Samsung may have skipped teasing a tri-fold smartphone at its recent Unpacked event, but that doesn’t mean it’s not coming. While the spotlight was on the sleek Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Watch 8 series, behind the scenes, Samsung is preparing for its boldest leap in mobile design yet. Confirmed by TM Roh, the company’s mobile division chief, a tri-fold phone is officially in development and targeted for release by the end of 2025.
This device would mark a significant evolution in foldable technology—offering a dual-hinge design that transforms a smartphone into a tablet and beyond. As Samsung looks to reassert its dominance in mobile innovation, the tri-fold could be the next big thing.
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Confirmed: Tri-Fold Phone in the Works
In a recent interview with The Korea Times, TM Roh (Roh Tae-moon), Samsung’s President and Head of the Device Experience Division, confirmed that the company is actively developing a tri-folding phone. “We are working hard on a tri-fold smartphone with the goal of launching it at the end of the year,” said Roh.
While the official name remains undecided—rumors suggest it could be called the Galaxy Fold G—Samsung is reportedly in the final stages of refining both the product and its usability.
First Look via One UI 8 Leak
A recent leak shared by Android Authority provides a closer look at what could be Samsung’s upcoming tri-fold device. Extracted from Samsung’s One UI 8 software, the leak includes images, animations, and even a short video demonstrating how the tri-fold might operate.
If authentic, the UI hints at a product that’s designed to unfold into multiple configurations, offering an experience that transitions from a smartphone to a tablet—and potentially beyond.
Z Fold 7 Sets the Stage for What’s Next
Samsung’s current flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, has nearly perfected the book-style foldable concept the company introduced in 2019. Slim, light, and featuring flagship-tier performance and camera quality, the Z Fold 7 is the clearest signal yet that Samsung is ready for even more ambitious form factors.
I’ll be publishing a full review of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on Gizmodo later this week, but the early verdict is clear: the Fold 7 stands as a serious contender in the foldable market. With that bar set, the timing for Samsung to push forward with a tri-fold makes strategic sense.
What Makes a Tri-Fold Different?
Unlike a standard foldable phone with a single hinge, a tri-fold device has two folds, enabling a screen large enough to compete with small tablets—or even laptops—when fully extended. That makes it a more flexible tool for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking.
Samsung’s rumored tri-fold would also allow the company to catch up with—and potentially surpass—Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, a device that’s already broken ground in this form factor but is unavailable in the U.S. due to trade restrictions. Huawei’s model carries a jaw-dropping €3,499 price tag (around $4,000 USD), which suggests Samsung’s version will also command a premium well above the Z Fold 7’s $2,000 price.
Challenges Ahead: Engineering vs. Practicality
Creating a tri-fold smartphone isn’t just about adding another hinge. The design brings significant engineering challenges, such as:
- Battery Life: Bigger screens require larger batteries, but more folds mean more physical space constraints.
- Durability: With additional folds comes more crease lines, which can become weak points.
- Portability: While the idea is to fold a large screen into a pocket-friendly device, the added hinges may lead to bulkier builds.
Still, for Samsung, a tri-fold represents more than just a hardware gamble—it’s a chance to reclaim its innovation narrative, especially as its slab-style phones have gradually begun to resemble Apple’s minimalist design language.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Samsung launching the tri-fold phone?
Samsung aims to release the tri-fold smartphone by the end of 2025, according to TM Roh.
What will the tri-fold phone be called?
The official name is undecided, but rumors suggest it might be the Galaxy Fold G.
Will it be available in the U.S.?
Yes, unlike Huawei’s competing models, Samsung’s tri-fold phone will be available in global markets including the U.S.
How much will it cost?
While pricing hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected to cost more than the $2,000 Galaxy Z Fold 7—possibly nearing or exceeding $3,500.
What makes a tri-fold phone different from a regular foldable?
A tri-fold phone features two hinges, allowing it to unfold into a significantly larger screen—offering tablet or even small laptop dimensions.
Conclusion
After several years of incremental upgrades and cautious moves, Samsung’s confirmation of a tri-fold launch is refreshing. It signals that the company still has an appetite for bold innovation. A tri-fold isn’t just a gimmick—it could redefine mobile computing, if done right.
And for those of us who’ve been waiting for Samsung to bring back its fighting spirit—this might just be the comeback moment we’ve been hoping for.