Hisense created a phone featuring a detachable second screen.

      Smartphone manufacturers have long sought innovative ways to enhance functionality without increasing size. Hisense has adopted a rather unique method: by adding a second removable screen to the phone.

      The Hisense A10 Ultra features a standard 6.13-inch color screen alongside a detachable 4.96-inch E Ink display that magnetically attaches to the back. The E Ink display is intended for reading and low-energy tasks, while the main screen is meant for all other functions. Notebookcheck announced its launch on August 28.

      This concept is unconventional, but there is a sound rationale behind it. E Ink technology is known for its low power consumption and excellent visibility in bright sunlight, offering users a way to read books, documents, or static content without the need to keep an OLED display powered on continuously.

      Two screens, but only one needs to be attached

      The primary display of the A10 Ultra is a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1300 with a resolution of 1,648 x 824 and 300 PPI. Although it is in monochrome, it is suitable for daily tasks where battery efficiency and readability in sunlight are higher priorities than color.

      Included is an adjustable front light with 36 levels of color and brightness for reading at night. On the back is the removable 4.96-inch LCD, which is capable of showing colors and smooth animations when the E Ink screen isn't adequate. With the magnetic attachment system, users can easily detach the secondary display when it's not in use.

      Hisense A10 Series Hisense

      The phone is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, supporting wireless charging of up to 15W and wired USB-C charging at 18W. It also boasts a Qualcomm Q-6690 Dragonwing ARM processor, a 48-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, NFC, Wi-Fi, and an infrared transmitter. Operating on Android 16, it supports Google Play services.

      Additionally, Hisense is offering a more basic A10 Pro that lacks the detachable screen. The A10 Ultra is priced starting at $400 in China, while the 8GB/128GB A10 Pro is priced at 2,799 yuan (about $420) and the 12GB/512GB version at 3,499 yuan (approximately $520). The details regarding international availability remain unconfirmed.

      This innovative design does offer a genuine opportunity for saving battery life.

      The appeal of the A10 Ultra lies not in simply having two screens, but rather in assigning distinct tasks to each display. Using the E Ink screen for reading could lower power usage, while the removable color panel delivers a more traditional experience when required.

      This design is particularly interesting for avid readers who use their phones. Rather than carrying both an e-reader and a smartphone, the A10 Ultra aims to merge both functionalities into a single device – allowing users to physically detach the extra screen when it’s not needed.

      Hisense

      Whether this concept will gain popularity is uncertain. The detachable display introduces complexity in a market where manufacturers typically strive for thinner and simpler designs.

      Currently, Hisense has created something significantly more intriguing than another standard rectangular Android phone. The A10 Ultra represents an experiment in viewing smartphones less as single-screen devices and more like modular units – potentially heralding a new way to conceptualize mobile displays.