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| Photo credit : Samsung |
The smartphone industry is no stranger to bold innovation, and foldable devices have already reshaped how we think about mobile technology. From book-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold to clamshell designs like the Z Flip, Samsung has been at the forefront of this revolution. Now, the company is poised to take another leap forward with its first tri-fold smartphone, expected to launch by the end of 2025. This device promises to blend the portability of a smartphone with the expansive screen real estate of a tablet, offering unprecedented versatility. In this article, we’ll dive into what a tri-fold smartphone is, explore Samsung’s plans, compare it to the competition, and discuss its potential impact on the market.
What is a Tri-Fold Smartphone?
A tri-fold smartphone is a next-generation foldable device that features two hinges, allowing the screen to fold into three distinct sections. When fully unfolded, it provides a large display—potentially up to 10 inches—comparable to a small tablet. When folded, it shrinks to the size of a standard smartphone, making it easy to slip into a pocket. This design offers users multiple modes of use: a compact phone for everyday tasks, a partially unfolded screen for quick multitasking, or a fully unfolded tablet for immersive experiences like gaming, video streaming, or productivity.
The concept has already been brought to life by Huawei, which launched the Mate XT in September 2024. Priced at $2,800, the Mate XT features a 10.2-inch display when unfolded and folds down to a 6.4-inch phone. Its “S” or “Z” folding mechanism, where one section folds outward to serve as a cover screen, has been praised as an engineering marvel but criticized for durability concerns. Samsung, however, is taking a different approach with its “G Type” form factor, where all sections fold inward to protect the screen, potentially addressing some of these durability issues.
Samsung’s Tri-Fold Smartphone: What We Know
Samsung has confirmed its plans to launch a tri-fold smartphone by the end of 2025, with key details emerging from various sources. During its Q1 2025 earnings call, the company highlighted its ongoing innovation in the foldable market, teasing “exciting updates” for the year, including the tri-fold device. TM Roh, acting head of device experience at Samsung, told The Korea Times that the company is “working hard” to launch the tri-fold phone before the year ends
Key Features and Specifications
While Samsung has not released official specifications, leaks and reports provide some insights:
Display Size: The tri-fold phone is expected to feature a display between 9 and 10 inches when fully unfolded, offering a tablet-like experienceBuild Quality: Rumors suggest the device may incorporate a titanium frame for added durability, addressing concerns about the fragility of foldable screens
Price: Given the advanced technology, the tri-fold phone is likely to carry a premium price, potentially exceeding Bonne nuit! exceeding that of current foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
However, one potential downside is the reported absence of a digitizer layer, meaning the device may not support Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a feature popular in its Z Fold series. This decision could be aimed at reducing thickness, as tri-fold designs are inherently bulkier due to the dual hinges.
Timeline and Naming
While Samsung aims for a 2025 launch, some analysts, like Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, suggest an early 2026 release is possible due to production complexities. The device’s name remains unconfirmed, but leaks point to “Galaxy G Fold,” reflecting its unique hinge design.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | Expected by end of 2025, possibly early 2026 |
| Display Size | 9–10 inches when unfolded |
| Form Factor | G Type (inward-folding) |
| Material | Possible titanium frame for durability |
| Production | Limited, <300,000 units initially |
| Price | Likely premium, exceeding current foldables |
| Stylus Support | May not support S Pen due to missing digitizer layer |
The Competitive Landscape
Samsung isn’t the first to venture into tri-fold territory. Huawei’s Mate XT, launched in 2024, set the stage with its 10.2-inch display and $2,800 price tag. The device’s “S” folding mechanism, where one section serves as an outward-facing cover screen, has been both praised and criticized for exposing part of the display to potential damage. Samsung’s inward-folding design aims to address this, prioritizing durability.
Other players are also exploring tri-fold concepts. Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2, a concept device, is thinner than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 (11mm vs. 12.1mm when folded) and unfolds into a 10-inch tablet. While not yet commercially available, it highlights the industry’s push toward slimmer, more versatile foldables. Companies like Oppo and Xiaomi have also teased tri-fold designs, signaling a competitive race to refine this technology.
Potential Use Cases
A tri-fold smartphone opens up exciting possibilities for users:
Productivity: The large screen could support multiple apps simultaneously, ideal for professionals editing documents, managing emails, or video conferencing.Entertainment: A 10-inch display is perfect for immersive gaming, streaming movies, or reading e-books without needing a separate tablet.
Multitasking: Users could run three apps side by side, enhancing efficiency for tasks like note-taking, browsing, and messaging.
However, software optimization will be key. Developers must adapt apps to leverage the tri-fold’s unique form factor, ensuring a seamless experience across different screen configurations.
Market Impact and Analyst Perspectives
The tri-fold smartphone could reshape consumer expectations, blending the portability of a phone with the functionality of a tablet. However, its high cost and limited initial production may restrict it to early adopters and tech enthusiasts. Durability remains a concern, as foldable screens are prone to creases and hinge wear, though Samsung’s “G Type” design aims to mitigate this.
Analysts have mixed views on tri-fold phones. Sareena Dayaram of CNET praises Huawei’s Mate XT as an engineering feat but questions its mainstream appeal due to its price and niche use case Runar Bjørhovde from Canalys suggests Samsung should reconsider a tri-fold launch, arguing it may not sufficiently differentiate the company in a crowded market. Conversely, Gizmodo sees the Galaxy G Fold as a potential spark to reignite excitement in smartphones.
Despite these concerns, the foldable market is growing, with global shipments expected to reach 25 million units by 2025, according to industry estimates. Samsung’s tri-fold could accelerate this trend, especially if it delivers on durability and user experience.
Challenges and Limitations
Several hurdles could impact the tri-fold’s success:
Cost: With prices likely exceeding $2,000, tri-fold phones may remain a luxury product.Battery Life: Larger displays demand more power, potentially straining battery performance.
Weight and Thickness: Tri-fold designs are bulkier than single-hinge foldables, which could affect portability.
Samsung’s experience with the Z Fold and Z Flip series gives it an edge in addressing these issues, but the tri-fold’s complexity will test its engineering prowess.
Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone, expected by the end of 2025, represents a bold step in the evolution of mobile devices. With a potential 10-inch display, a durable inward-folding design, and Samsung’s reputation for innovation, this device could redefine how we use smartphones. However, its high cost, limited availability, and technical challenges may temper its immediate impact. As competition heats up with players like Huawei and Tecno, Samsung’s tri-fold will need to balance cutting-edge features with practicality to capture the market’s imagination. Whether it becomes a mainstream hit or a niche marvel, this device signals an exciting future for foldable technology.
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