South Korean Source Has More on Samsung Tri-Fold
While Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series hasn't quite hit the sales figures the company might have hoped for, it's still surprising to see them potentially shifting focus to an even more niche and expensive form factor: the tri-fold phone. Foldable smartphones have had no issue capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts and niche users, but the high price tag is a significant barrier for broader adoption. Many users have expressed that a more affordable foldable model would make far more sense to increase sales and market penetration. Yet, rumors have been swirling about Samsung's interest in tri-folding devices, and a recent patent filing seems to confirm these suspicions. This patent, which I discussed in a previous post, gives us a glimpse into what this device might look like and its potential capabilities.
Adding fuel to the fire, Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants has indicated that a tri-fold device could be launched in early 2026. However, a new report from SisaJournal claims that this launch could happen even sooner, in the second half of 2025.
The SisaJournal report also suggests that Samsung is aiming for a limited production run of fewer than 300,000 units. This makes sense, considering the device's likely high price point and its appeal to a very specific, tech-savvy audience. It's reminiscent of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, another tri-fold device with a premium price tag and limited availability.
For those who might have forgotten, SisaJournal was on the forefront of reports that a budget model of the Z Fold 6 was coming, going as far as naming a price. Of course this would end up being totally false. Because of this, I think it’s very important to take these reports with an adequately sized pinch of salt.
What does this mean for the future of foldable phones?
While the rumors of a Samsung tri-fold phone are exciting, I can't help but think this might be the wrong move for the company. As I mentioned earlier, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series hasn't exactly been flying off the shelves. With each new generation, sales seem to be declining, suggesting that the high price point is a major barrier for many consumers.
Instead of focusing on an even more expensive and niche tri-fold device, wouldn't it make more sense for Samsung to target the budget market? A more affordable foldable phone could potentially attract a much wider audience and drive broader adoption of this innovative technology.
Furthermore, the reported production target of fewer than 300,000 units for the tri-fold phone raises concerns about its availability. It's possible that this device will be released only in select regions, like China and South Korea, similar to the limited release of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.
Still, this could explain the Q7M codename we’ve heard talk of. Rather than being the Special Edition again, this could be the Tri-Fold device coming in 2025. It’s hard to tell whose got the right intel at this point.
Based on this report and the patent I brought you guys prior, it seems Samsung is prioritizing durability and build quality for its first foray into the tri-fold market. Reports suggest the device will adopt a "G type" form factor, meaning it will fold completely inward, unlike the Huawei Mate XT's "S" shaped design with its inward and outward folds.
This inward folding design should offer better protection for the large primary display. However, even with this added durability, the complex hinge mechanisms and double-folding display will undoubtedly come at a hefty cost.
While it's almost impossible to predict the exact cost, it's safe to assume that it will significantly exceed the price of current foldable phones. The Mate XT was something close to $3000 USD and I would expect this to be somewhere in that ballpark as well.
Phone or Tablet?
In my previous article and video, I explored the possibility of Samsung's tri-fold device being either a true phone or perhaps a foldable Galaxy Tab. However, this recent report, combined with the patent's illustration of a hole-punch selfie camera on the cover display, suggests that this will indeed be a phone, not just a tablet. It seems Samsung is set on expanding its foldable phone lineup with this unique form factor.
Galaxy Z Fold 6
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