World’s first handbag-inspired smartphone is revealed: Bizarre foldable device looks like a purse and is decked out in chains, feathers and tassels

Never have enough space to fit a phone in your handbag?

Your troubles may be soon over thanks to a new invention by Chinese tech firm Honor.

It has unveiled a foldable smartphone that doubles up as a purse, with a shoulder strap and customisable designs that can be changed at the click of a button.

The design is aimed at giving both fashion brands, such as Prada and Luis Vuitton, as well as rival tech giants Apple and Samsung a run for their money.

Honor revealed the concept device – called the Honor V Purse – during its keynote speech titled ‘Unfold Tomorrow’ at the technology show IFA 2023 in Berlin.

The company said it ‘reimagines a foldable smartphone as a wearable, fashion-forward purse that offers endless possibilities for self-expression and sustainable lifestyle’.

However there were no plans yet to release it into the open market, according to Honor, a spinoff brand from embattled Chinese tech giant Huawei.

The 9mm thick phone works by folding outwards, so the screen – which will remain always on – can be seen at all times.

Along the top will have a clip to keep it together, a camera, and hooks for a range of interchangeable shoulder straps, including a vegan leather option.

The screen remains on at all times and owners can choose between a variety of styles for the screen designed by leading tastemakers, including Burberry.

These will have a range of accessories – such as chains, tassels, and feathers – which can follow the movement of the smartphone as it sways by the person’s side.

Honor said the device would also provide hope for the environmentally conscious consumers worried about the waste of fast fashion.

Alongside the changeable display, allowing users to switch the style for every night out and even during it without buying a new bag, it can also last for some time allowing for it to be opened and closed over 400,000 times.

The next phase of development will see Honor invite up-and-coming designers from around the world to use the sensors within the phone to make them animated and alive.

Honor chief executive George Zhao said the Honor V Purse showed how the company was exploring sustainable solutions that would ’empower creativity and shape tomorrow’s lifestyle.

‘The Honor V Purse is an entirely new, unique and revolutionary concept. It is unlike anything that has been seen before.

‘We believe it is the smartphone of the future, and that it will pave the way for the future of fashion and technology.’

Having the display facing the outside would be risky at the moment with current foldable screens still relatively soft and fragile. 

Honor’s former parent company Huawei did so for their early foldable phones but later changed to put them more safely on the inside.

Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore said: ‘Honor has bold ambitious plans to be a leader in this area. These latest moves into foldables is a statement of this intent to be seen as a credible and viable player.

‘Ultimately foldable devices are not sought after among consumers. They still want reliable and robust connections.

‘It will take many years before devices like this concept really take off. In the meantime it will create a much needed buzz around the Honor brand.’