BigMe already has competition for its latest E Ink hybrid phone before launch

What you need to know

• Hisense has started teasing a 6.1-inch hybrid E Ink phone with a detachable LCD, called the A10.
• A separate report claims Hisense might sell the LCD separately, meaning users would need to buy the accessory for the A10.
• This is giving BigMe some early competition and its Hibreak Dual 2 hasn't released yet.

A new trend's getting started in the world of pocketable e-readers. Hisense has started teasing a hybrid phone that's giving BigMe's next iteration a run for its money.

Hisense says it wants in on the unique e-reader, E Ink market. The company has started teasing the A10: a 6.1-inch E Ink device (via Gizmochina). This phone reportedly utilizes a 4nm 8-core Qualcomm chip, alongside Android 16. The "hybrid" nature of the phone comes into play with its magnetically atachable/detachable" LCD secondary screen.

The detachable LCD is "the thing" for this phone. It's what hooks the consumer. Personally, it's an interesting choice. This device is aimed at a certain type of consumer in the market. That's without a doubt. What I will say is I hope no one forgets their LCD at home... That would suck.

This display sits right beneath its horizontal camera bar. The idea, which is a sentiment we've heard from another company, is to give consumers versatility. The Hisense A10's E Ink display will be (primarily) reserved for reading and writing, while the LCD brings a more traditional phone experience. It's full color, so users can open apps that are far more enjoyable on this type of screen, rather than an E Ink, paper-like display.

Interestingly, NotebookCheck cites a tipster who claims this detachable LCD might not ship with the Hisense A10. If true, then we might have to prepare for an attachable screen accessory. A separate purchase users can grab if they desire. Hisense has started teasing the A10 in China, and it's been listed with a CNY 3,999 (~$590) starting price.

Competition is good

This device will seem familiar if you caught BigMe's Hibreak Dual 2 teasers last week. BigMe finds itself in an interesting spot with the Dual 2. Its first iteration was fine, but if you were to ask my colleague Nicholas Sutrich, he'd tell you that it left a lot to be desired. The Hibreak Dual 2 looks like a step in the right direction. BigMe states this phone will feature a 6.1-inch color/BW E-Ink display and a 5-inch LCD.

Users can find this LCD on the back of the phone. BigMe said on Reddit that the goal was to "create a phone that gives you both a comfortable E Ink screen for reading/writing and a smooth LCD for everything else. No more carrying two devices." Versatility is the name of the game for BigMe and Hisense.

Users have their concerns about this device from BigMe. The company has been active on Reddit, listening to user feedback and making an effort to get it right.