Samsung is reportedly gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking tri-fold smartphone alongside its much-anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 at its Unpacked event scheduled for July 2025. The South Korean tech giant, known for pioneering foldable smartphone technology, is expected to push the envelope further by launching a tri-fold device that promises to redefine the concept of foldable displays and mobile productivity.
What We Know About Samsung’s Tri-Fold Smartphone
According to multiple leaks from industry insiders and Korean media reports, Samsung has been developing a tri-fold display under its “Flex G” and “Flex S” prototypes, which it showcased at global tech expos in recent years.
The tri-fold smartphone is rumoured to feature:
- Triple-folding OLED display: Allowing the device to fold into a compact form factor and unfold into a tablet-sized screen.
- Two folding hinges: Creating an “accordion-like” fold with seamless display continuity.
- 7.8-inch to 8.2-inch unfolded screen size: Larger than the current Galaxy Z Fold 5 and 6, designed for immersive multitasking.
- Optimised One UI for tri-fold: Samsung is reportedly testing specialised software features to leverage the multi-panel layout for productivity apps, video editing, and gaming.
Industry analyst Ross Young earlier hinted that Samsung Display had accelerated tri-fold OLED panel development for commercial production in 2025.
Why Is The Tri-Fold Smartphone Significant?
If launched, Samsung’s tri-fold phone would be the world’s first mass-market tri-fold device, outpacing competitors like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo who are still working on dual-fold concepts.
Key Advantages of Tri-Fold Devices
- Compact portability: Triple-fold design enables carrying a tablet-sized display in a pocketable form factor.
- Enhanced multitasking: Users can open up to 3-4 apps on large split screens, transforming workflow on-the-go.
- New use-cases: Video editing, gaming, and design apps can utilise multiple folds for toolbars and previews.
- First-mover advantage: Samsung can establish dominance in this segment as it did with Galaxy Fold.
Samsung’s July 2025 Unpacked Event: Expected Line-Up
As per leaks from tipster Ice Universe and Korean business daily ET News, Samsung is planning to unveil:
| Device | Key Highlight |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Slimmer hinge, upgraded camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, under-display selfie camera improvements |
| Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Larger cover display, new hinge durability, better crease management |
| Tri-Fold Smartphone | First commercial triple-folding device with flexible OLED |
| Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra | New health sensors and AI-powered diagnostics |
| Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | Improved noise cancellation and lossless audio support |
(Source: Ice Universe Twitter, ET News reports)
Design Innovations Expected in Tri-Fold Smartphone
Samsung Display showcased multiple tri-fold prototypes under “Flex S” and “Flex G” names:
- Flex S: Folded in an ‘S’ shape, allowing triple-segment display expansion.
- Flex G: Folded inward twice like an accordion, offering screen protection when closed.
Reports suggest the upcoming commercial model will adopt the Flex G design, prioritising durability and portability.
Potential Specifications (Rumoured)
While official specifications remain under wraps, leaks suggest:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.8” – 8.2” tri-folding OLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Exynos equivalent |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage variant |
| Camera System | Triple rear cameras with periscope zoom |
| Battery | Dual battery architecture, around 5000-5500 mAh combined |
| Software | One UI with tri-fold optimisations, advanced multitasking modes |
| Weight | Expected around 280-300 grams |
Samsung’s Vision for Foldables
Samsung has dominated the global foldable market since launching the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. According to Counterpoint Research:
- Samsung holds 60%+ market share in foldables as of early 2025.
- Foldables market expected to grow at a CAGR of 25% through 2028.
- Tri-fold devices may capture niche productivity segments like enterprise, design, and finance professionals.
Samsung’s tri-fold is seen as part of its strategy to consolidate its innovation leadership before Apple enters the foldable space, rumoured in 2026.
Challenges in Tri-Fold Technology
Despite excitement, experts highlight engineering hurdles:
- Durability: More hinges mean higher mechanical stress and fold fatigue risks.
- Weight management: Keeping device weight under 300g while maintaining battery life is complex.
- Display crease: Multiple folds may lead to visible creases affecting visual experience.
- App compatibility: Developers will need to optimise interfaces for unique screen layouts.
Samsung is reportedly investing in ultra-thin glass (UTG) innovations to mitigate crease issues and hinge durability.
Graphical View: Evolution of Samsung Foldables
| Year | Model | Key Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Galaxy Fold | First commercial foldable phone |
| 2020 | Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Improved hinge, larger cover display |
| 2021 | Galaxy Z Fold 3 | S-Pen support, IPX8 water resistance |
| 2022 | Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Slimmer design, upgraded cameras |
| 2023 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Lighter build, reduced crease |
| 2024 | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, enhanced multitasking |
| 2025 | Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Tri-Fold | Triple-fold display, redefining foldables |
(Source: Samsung annual reports, Counterpoint Research)
Market Impact: What Analysts Say
Ross Young, Display Supply Chain Consultants:
“Samsung’s tri-fold will be a niche device initially, but it will establish their leadership as foldable pioneers and attract premium customers who value productivity.”
Neil Shah, Counterpoint Research:
“We expect tri-folds to start as ultra-premium devices but as yields improve, pricing will fall by 2027, leading to wider adoption.”
Competition in Foldables
While Samsung leads, rivals are catching up:
- Huawei: Showcased tri-fold prototypes but faces global market restrictions.
- Xiaomi: Developing inward folding and rollable hybrid devices.
- Oppo/OnePlus: Working on slidable and compact foldables targeting sub-$1000 segment.
- Apple: Rumoured foldable iPad and iPhone in advanced development for 2026 launch.
Samsung’s early tri-fold launch will cement its brand as the “innovation leader” in this category.
Expected Pricing
Industry sources estimate the tri-fold smartphone to be priced between $1800 – $2400 (₹1.5 lakh – ₹2 lakh) depending on configurations, positioning it above Galaxy Z Fold 7, similar to the launch strategy for Galaxy Fold in 2019.
Launch Event and Availability
Samsung’s July Unpacked event is likely to be held in Seoul or Paris, aligning with its global marketing strategy ahead of the Paris Olympics where Samsung is a major sponsor.
- Pre-orders: Expected to start within a week post launch
- Availability: August 2025 onwards in major markets including South Korea, USA, Europe, and India
Conclusion
If Samsung unveils its tri-fold smartphone alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, it will mark a watershed moment in mobile technology evolution. Moving from foldable to tri-foldable devices will expand smartphone versatility, transform mobile productivity, and reaffirm Samsung’s vision to lead the “future form factor” race.
The tech world now keenly awaits official teasers from Samsung, expected in early July, which could confirm the tri-fold’s arrival and reveal if this futuristic concept will finally enter consumers’ hands in 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is based on leaks, analyst reports, and market research data available till June 2025. Final device specifications, features, and pricing will be confirmed upon official announcement by Samsung.
