Vivo is set to launch its first Vivo foldable smartphone as early as April 2022, according to a report that surfaced on March 7. The device carries the internal codename Butterfly and is widely expected to arrive as the Vivo X Fold — putting the brand squarely in the running against already-released rivals like the Honor Magic V and OPPO Find N.
Vivo Foldable Smartphone: What We Know So Far
The leak, originally reported by Jimian, revealed both the codename and an approximate launch window of April 2022. Sources close to the development confirmed that the upcoming device will feature a novel hinge mechanism that Vivo is billing as a technological breakthrough. Beyond the hinge, the company is also said to have worked on innovation across core components, with the stated goal of competing head-to-head with foldable models from Huawei and Samsung in terms of overall performance.
While exact hardware specifications have not been officially disclosed, the ambition behind the project signals that Vivo is treating this launch as more than a market-entry move — it is positioning the Butterfly / Vivo X Fold as a premium flagship in the foldable segment.
Why Vivo Is Entering the Foldable Market Now
The timing makes strategic sense. According to an IDC report, foldable phone shipments in China alone were projected to reach 1.5 million units in 2021, with analytics firms estimating that total shipments would roughly double year-on-year in 2022. As supply chains for key components — flexible displays, precision hinges, and Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) protective covers — become more mature and cost-effective, the category is attracting every major Chinese OEM.
Vivo would join a growing list of Chinese manufacturers that have already made their foldable debut. The Honor Magic V and OPPO Find N were among the most recent entrants in the domestic market before this report, and both were received positively for their hinge durability and compact form factors. Vivo entering April 2022 would make it one of the earliest movers in what is shaping up to be a competitive year for the foldable segment.
The Vivo X Fold Connection
Prior reporting on the Vivo X Fold aligns with the Butterfly codename and the April 2022 timeline, strongly suggesting they refer to the same device. If confirmed, the Vivo X Fold would be the brand's first commercial foldable — a significant milestone for a company that has largely focused on mid-range and upper-mid-range slab-style phones under its V and Y series, alongside the flagship X series.
For buyers and enthusiasts tracking this space, the foldable segment in 2022 is shaping up to offer more choice than ever, with Vivo, Honor, OPPO, Huawei, and Samsung all competing for attention. You can keep up with all the latest Vivo smartphone news as details around the X Fold continue to emerge.
Market Context
The foldable phone category, once considered a niche curiosity, is clearly gaining mainstream momentum. Supply-chain maturity is a key driver: when component costs for flexible OLED panels, hinges, and UTG glass come down, manufacturers can price devices more accessibly without sacrificing build quality. IDC data pointing to 1.5 million units shipped in China in 2021 — with doubling expected in 2022 — underscores the urgency for brands like Vivo to establish a presence before the window for early-mover advantage closes.
