While Samsung has been showing off mobile display concepts with three screens at trade events like CES for several years, it might finally be bringing one to market if a leaked UI animation is any indicator.
An animated image from a software build of One UI 8 appears to show what some are dubbing a “Galaxy G Fold” device with three display panels, as reported by Android Authority last week. The screens would be capable of displaying different information or working in unison as one large display.
The new phone model could debut as early as Samsung’s Unpacked event on Wednesday in New York.
Samsung didn’t immediately respond to request for comment, but some websites have gone into overdrive trying to uncover details on what its new device might include and how much it may cost. Phone Arena reported that according to a Korean media report, it could be priced at around $3,000.
Chinese phone maker Huawei released a tri-folding phone in February, the Mate XT Ultimate Design, for 19,999 yuan (roughly $2,787 at time of publication).
More evidence of a tri-folding phone
In addition to the leaked animations, Samsung watchers have other evidence to point to suggesting the phone is on its way.
“The rumors are indeed pretty strong for a couple of reasons,” says Vikas Sharma, a senior director of patent services at Quandary Peak Research. He cites 2021 and 2023 patents the company filed in the US, China, Europe and Korea as well as what the company teased in January.
“The images in the patents looked very similar to the image teased in its Galaxy Unpacked event, which indicated a strong likelihood of a future tri-fold phone in the markets where those patents were filed,” Sharma says.
The Huawei phone, Sharma says, has so far seen demand in China, which could give Samsung another reason to release a competing product. A Samsung tri-folding phone would have the advantage of more Android OS and Samsung apps. A $3,000 price point would likely keep the phone as a niche product, at least until it drops below $2,000, Sharma says.
As for what potential buyers could expect from a Samsung tri-folding Galaxy phone, Sharma says that better multitasking capabilities and a bigger screen would bring the experience, “closer to that of a laptop. Additionally, the device will offer the convenience and portability of a mobile phone, easily fitting into a pocket when folding.”
