Samsung’s next step in foldable technology may arrive sooner than previously expected, with multiple reports suggesting the company is preparing to introduce a tri-fold smartphone.
Highlights
According to industry sources and recent leaks, the device could launch as early as Q3 2025, potentially alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
Evolving Foldable Design
Leaks indicate that Samsung’s tri-fold smartphone will feature a dual-hinge design, expanding beyond the single-hinge architecture of the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.
This development is seen as a shift toward a more tablet-like experience, where the display unfolds across three connected panels. The design reportedly resembles Huawei’s Mate X-style foldables but with a unique folding structure.
Notably, Samsung is expected to use a G-shaped inward folding mechanism. Unlike S- or Z-folding styles, this approach would allow both outer sections to fold inward, fully enclosing the main screen when closed.
This could offer increased protection for the internal display and contribute to a more compact form factor when folded.
Price Estimates and Target Audience
The tri-fold smartphone is expected to carry a premium price tag, with estimates ranging from $3,000 to $3,500.
This pricing suggests that Samsung is likely positioning the device as a high-end, limited-edition product aimed at early adopters and technology enthusiasts rather than mainstream consumers.
Initial availability is expected to be restricted to select regions, including South Korea and China. This limited rollout may reflect a strategy to monitor market response and technical performance before considering a broader global launch.
Potential Innovations
The tri-fold device may feature several technological advancements beyond its novel folding mechanism.
- High-Brightness Display: The primary screen could support up to 2,600 nits of brightness, a level consistent with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This would improve outdoor visibility and general usability in varying lighting conditions.
- Silicon-Carbon Battery Technology: Reports suggest the device might adopt silicon-carbon battery components, which could enable higher energy density and faster charging capabilities compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This would help maintain a slim profile without compromising battery life.
Rollout Strategy
The device is reportedly beyond the prototype phase and in active development, though Samsung has not officially acknowledged its existence.
Sources close to the supply chain suggest a limited production run of fewer than 300,000 units initially. This conservative approach appears to be in line with a broader strategy to test new form factors in niche markets before scaling up.
Some conflicting reports suggest the tri-fold device may be delayed to early 2026, although most industry chatter continues to point toward a Q3 2025 launch window.
And if the tri-fold format proves viable in terms of durability, usability, and market demand, it may signal the beginning of a new era in foldable smartphone design.
