be turned into selfie cameras if the phone is folded the right way. This is a folding mechanism like the Huawei Mate Xs, and seems much smarter than adding more cameras, as Samsung did with five sensors on the Z Fold 2.

Images from Oppo's tweet show that the Galaxy Note 20 which uses a stylus housed in a dedicated slot in the phone's body, as in the Galaxy Note 20. This is something Oppo does not offer on its current phones, but it is a smart addition to make the most of the full display.

Not content with just a cell phone, Oppo and Nendo are also working on a "Music Link" concept consisting of wireless earphones and related accessories. This includes "smartwatches, AI speakers, portable chargers, and wireless chargers."

The intent is to have all of these devices work together in a smart way. For example, the wireless charger has a spot where you can open the charging case of the earphones and charge them at the same time without taking up space on the main surface of the charger. Oppo also describes using the earphone case to switch music from earbuds to speakers, which is a bit similar to an existing feature available on devices like Apple's HomePod.

As exciting as these designs are, Oppo states that they are only concepts. Concepts can become retail devices given enough time, but don't expect to be able to pick these up anytime soon. We recently saw a different Oppo concept, the Oppo X rollable phone, which is also not in sight for purchase. This is because Samsung has been ensconced at the top of the foldable phone food chain for far too long.