Xiaomi foldable phone leak video reveals bizarre tablet transformation

Notorious leaker Evan Blass shared a video of the tri-folding device on Twitter

The tri-folding device is one of several new foldable phones potentially set to launch in 2019 (EV Leaks)

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has developed a tablet capable of transforming into a smartphone, according to a new leak.

A video of the device was shared by notorious leaker Evan Blass on Twitter, showing a person flicking through apps before folding it up.

Mr Blass has a reputation for unearthing images and details of products before they officially launch, though he was unable to confirm the legitimacy of the video.

"Can't speak to the authenticity of this video or device, but it's allegedly made by Xiaomi, I'm told," he tweeted. "Hot new phone, or gadget porn deepfake?"

Xiaomi did not respond to a request for comment on the leaked video.

If true, Xiaomi is among several other companies working on foldable devices, including fellow electronics giant Samsung.

The South Korean firm teased the device at its annual developer conference in November, claiming it will serve as the "foundation of the smartphone of tomorrow" – though full specs and images were not revealed.

"Samsung continues to build on its legacy of category-defining form factor and display innovation that has paved the way for a breakthrough foldable smartphone form factor," the firm said.

"The Infinity Flex Display together with One UK delivers a new kind of mobile experience allowing users to do things they couldn't do with an ordinary smartphone. Users now have the best of both worlds: a compact smartphone that unfolds to reveal a larger immersive display for multitasking and viewing content."

Samsung's new foldable screen smartphone was unveiled at a conference in California on 7 November, 2018 (REUTERS)

The folding smartphone, expected to be called the Galaxy F, will be released in March, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.

Other companies that are rumoured to be working on a foldable smartphone include Huawei and LG, as well as several smaller startups that include Royole.