Samsung’s tri-fold foldable is (probably) real, and could launch sooner than you think
We might get a glimpse next week
by Jon Mundy · Tech AdvisorMore details have emerged concerning Samsung’s so-called tri-fold foldable phone. This thing is almost certainly real, and quite possibly imminent.
Earlier this week we wrote that Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold phone could steal the show at Samsung Unpacked. Spec leaks suggest that Samsung is working on a new foldable with three hinges for a wider display, and we could get a sneak peek on 9 July.
Fresh details have emerged adding to the impression that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 could be the least interesting things at the launch event.
Samsung G Fold animation spotted
Android Authority has dived into the code of the latest One UI 8 build, and has discovered an animation for the so-called Galaxy G Fold.
It offers a clear illustration of a wider foldable phone that comes with three major panels rather than the usual two.
Otherwise, the device looks much the same as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with a familiar vertical camera module on the top left corner.
The middle panel appears to contain the external display, while the plain right panel will evidently form the filling of the foldable sandwich, aka a ‘G’ formation (hence the provisional name). In that way, it’ll work differently to the Huawei Mate XT, which adopts a ‘Z’ or ’S’ folding system.
We also see an animation of the flip side, with a large internal display and a hole punch selfie camera in the expected position.
There’s also a warning animation to help prevent users from folding the opposite portion into the middle. Evidently, the two hinges are not constructed the same here, so folding the phone up in any other way isn’t going to work.
Samsung G Fold production claims
In separate news, over on South Korean website The Bell, we learn that Samsung will start mass production of the Galaxy G Fold in September, with a launch set for the fourth quarter.
More information could be revealed at a Galaxy Unpacked event held in New York on 9 September, it’s claimed.
The report confirms earlier claims that Samsung is only going to release its tri-fold foldable in limited quantities, and possibly only in the South Korean and Chinese markets. This one’s a tester to see if the concept (and elevated price tag) sticks.
Roll these two latest rumours together, and we can only conclude two things: the Samsung tri-fold foldable is real, and we’re probably going to see something very soon.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Rating of this product is 4 out of 5
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Price When Reviewed: From £1799
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