The foldable phone market has been rapidly evolving, with companies constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone design. Samsung, a pioneer in the foldable device space, is reportedly working on a new device that could rival Huawei’s Mate X Ultimate Edition, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. However, unlike Huawei’s tri-fold design, Samsung’s upcoming foldable phone may feature an inward fold, a unique approach that could redefine the foldable phone market.
The Evolution of Foldable Phones
Samsung made waves in 2019 with the launch of its first foldable device, the Galaxy Fold, which featured a single fold design. Since then, Samsung has continually innovated in this space, refining its foldable technology with the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold series. These devices have introduced new functionalities, such as clamshell folding and large internal screens, which have been met with mixed success in the market.
Meanwhile, Huawei’s Mate X, and later the Mate Xs and Mate XT Ultimate Edition, have presented another direction in foldable design, with outward folding screens. The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition, which debuted as the world’s first tri-fold device, demonstrated Huawei’s bold vision for the future of smartphones. With its three-part folding mechanism, the device expands into a large tablet-like screen when fully unfolded, offering an impressive user experience.
However, Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold phone is expected to follow a different path by folding inwards, potentially combining the benefits of the inward folding design used in the Galaxy Z Fold series and the tri-fold concept. According to a recent report from South Korean publication ETNews, Samsung has been working on this innovative foldable smartphone and is planning to launch it sometime in 2025. This could mark the next big step in the evolution of foldable smartphones, combining the best of both worlds in terms of compactness and screen real estate.
Inward Fold vs Outward Fold: The Key Differences
One of the most critical design decisions for foldable smartphones is the folding mechanism: inward or outward. Outward folding phones, like the Huawei Mate X series, fold the screen outward, allowing for a large, uninterrupted display when unfolded. While this design has its appeal, it also leaves the screen vulnerable to damage when folded, as it faces outward.
In contrast, inward folding devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, offer better protection for the screen, as the display is protected when the device is closed. The inward fold also allows for a more compact form factor, with the device folding in on itself. This design offers greater durability and is generally less prone to scratches and other forms of damage.
Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold device, with its inward folding mechanism, could offer an even more compact design, folding up to fit easily in a pocket while expanding to provide a large display. The addition of a third fold could allow users to enjoy a more tablet-like experience when unfolded, giving them the best of both worlds in terms of portability and functionality.
Why This Is Important for Samsung
Samsung is facing increasing competition in the foldable smartphone market, with companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo also making strides in this space. In particular, Huawei’s tri-fold design has garnered significant attention for its ambitious attempt to break away from traditional foldable designs. By working on a tri-fold phone of its own, Samsung could differentiate itself from its competitors and maintain its position as the leader in foldable phone technology.
Moreover, with Samsung’s established track record of innovation and design, a successful launch of a tri-fold device could set a new standard for foldable phones, pushing the industry towards more advanced, versatile devices. The potential for a tri-fold phone could also appeal to users who crave more screen space without compromising on portability, a market that continues to grow.
What We Can Expect
Samsung’s tri-fold device is expected to incorporate cutting-edge foldable screen technology, with an emphasis on durability, performance, and user experience. While there are few official details available at this stage, industry insiders suggest that Samsung is working closely with its suppliers to fine-tune the folding mechanism, which will likely feature a more robust hinge design compared to earlier foldable models.
The device is expected to feature a large internal display, likely in the range of 8 to 9 inches, that unfolds to offer a tablet-like experience. Additionally, there could be a smaller secondary display on the outside, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold’s cover screen, to allow users to interact with the phone when it is folded.
Conclusion
As the foldable phone market continues to mature, Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold device is an exciting glimpse into the future of mobile technology. With its inward-folding design, it has the potential to offer a unique combination of durability, portability, and expanded screen real estate. If the rumours hold true, Samsung’s new foldable phone could push the boundaries of what we expect from smartphones and further cement the company’s leadership in this evolving space. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches, and the world eagerly anticipates Samsung’s next big innovation in foldable tech.
