Samsung Shows Off Tri-Fold Smartphone

[MacRumors]

Samsung has been working on a smartphone with not just one fold, but two, and the first photos of the upcoming device surfaced today (via The Chosun Daily).

Image via The Chosun Daily​

Samsung displayed the tri-fold smartphone at APEC 2025 Korea. The device is designed to transform from a ~6.5-inch smartphone into a ~10-inch tablet-style display. It will fold twice, rather than just once like the standard Galaxy Fold smartphones.

There was no opportunity for APEC attendees to try the smartphone because it was displayed in a transparent case, but The Korea Economic Daily was still able to share some details. The smartphone appears to be about 4.2mm thick when it's unfolded, and 1.2 to 1.5cm thick when folded up. Crease lines are said to be "barely noticeable."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1983040977305514316

Samsung could begin production on its tri-fold smartphone as soon as next month, and it is apparently going to be launching before the end of 2026. Samsung has yet to announce pricing, but analysts estimate that it could sell for around $2,800.

Article Link: Samsung Shows Off Tri-Fold Smartphone

 

[MacUserFella]

Let’s hope it’s better than the first gen Z Flip and Z Fold

 

[falainber]

So, Apple now is two folds behind Samsung...

 

[jz0309]

there's the beginning of the end of tablets <10" ... definitely in a few years when pricing comes down

 

[mushy peas]

Interesting form factor, but boy people have a lower bar for ‘barely noticeable’ than me.

I’d like a foldable, but I can’t get past the creases at this point, or the plastic screens.

I wish they’d hurry up and invent folding glass.

 

[JPack]

Had to double check the date of the article.

How is it possible Huawei did this in 2024 for $2,800?



But Samsung is finally doing the same thing in 2026, also for $2,800? Somehow, Samsung is also thicker?

 

[Billy_Bob]

Reminds me of the old SNL parody ad for a razor with FIVE blades! How long will it be before they're trying to sell us a device with four or five hinges that unfolds into something the size of an iPad Pro?

 

[Dave245]

So, Apple now is two folds behind Samsung...

It's not a race

 

[PixelPanics]

I’ll wait for the quadfold one

 

[commanderclif]

"so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."

 

[klasma]

How is it possible Huawei did this in 2024 for $2,800?
But Samsung is finally doing the same thing in 2026, also for $2,800? Somehow, Samsung is also thicker?

2026 dollars aren't 2024 dollars; the Samsung model is less expensive.

 

[ikramerica]

How does it lock flat and then how does it unlock and how long until those mechanisms loosen up?

 

[Bolehillbilly]

Tell me when I can fold a tablet into an origami swan.

 

[ItsASpider]

there's the beginning of the end of tablets <10" ... definitely in a few years when pricing comes down

Not really... Even if prices go down, that would likely also just push down prices for normal tablets. And there are still plenty of technological issues to solve including but not limited to that the screen is still just a very easily scratch-able and fragile "glass". Until someone can solve that problem, there's always going to be normal tablets.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Look I am kind of excited about the idea of a folding iPhone, but this…this is just…wrong.

 

[contacos]

You mean end of 2025

 

[klasma]

Reminds me of the old SNL parody ad for a razor with FIVE blades! How long will it be before they're trying to sell us a device with four or five hinges that unfolds into something the size of an iPad Pro?

Wait for the iPhone Master Edition:

 

[contacos]

Had to double check the date of the article.

How is it possible Huawei did this in 2024 for $2,800?

View attachment 2573517

But Samsung is finally doing the same thing in 2026, also for $2,800? Somehow, Samsung is also thicker?

The Huawei folding mechanism is just dumb cuz the display is always exposed when folded while the Fold is folding inwards, not exposing the display when folded. There is also an error in the article. It's supposed to launch by the end of 2025, not 2026

 

[Student of Life]

Had to double check the date of the article.

How is it possible Huawei did this in 2024 for $2,800?

View attachment 2573517

But Samsung is finally doing the same thing in 2026, also for $2,800? Somehow, Samsung is also thicker?

Apparently it was not too durable. Think of it like an expensive beta prototype. It is glimpse of the future but the tech, mainly the screen is not yet there for true mass adoption but its getting closer.

 

[Martin Bland]

So, Apple now is two folds behind Samsung...

The Folda Gap

 

[Kidseeghost]

I will die on this hill. Folding phones are a gimmick, and by the 2030s, companies will start phasing them out. Too expensive for a phone, market share is almost nonexistent after 6 years, people start removing screens from their lives, inner screen will not be used after novelty wears off, watching videos is like watching videos on the Pro Max but with big black bezels, too many points of failure especially with a tri fold. Soon, companies will start a race on who can fold the screen the most, and I don't get why. There are other things they can improve and focus on.

 

[JohnC1959]

Reminds me of the old SNL parody ad for a razor with FIVE blades! How long will it be before they're trying to sell us a device with four or five hinges that unfolds into something the size of an iPad Pro?

I also carry around with me a tiny folding desk. Unfolds to a full size standing desk (because I don't have a tiny folding chair yet).

 

[Kidseeghost]

So, Apple now is two folds behind Samsung...

I know it's a joke, but this is how companies will start market their phones now, and they will put more effort into folding the screen more times than their competitors. It's ridiculous.

 

[mikeack]

It's not a race

*whoosh*

 

[I7guy]

So, Apple now is two folds behind Samsung...

Or two folds ahead of Samsung.