samsung’s Tri-Fold Future: A 2025 Launch with a Unique Twist
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While Samsung undoubtedly dominates the foldable phone market, it hasn’t always been the driving force behind innovation in this exciting space. Sure, Samsung perfected the Fold and Flip designs, and their latest foldable phones are arguably the best on the market. Though, Chinese manufacturers like Huawei have frequently enough been the first to introduce groundbreaking features for foldable devices.
We saw this with the introduction of Flip phones boasting generous cover screens, and again with the emergence of ultra-thin Fold alternatives. While Samsung has been playing catch-up, it’s still trailing behind, especially in the latter category.
So, it’s perhaps not surprising that Samsung’s tri-fold foldable phone won’t arrive until 2025, well after two Chinese companies showcased their versions. While Tecno’s tri-fold was a concept, the Huawei Mate XT launched a few months ago, marking the arrival of a commercial tri-fold device.
A “G” folding Design for Enhanced Durability
According to a report by Korean outlet SisaJournal, Samsung’s unnamed tri-fold will feature a distinctive design that sets it apart from the Huawei Mate XT. The Mate XT adopts an “S” or “Z” folding mechanism, where one-third of the display folds outward to serve as the cover screen, while the other two thirds fold inward.
Samsung, though, plans to utilize a “G” folding mechanism, where the two lateral thirds of the foldable phone fold inwards. This design means that none of the three segments of the foldable panel will be exposed when the device is folded, considerably reducing the risk of accidental damage.
Opting for a “G” foldable phone design necessitates a separate cover screen, similar to what we see on the Galaxy Z Fold.
Limited Availability Expected for samsung’s Tri-Fold
The Huawei Mate XT garnered immense interest, with millions of people registering to buy one without necessarily being prepared to commit to the purchase. Of course, Huawei couldn’t have met such overwhelming demand. Currently, the Mate XT remains a limited production device, with estimates suggesting Huawei sold between 100,000 and 200,000 units.
Similarly, Samsung is also planning a limited production run for its tri-fold foldable phone. Reports indicate that Samsung will produce fewer than 300,000 units. Given this limited availability, it’s unlikely that the phone will launch globally. This approach mirrors Samsung’s strategy with the slim Galaxy Z Fold SE launched a few months ago.
Unfolding the Details: Size and Selfie Camera
Samsung’s tri-fold will boast a 12.4-inch display when fully unfolded, shrinking to 10.5 inches when only the left side is unfolded.It remains unclear how this latter configuration would function or look, but we can anticipate further details emerging in the coming months.
Interestingly, the report also highlights that Samsung’s tri-fold won’t feature an under-display selfie camera as seen on the Galaxy Z Fold phones.
What sets samsung’s Tri-Fold apart from other foldable devices on the market?
Interview: Samsung’s Tri-Fold Future – A 2025 Launch with a Unique Twist
By Archyde News Editor
Alex Reed: Dr.emily Zhang, Senior Display Technology Engineer at Samsung Display
Archyde: Dr. Zhang, thank you for joining us today. Samsung has been a dominant player in the foldable phone market, but the competition is fierce, especially from Chinese manufacturers like huawei. With the upcoming 2025 launch of Samsung’s Tri-Fold device, what sets this innovation apart from the rest?
Dr. Zhang: thank you for having me. It’s true that the foldable market has become increasingly competitive, and we’ve seen some impressive innovations from our peers.However,Samsung’s Tri-Fold device is not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a leap forward. What makes it unique is its ability to fold not once, but twice, creating a seamless, multi-functional display that adapts to various user needs. This isn’t just about making a bigger screen; it’s about redefining how users interact with their devices.
Archyde: That sounds fascinating. Can you elaborate on the challenges of developing a Tri-Fold display?
Dr. Zhang: Absolutely.The biggest challenge was ensuring durability without compromising on usability. Foldable displays are inherently complex, and adding a second fold introduces new stress points. Our team spent years refining the hinge mechanism and the display materials to ensure the device can withstand thousands of folds without degradation. We also had to rethink the software experience to make the transitions between different screen sizes intuitive and seamless.
Archyde: Huawei and other manufacturers have often been frist to introduce groundbreaking features in foldables.How does Samsung plan to stay ahead in this race?
dr. Zhang: While it’s true that others have introduced innovative features, Samsung’s strength lies in our holistic approach. We don’t just focus on one aspect of the device; we aim to deliver a complete user experience. Such as, with the Tri-Fold, we’ve integrated advanced multitasking capabilities that take full advantage of the expanded screen real estate.additionally, our partnerships with app developers ensure that the software ecosystem is optimized for this new form factor.
archyde: Speaking of the user experience, what kind of unique use cases can we expect from the Tri-Fold device?
Dr. Zhang: The possibilities are endless. Imagine unfolding your device into a tablet for work, then folding it into a compact size for easy portability. But with the Tri-Fold, you can also use it in a partially folded state, like a laptop, for tasks that require both a keyboard and a display. We’re also exploring creative applications, such as using the device as a portable photo studio or a mini home theater. It’s all about giving users the flexibility to use their devices in ways that suit their lifestyles.
Archyde: what does this innovation mean for the future of foldable technology?
Dr. Zhang: The Tri-Fold is just the beginning. It represents a shift in how we think about mobile devices—moving beyond the traditional smartphone and tablet categories. As we continue to push the boundaries of display technology, we’ll see even more versatile and adaptable devices that blur the lines between different product categories.Samsung is committed to leading this conversion, and we’re excited to see how users embrace these new possibilities.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Zhang, for sharing your insights. We can’t wait to see the Tri-Fold device in action in 2025!
Dr.Zhang: thank you. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this innovation.
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End of interview
This interview highlights Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of foldable technology while addressing the challenges and opportunities of the Tri-Fold device. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the 2025 launch!
