We might have our first look at the long-rumored Samsung tri-fold
Samsung originally filed a tri-fold patent in 2021
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The long-rumoredSamsungGalaxy tri-fold might not be entirely mythological after all, if a newly-published patent is anything to go by.
The US Patent and Trademark Office has publicized apatent documentthat details design specifications for a tri-fold device alongside a conventional booklet-style foldable device.
The patent document, originally filed by Samsung in 2021, depicts a tri-fold device with a Z-shaped hinge, similar to theHuawei Mate XT.
The Mate XT became the world’s first tri-fold device when it launched in September, but it remains a China-exclusive device at the time of writing – leaving global markets open for Samsung or another competitor.
AsMSPowerUserreports, the Samsung patent details new screen technology such as a strengthened barrier layer to protect the inner display with openings to reduce strain at the hinges. The design also includes an anti-reflective coating made of synthetic resin or another unspecified material.
Other construction materials mentioned include glass and stainless steel.
Samsung has long been tipped as the likely leader in the race to release a globally available tri-fold phone, which would sit alongside the company’sGalaxy Z Fold 6andGalaxy Z Flip 6. Indeed, werecently reported on claims from Koreathat Samsung is looking into new phone form factors.
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Prior to this, we reported that aleaked codename for a new foldable model with no analog in the current Samsung lineup may refer to a potential tri-fold device.
Though this new (or rather, newly discovered) patent doesn’t confirm that the proposed Samsung tri-fold is due for release, or even in the works, it does tell us that Samsung has given serious consideration to the tri-fold concept.
With how much we’re hearing about a Samsung tri-fold at the moment, it’s hard not to take this as an encouraging sign – though it’s important to remember that most of the above is based on rumors for the time being.
It’ll be up to Samsung to confirm the development of a tri-fold Galaxy device, if and when it sees fit, so be sure to keep up with ourSamsung phonescoverage to catch the latest updates.
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Jamie is a Mobile Computing Staff Writer for TechRadar, responsible for covering phones and tablets. He’s been tech-obsessed from a young age and has written for various news and culture publications. Jamie graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Since starting out as a music blogger in 2020, he’s worked on local news stories, finance trade magazines, and multimedia political features. He brings a love for digital journalism and consumer technology to TechRadar. Outside of the TechRadar office, Jamie can be found binge-watching tech reviews, DJing in local venues around London, or challenging friends to a game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
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