Samsung is once again making headlines with its bold approach to smartphone design. This time, it's not about a traditional foldable or a flip phone, but a tri-fold smartphone that has recently appeared in leaked images and patents. The device, if launched, could represent a completely new category in the mobile market, expanding beyond the two-panel foldables we've seen so far.
Foldable smartphones have been around for a few years now, with Samsung leading the charge through its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. However, consumer interest has plateaued as the market waits for a major leap forward. The leaked tri-fold design suggests Samsung is preparing to deliver just that. Instead of folding once like the Z Fold, this device reportedly folds twice, creating three separate display panels that can combine into one massive screen.
Based on the leaks, the device will feature a two-hinge mechanism, allowing it to fold into a compact, phone-sized form or expand into a tablet-like display. This approach solves one of the biggest challenges foldable users face: finding the balance between portability and screen real estate. By offering a three-part fold, Samsung could allow users to switch between multiple modes—smartphone, mini-tablet, and full-tablet—depending on their needs.
Industry insiders speculate that the tri-fold smartphone will come equipped with Samsung's latest OLED display technology, designed to handle multiple folds without damage. The durability of the hinge system will be critical, as previous foldables faced criticism for their fragility.
Hardware expectations include a flagship-level Snapdragon processor, multiple camera modules optimized for both folded and unfolded use, and a large battery with advanced power-saving features.
Since foldables are often criticized for shorter battery life, Samsung may have developed new solutions to make the tri-fold practical for daily use.
Hardware is only half the story. A tri-fold device requires smart software to manage the different form factors. Samsung will likely enhance its One UI interface to allow apps to adapt seamlessly across the three panels.
Features like split-screen multitasking, extended gaming modes, and advanced productivity tools are expected to take full advantage of the tri-fold format.
There are also rumors that Samsung may collaborate with Microsoft and Google to optimize popular apps like Office, YouTube, and Android gaming platforms for the tri-fold format.
If true, this would strengthen the device's appeal to both professionals and casual users.
While Samsung has not confirmed the existence of the tri-fold smartphone, leaks suggest it may debut at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 or in a separate event dedicated to foldables. Some sources believe it could arrive alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, making 2025 a milestone year for Samsung's foldable lineup.
If the tri-fold smartphone launches successfully, it could reshape the premium smartphone market. Competitors like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo are already experimenting with similar concepts, but Samsung has the advantage of brand recognition and global distribution. A tri-fold device could also push Apple to accelerate its own foldable development, a category in which Apple has remained silent so far.
Despite the excitement, Samsung faces several challenges. Pricing will be one of the biggest concerns—foldables are already expensive, and a tri-fold could easily cross the $2,000 mark. Additionally, durability, weight, and battery efficiency will determine whether consumers adopt the product or dismiss it as a futuristic gimmick.