Samsung’s tri-fold phone might arrive 2026 with an inwards design

Samsung is set to revolutionise the foldable phone market with its rumoured tri-fold phone.

Samsung has reportedly patented a dual-folding phone that would expand on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold range, alongside the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and recently launched Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, and become one of the best foldable phones to date.

Here’s everything we know about its potential release date, pricing, and features.

When will the Samsung Galaxy tri-fold phone be released?

Recent reports from industry insiders suggest that Samsung is gearing up to launch its first tri-fold phone.

Korean outlet ET News claims that Samsung is finalising the design by the end of 2024, with production and external component development already underway for a 2025 release.

However, Ross Young says it’s “more like early 2026.”

While Samsung has not officially announced the product, its previous keynote at the IMID 2024 expo confirmed the company is working on multiple form factors, including double-foldable and rollable displays.

How much will the Samsung Galaxy tri-fold phone cost?

While no official pricing details have been released, industry speculation suggests that the Samsung tri-fold phone could come with a premium price tag.

Foldable devices are typically more expensive due to their innovative designs and advanced technology. For context, Huawei’s tri-fold Mate XT Ultimate is priced at CNY 19,999 (approximately £2,135/$2,820 coverted).

Samsung’s offering may aim to undercut this price to remain competitive but is still expected to cost more than the Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Anticipate a price range starting at £3,000/$3,000 to £4,500/$4,500, depending on configurations and features.

What specs and features will the Samsung Galaxy tri-fold phone have?

Samsung’s tri-fold phone is rumoured to push the boundaries of mobile technology with an array of advanced features and a groundbreaking design. Here’s what we know so far.

Design

As per PhoneArena’s report, Samsung’s tri-fold phone is expected to feature an infolding design, where the screen folds inward twice.

This design reportedly differs from Huawei’s outward-folding Mate XT Ultimate, potentially providing better protection for the display and a more compact form factor when folded.

Durability is a key focus, with Samsung patenting advanced hinge mechanisms and layers to enhance the device’s resilience.

The phone is said to be targeting a thickness of under 13mm, ensuring it remains pocket-friendly despite the complexity of the folding mechanism.

Display

The device will reportedly boast an expansive display measuring 9 to 10 inches when unfolded (via Android Headlines). This makes it comparable to tablets, ideal for multitasking, streaming, or gaming.

Samsung’s expertise in OLED technology will likely be showcased, with the display featuring anti-reflection coatings for improved visibility and vibrant colours.

Innovations such as stretchable micro-LEDs (via SamMobile), though hinted at, may not debut with this model but highlight Samsung’s commitment to evolving display technology.

Performance

The tri-fold is expected to pack flagship-level hardware. It will likely include Samsung’s latest Exynos or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, paired with ample RAM and storage.

This setup should ensure smooth multitasking, seamless app transitions, and console-quality gaming experiences on the larger screen.

Heat dissipation and battery efficiency will be critical, given the unique form factor. Samsung may incorporate specialised cooling solutions to maintain performance during prolonged use.

Cameras

While details about the camera setup are scarce, the tri-fold could follow Samsung’s trend of including high-quality camera systems.

It may feature a multi-lens rear camera array with advanced capabilities like optical zoom, AI enhancements, and high-resolution sensors.

Front-facing cameras could be integrated into the display, with under-display camera technology ensuring a seamless screen experience without notches or punch-holes.

Battery & Charging

The tri-fold phone will likely house a large battery to support the expansive display and power-intensive features.

Given its foldable design, Samsung may use a dual-battery system to optimise space and improve efficiency.

Fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging are expected, ensuring the device meets modern charging standards.

Software

While the phone might work on Android 15 or Android 16 out of the box, Samsung is expected to tailor its One UI interface to maximise the potential of the tri-fold display.

Enhanced multitasking features, app continuity across screens, and custom gestures for folding and unfolding transitions are likely.

The large unfolded display could support advanced productivity tools, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously or use a desktop-like interface similar to Samsung DeX.

Samsung may also include AI-powered optimisations, ensuring a seamless user experience regardless of the screen’s configuration.

This is all we currently know about the device. In the meantime, be sure to check out what we expect from the Galaxy S25 series, alongside the rumoured Galaxy S25 Slim, which is expected to arrive early next year.