Tag: tri-fold smartphone

  • Samsung Tri-Fold Patent Reveals Design and Folding Mechanism

    Samsung Tri-Fold Patent Reveals Design and Folding Mechanism

    Samsung’s tri-fold smartphone project has made a notable advancement with the approval of a recent patent, hinting at what may become a groundbreaking addition to the foldable market.

    Insights from the Patent Approval

    While the company hasn’t said much about the project, this patent—submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)—provides hints about Samsung’s plans for this next-gen foldable device. Even though a patent doesn’t ensure that a product will hit the market, it often reveals the direction a company is heading in development.

    Following in Huawei’s Footsteps

    This specific patent was filed over three years ago but only received approval in early November. It details a tri-fold design that looks similar to the Huawei Mate XT. Samsung seems to be concentrating on refining the tri-fold concept, emphasizing functionality and quality instead of rushing to be the first available, marking a change from its leading position with the original Galaxy Fold.

    The patent illustrates a Z-shaped folding mechanism, which we have already observed in the Huawei Mate XT. The timeline for Samsung to unveil its tri-fold remains uncertain.

    What Features Can We Expect?

    Even though Samsung’s tri-fold is still in its initial stages, Huawei’s Mate XT (review) can provide some clues about what consumers might anticipate from this design. The Mate XT features a unique Z-shaped fold that opens up to display a generous 10.2-inch 3K screen, effectively turning the device into a tablet. This setup enhances versatility, allowing the Mate XT to unfold into a fully operational tablet experience, complete with an optional keyboard accessory.

    The design of the Mate XT also helps us think about the engineering obstacles Samsung may encounter. The Huawei tri-fold folds one side inward and the other outward, resulting in a slim 12.8mm profile when closed. While this design reduces bulkiness, it does create a visible crease, which could become more noticeable over time. Samsung’s strategy may involve new techniques to tackle this creasing issue, ensuring durability and a smooth user experience.

    So far, Samsung has utilized the latest Snapdragon flagship processors for its foldable devices. Given the potential for multitasking, the forthcoming Samsung tri-fold might also feature the latest and most advanced Snapdragon chipset. Although there is still time for further details about the Samsung tri-fold to emerge, interested readers can take a look at the leaked images of the upcoming premium flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

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  • Samsung Develops Two New Galaxy Z Fold 7 Models for 2024

    Samsung Develops Two New Galaxy Z Fold 7 Models for 2024

    Samsung seems to be growing its foldable phone range with two new versions of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, one of which might be a tri-fold design. Recently, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, available only in South Korea. This model is a larger and sleeker alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and comes with a 200MP camera, but it does not support the S Pen.

    New Models in the Works

    According to a report from Galaxy Club, Samsung is developing two additional models of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, codenamed “Q7” and “Q7M.” The Q7M is especially interesting, as there is talk that it could be related to a tri-fold design. Rumors from South Korea suggest that Samsung is testing out new folding mechanisms, which might include a device with three panels and two hinges. Yet, it’s still uncertain if the Q7M will actually be the expected tri-fold or if it’s being created under another name.

    Competing with Rivals

    There are also indications that Samsung is eyeing a launch for a tri-fold device next year. If this happens, it would help them compete with brands like Huawei, who have already presented similar designs, such as the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate. The tri-fold could provide a larger, tablet-like screen when opened fully, which would be great for both productivity and enjoying media.

    Expectations for Performance

    As for performance, the specifics about the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s chipset haven’t been confirmed yet. However, based on the Z series history, it’s likely that it will use Qualcomm’s 2024 flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This upgrade is expected to bring major enhancements in performance and power efficiency for the next foldable, which could lead to better multitasking and longer battery life.

    Camera improvements are also expected, although details about the Q7M are still a secret. If it sticks to the design principles of the latest Special Edition Fold, it might feature the same 200MP sensor for enhanced photography. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 being developed alongside these other innovations, Samsung’s foldable lineup for 2025 is shaping up to be even more diverse. The company seems dedicated to exploring new formats, which could help make foldable phones more popular and suited to various user preferences.

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  • Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone Set to Launch Next Year

    Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone Set to Launch Next Year

    Samsung is preparing to broaden its range of foldable phones with an innovative tri-fold smartphone, which could make its debut in 2025. This device, which has a screen that folds in two places, has already had its parts developed, signaling that it’s on track for commercial release. Ultimately, the decision will be made by Samsung’s Mobile eXperience division, led by TM Roh.

    A Potential First in Tri-Fold Phones

    At present, the only tri-fold device available is Huawei’s Mate XT, which is restricted to the Chinese market. If Samsung decides to launch its model worldwide, it would be the first tri-fold smartphone accessible on a global scale. This new design would allow the smartphone to change from a tablet-sized screen to a compact phone, offering flexible use for various situations.

    Expected Features and Innovations

    While there is no official word on the specifications yet, patents in the industry indicate that the device may feature advanced hinge mechanisms and integrated sensors, suggesting it is built for diverse functionalities. Given Samsung’s history with foldable devices, this premium tri-fold is likely to utilize the latest Qualcomm flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

    For those interested in multitasking features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite brings significant improvements, including a 40% increase in GPU performance and a 35% enhancement in ray tracing capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in the current Galaxy Z Fold 6. These enhancements, along with a 44% boost in power efficiency, make the chipset well-suited for intensive tasks such as gaming and multitasking, ensuring a solid performance upgrade for the forthcoming Samsung tri-fold.

    Camera Expectations

    The chipset also boasts an improved NPU, offering a 45% increase in AI capabilities, which means more advanced Galaxy AI features for the tri-fold smartphone. However, it is likely that the tri-fold will need to be thinner than the existing Galaxy Z Fold 6, which means that larger camera sensors may not be included. Users can expect a camera system similar to what is found in Samsung’s current book-style foldable. For a point of reference, the camera configuration for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is as follows:

    • 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
    • 10 MP, f/2.4, 66mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
    • 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
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  • New Xiaomi Tri-Fold Smartphone Design Revealed as Mate XT Rival

    New Xiaomi Tri-Fold Smartphone Design Revealed as Mate XT Rival

    According to the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi has developed a patent for a tri-fold smartphone, possibly in response to Huawei’s pioneering model. The tipster has revealed a render that seems to illustrate the device’s potential features, highlighting both similarities and differences with the Mate XT.

    Design Similarities and Differences

    From the shared images, it’s evident that both smartphones utilize a similar folding mechanism. They include a second hinge that allows the first third of the device to function as a front display when closed. However, Xiaomi’s design appears to feature a camera bump reminiscent of the early Mix Fold.

    Upon further examination, the rear of the device exhibits a leather-like finish, akin to the OnePlus Open in Voyager Black, which is currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon. In contrast, the Mate XT also sports a vegan leather finish but has a noticeably larger camera bump, resembling that of the conventional 60 RS model.

    Xiaomi’s Strategic Focus

    Although Xiaomi has made strides in the tri-fold market, it seems the company will focus on enhancing its Mix Fold and Flip series for the time being. There is a clear hesitation to invest in a new form-factor that could potentially retail for around $2,800 in the near future, indicating a cautious approach to new technology.

    Digital Chat Station via Weibo

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