Huawei has officially outpaced Samsung by launching the first 'tri-fold' smartphone. Currently, the Mate XT is only available in China. However, there are hints that the company might roll out this device globally as soon as next year.
Samsung's Ongoing Efforts
It appears that Samsung has been working on its own version for quite a while now. Recently, they got the go-ahead from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a smartphone design that bears a striking resemblance to Huawei's initial tri-fold offering.
Future Release Plans
Moreover, several reports from South Korea indicate that Samsung is striving to perfect its tri-fold design before it begins large-scale production of the device it plans to introduce. According to ETNews, Samsung might debut its first tri-fold smartphone in 2025, though it will feature a design that is entirely different from what has been talked about so far.
Interestingly, Samsung Display showcased a prototype nearly three years ago that looked a lot like the Mate XT. In contrast, the latest report from ETNews states that Samsung's production model will fold inward twice, utilizing two hinges and eliminating the wraparound part seen in the Flex S and Mate XT.
Design Considerations
This implies that Samsung could have chosen a form factor similar to that of the Flex G, another prototype shown at trade fairs in 2022. This design choice could potentially enhance durability, as it would keep the display protected when the device is folded.
Additionally, using a Flex G style design might be feasible by leveraging current Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) standards. Reports suggest that Samsung's design inspired by the Flex G will measure between 9 to 10 inches, which would make it about 2 inches wider diagonally compared to the existing Galaxy Z Fold6.
