Samsung has reportedly finished developing its first tri-fold smartphone — but it’s not rushing to release it. According to a company executive, the device is production-ready, but its launch depends on a bigger question: is there enough demand for it?
In a recent interview with Android Authority, a Samsung executive confirmed that the tri-fold phone, expected to be called the Galaxy G Fold, is fully designed and technically ready for mass production. However, the company is waiting to see if consumers are actually interested in a device like this before moving forward.
“We’ve had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it’s not a new concept to us. What we’re debating is the viability. When I say the viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?” This careful approach suggests Samsung is wary of pushing a product too far ahead of its time.
Unlike Huawei’s Mate XT (review), which launched with an S-shaped outward folding screen for around $2,800, Samsung’s version uses a G-shaped fold. This design includes two inward-folding hinges to better protect the flexible display, though it also requires a separate cover screen. The G Fold is expected to cost over $3,000 when it launches — significantly more than the Galaxy Z Fold7’s $1,999 price — due to its complex engineering and materials.
Reports suggest Samsung might quietly release the device in limited quantities in South Korea and China later this year, possibly starting production in September to test market interest.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip and expected to feature a large 10-inch AMOLED screen when unfolded, the G Fold would go head-to-head with Huawei’s 10.2-inch Mate XT. Still, the market for such devices remains niche — tri-fold phones accounted for just 1% of global smartphone sales in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. Samsung appears concerned that despite the innovation, most users aren’t ready to adopt this kind of form factor.
The company has reportedly addressed common concerns, equipping the G Fold with a titanium frame and an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. But the question remains: are these features enough to justify its premium price?
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