Samsung's first tri-fold phone might not launch globally

The post Samsung's first tri-fold phone might not launch globally appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apr 1, 2025 - 19:23

Last year, Huawei surprised everyone when it launched the Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. Following the footsteps of the Chinese tech giant, many other brands like Samsung are also working on similar devices. Samsung has been in the foldable smartphone market for nearly seven years. The company is now working on a double-folding/tri-fold offering. That said, Samsung could launch its first tri-fold handset later this year, but only in select markets.

Samsung’s first double-folding or tri-fold smartphone appears in GSMA’s database

A Samsung phone with the model number SM-F968 recently appeared in the database of the GSM Association. The supporting documents reveal that Samsung is internally calling the device “Q7M.” Two variants of the phone have appeared in the database—SM-F9680 and SM-968N. These are reportedly likely for Samsung’s first dual-folding or tri-fold phone, featuring three different parts of a foldable screen supported by two hinges.

Furthermore, the source suggests that the SM-F9680 model number is likely the Chinese version of Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone. The variant bearing the SM-F968N model number could be the South Korean counterpart of the device. This indicates that Samsung might not launch this smartphone globally, and it could only release the phone in China and South Korea.

What can we expect from Samsung’s first tri-fold handset?

Samsung’s recently unearthed patent filings suggest that its first tri-fold phone could be a compact offering when folded. The patent hints that the device will feature a dual-inner folding form factor, allowing both side pieces to fold inward. In comparison, Huawei’s Mate XT takes a zigzag shape when you fold/unfold it.

Huawei’s approach allows it to use the same large foldable display as an external screen on the Mate XT. However, Samsung’s approach requires a separate secondary display, but the design certainly increases the durability of the inner foldable screen.

Furthermore, the patent filings indicated that Samsung’s first tri-fold phone could support the S Pen. The sketches attached to the patent showed a slot for the accessory. That said, phone brands like Samsung file many design patents from time to time. Not all the designs in the patent filings make it to the commercial products. Samsung could surprise us all by using a entirely different design than rivals for its first dual-folding phone; only time will tell.

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