Samsung has officially unveiled its first triple-display foldable phone for consumers at a tech exhibition during the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea. According to the Korean publication Dailian, this innovative device is expected to launch in either November or December of this year. The tri-fold phone, which is still awaiting an official name, was showcased as a prototype, hinting at Samsung's commitment to leading the foldable smartphone market.
The new tri-fold phone introduces a unique design compared to existing models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, which fold in half along a single hinge. This upcoming device features two hinges, allowing it to fold in two places, creating a compact form similar to a traditional smartphone. When folded, it boasts a 6.5-inch outer screen, which expands to a tablet-sized 10-inch screen when fully unfolded, as reported by The Chosun Daily. In comparison, dual-screen foldables typically have inner screens measuring around 8 inches.
The design innovation extends to its creases; while the Z Fold 7 has a single crease on its main screen, the new tri-fold could potentially feature two creases. This advancement positions Samsung at the forefront of foldable phone technology, a space it has dominated since introducing the first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and the Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. However, the competition remains fierce, particularly from brands like Motorola and Huawei.
Huawei, for instance, gained a significant advantage in 2024 with its own tri-fold device, the Huawei Mate XT, which was later followed by a second version. In contrast, Samsung’s forthcoming tri-fold keeps the company competitive in the ever-evolving foldable smartphone arena. Interestingly, while both the Huawei Mate XT and Samsung's new device are categorized as consumer tri-folds, they exhibit different folding mechanisms. The Mate XT's two hinges fold in opposite directions, creating a Z shape, whereas Samsung's design allows for inward folding, forming what Dailian describes as a G shape.
Although Samsung has not disclosed further details about its tri-fold phone, Dailian anticipates that the device will be priced even higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which starts at $2,000 in the United States. Images of the prototype reveal a front-facing camera located on both the inner display when unfolded and the outer screen when folded. However, since Samsung did not demonstrate the folding mechanism, many questions remain regarding the phone's durability and overall functionality ahead of its expected launch.
Samsung's readiness to introduce its tri-fold phone comes as no surprise. Over the years, the company has showcased various flexible display designs, including three-screen formats, at major events like CES. Recently, there has been a steady stream of rumors and confirmations from executives indicating that Samsung was preparing to unveil this tri-fold innovation.
As Samsung strives to maintain its position at the forefront of smartphone design, the success of this new tri-fold phone will be crucial. The tech community eagerly awaits to see if Samsung can deliver a device that not only meets consumer expectations but also dominates the foldable phone niche before its major competitor, Apple, releases its first foldable device. As of now, Samsung has not responded to requests for additional comments regarding this exciting development.
