Hisense is trying a different path in the e-ink phone market with the A10, a device that pairs a paper-like front display with a detachable color panel on the back. The idea is simple but unusual, giving users a single phone that can switch between reading-focused simplicity and color-heavy convenience.
The front uses a 6.13-inch e-ink screen designed to feel closer to paper than to a conventional smartphone panel. That makes it suitable for long reading sessions, note-taking, and exam preparation, where eye comfort and lower power use matter more than flashy visuals.
A detachable color panel changes the experience
The most distinctive part of the Hisense A10 sits on the rear side. Hisense has fitted a magnetically attached LCD color panel that can be removed when it is not needed, creating a more flexible setup than the fixed dual-screen designs seen elsewhere.
When attached, the panel adds color for images, comics, charts, social apps, and entertainment content. According to Gizmochina, the concept is similar in spirit to the BigMe HiBreak Dual, but Hisense takes it further by making the color screen fully detachable rather than permanently mounted.
| Key Feature | Hisense A10 | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Front display | 6.13-inch e-ink | Comfortable for reading and study |
| Rear display | Detachable color LCD | Adds visual versatility when needed |
| Attachment method | Magnetic | Easy to remove and reattach |
| Primary use cases | Reading, note-taking, entertainment | One device for different usage modes |
Modern hardware beneath the experimental design
Beyond the display concept, the A10 is powered by a Qualcomm octa-core 4nm chipset and runs Android 16. It also supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6, which keeps the device aligned with current connectivity standards rather than treating it as a niche novelty.
Hisense has not announced the final price, but the company is expected to position the A10 at CNY 3,999, or around $590. That would place it in a serious price tier for an e-ink phone, especially one that adds a detachable color display to the mix.
| Specification | Hisense A10 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm octa-core 4nm |
| Operating system | Android 16 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Expected price | CNY 3,999 (about $590) |
Hisense is not new to e-ink phones. The company previously released the A9 in 2022, which came with a 6.1-inch e-ink display at 300 PPI and a Snapdragon 662 chipset, and sold for 1,799 yuan.
The A9 was even reissued in 2025 with larger RAM and storage options, showing that the lineup still has room to evolve. With the A10, Hisense appears to be testing whether a more adaptable screen setup can keep e-ink phones relevant in a market dominated by standard color smartphones.