Samsung Reportedly Developing Tri-Fold Smartphone: No Plans for Affordable Foldable Smartphone Yet

Samsung is reportedly developing a tri-fold smartphone, aiming for a 2025 launch. This move comes as the company seeks to compete with Huawei, which recently introduced the Mate XT Ultimate Edition in China, priced at CNY 19,999 (approximately Rs 2,37,000). Other brands like Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo are also said to be exploring tri-fold display technology to create larger screens.

A report from ZDNet Korea suggests that Samsung Electronics is contemplating the release of both an entry-level clamshell foldable phone and a "tri-fold model that can fold the screen twice." These devices might be available by 2025. The publication mentions that Samsung Display's partners have finished developing components for the tri-fold model. However, the final decision on its launch rests with the head of Samsung Electronics' MX division.

Tri-Fold Display Competition

Honor's upcoming tri-fold phone might be slimmer than Huawei's Mate XT Ultimate. Meanwhile, orders for OLED displays used in foldable phones have decreased by 10% year-on-year. This decline is attributed to lower-than-expected demand for Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 models released earlier this year. Consequently, Samsung has reportedly reduced its "rolling plan" (R/P) for OLED panels due to this diminished demand.

This isn't Samsung's first attempt at a tri-fold smartphone. In March 2023, a tipster suggested that instead of launching the Galaxy S23 FE - which eventually debuted in October 2023 - Samsung would introduce a smartphone featuring a triple folding display. This device could potentially be unveiled in 2025.

Prototypes and Concepts

Previously, Samsung showcased prototypes named Flex G and Flex S with unique folding mechanisms. Although these designs haven't reached consumers yet, they bear similarities to Huawei's Mate XT Ultimate and Tecno's Phantom Ultimate 2 tri-fold concept revealed in August.

Xiaomi is also reportedly working on its own tri-fold smartphone and possibly a detachable clamshell device. Additionally, Honor's latest patent hints at a multi-directional foldable gadget. The next iteration of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip may lack an ear speaker according to reports.

Samsung Cancels Plans for Affordable Foldable

Moreover, Samsung has no plans on launching an affordable version of its Galaxy Z Fold smartphones anytime soon. The news comes following the release of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. A recent report from Sammobile, citing an unnamed Samsung official, indicates that the company has no plans to release a more affordable version of its Galaxy Z Fold series.

Official from Samsung Electronics - Rather than considering it (Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition) a premium product, it's a product released to expand your options. You can choose according to your taste. As of now, we have no plans to release a separate product with a lower price.

According to the official, the South Korean tech giant's initial production run of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes. We haven't been able to confirm details in the report by Sammobile, but if it is accurate, an affordable foldable smartphone from Samsung appears to be off the table.