Samsung has confirmed a tri-folding Galaxy smartphone during its Unpacked event in San Jose, which also introduced the Galaxy S25 series. The company provided a brief mention of the device, referred to as “multi-fold,” and displayed an image on a screen indicating its plans for the future.
Samsung unveils tri-folding Galaxy smartphone concept
The announcement was made while discussing Samsung’s extended reality (XR) plans, which include a new headset codenamed Project Moohan, developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, as well as an initiative to create smart glasses.
There have been numerous rumors regarding the potential expansion of Samsung’s foldable lineup to include a tri-folding phone, especially after Huawei launched a similar device. Speculations suggest that this smartphone could be unveiled as early as Q3 2025, potentially alongside updates to the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices. The tri-folding display is expected to measure between 9.9 to 10 inches when unfolded, positioning it firmly in the tablet category.
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Samsung continues to lead in the folding phone market, and during the event, the company shared a roadmap showcasing future products, including the tri-folding smartphone. Although no specific release dates were provided, analysts believe the device could arrive sooner rather than later, given the maturation of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Despite ongoing challenges that foldable phones face, such as bulky designs and noticeable creases, these devices serve as valuable productivity tools. The addition of another display has the potential to enhance usability and facilitate the dual-functionality as Android tablets.
Samsung’s display division has already demonstrated prototype tri-fold concept phones at CES 2025, indicating serious consideration for the device’s development. Matthew Bolton, TechRadar‘s Managing Editor, reported witnessing two variations of the prototype at CES: one folding in a Z-shape, as hinted by Samsung, and another where the left and right screens fold over the center screen. Although hands-on interaction was restricted, Bolton highlighted the designs’ capability to offer considerable additional space and their approach toward fulfilling the concept of “a tablet that turns into a phone.”
Would you buy it, though?
On the one hand, the concept is undeniably cool. A phone that unfolds into a tablet-sized display? That’s a productivity and entertainment beast right there. Imagine the multitasking possibilities, the immersive video experience, the sheer convenience of having a big screen in your pocket.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Foldable technology is still relatively new, and let’s be honest, those first-gen devices had their fair share of issues. Durability, creases, bulkiness – these are all valid concerns, especially when you’re talking about a phone with three folds.
And then there’s the price tag. We all know these things are going to cost a small fortune. As much as we love cutting-edge tech, we also appreciate a good value proposition. So the question becomes, does the added functionality justify the premium price?
We also need to consider the software side of things. Will app developers optimize their creations for this new form factor? Or will we be stuck with stretched-out UIs and compatibility issues?
Look, we’re not dismissing the tri-fold. It has the potential to be a game-changer, especially for professionals and power users who crave a portable workstation. But for the average consumer, it might be a bit overkill.
We’re cautiously optimistic. If Samsung can nail the durability, optimize the software experience, and maybe bring the price down to earth, then we might just have a winner on our hands. But for now, we’re content to observe from a distance and see how this technology unfolds (pun intended).
Featured image credit: Future
