Samsung’s highly anticipated tri-fold smartphone, a device aimed to compete directly with Huawei’s Mate XT, will reportedly not reach the market until early 2026, according to industry insights. Speculations have been rampant, but there’s been no official confirmation from Samsung on the matter. The development status and expected release timeframe come from renowned display analyst Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), offering a glimpse into the hurdles faced by the tech giant. The tri-fold device will incorporate the Flex G form factor, as showcased by Samsung Display previously, standing in contrast to Huawei’s Flex S design for the Mate XT. This suggests a distinctive competitive strategy by Samsung in the foldable phone arena.
The tri-fold smartphone will, therefore, not be part of Samsung’s 2025 hardware refresh, which is set to introduce successors to the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6, along with a potential new Galaxy Z Flip6 FE. Additionally, there will be a special edition of the Galaxy Z Fold expected during that period. The delay signals significant technological and logistical challenges that Samsung must overcome to bring this innovative form factor to market successfully. Insights provided by Young emphasize the intense industry-wide race to develop and refine next-generation foldable smartphones, setting the stage for a potential release of Samsung’s tri-fold model in 2026.
Samsung’s decision to postpone the launch likely stems from the complexities involved in perfecting the new form factor, which could include issues related to durability, display performance, and overall device usability. Furthermore, the delay underscores the necessity for thorough testing and optimization to ensure that the final product meets high consumer expectations and industry standards. In the meantime, competitors like Huawei continue to develop their own advanced foldable devices, which keeps the pressure on Samsung to deliver a groundbreaking product. The tri-fold form factor promises to revolutionize the foldable smartphone market, but meticulous development is crucial to achieving this ambitious vision.