Samsung is once again pushing the boundaries of foldable smartphone technology, and the latest evidence comes in the form of a newly granted patent for a tri-folding flip phone with S Pen support. As the foldable phone industry evolves, Samsung appears to be exploring multi-fold designs, potentially giving users a tablet-sized display in a compact form factor.
This development follows reports that Samsung is working on its first commercial tri-folding phone, the Galaxy G Fold, which is rumored to launch later this year alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. With Huawei’s Mate XT recently expanding into global markets, Samsung’s next-gen foldables will be competing in an increasingly crowded space.
Samsung’s Tri-Folding Flip Device: What the Patent Reveals
Samsung’s new tri-folding flip-style device was officially granted a patent on February 25th by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), as first spotted by 91mobiles. While patents do not always translate into commercial products, they offer insight into what Samsung is experimenting with behind the scenes.
Key Features of the Samsung Tri-Folding Flip Phone (According to the Patent):
- A unique double-hinge design: The device folds in two places, suggesting a larger unfolded screen area compared to existing foldables.
- S Pen support: The patent images reveal a dedicated slot for an S Pen, indicating that Samsung may be positioning this device as a productivity-focused foldable, similar to its Ultra series or a compact foldable tablet.
- Volume and power buttons positioned on the top portion of the device, maintaining usability when folded.
- USB Type-C port located on the bottom edge, a standard placement for charging and connectivity.
- An elongated, oval-shaped rear module, which is likely meant to house camera sensors.
This tri-folding design could serve multiple purposes, potentially combining the portability of a flip phone with the screen real estate of a foldable tablet. If commercialized, it could be Samsung’s most innovative foldable yet.
How the Tri-Folding Flip Compares to Samsung’s Existing Foldables
Samsung currently dominates the foldable smartphone market with two primary product lines:
- The Galaxy Z Flip series – A compact clamshell foldable with a single hinge, designed for portability and style.
- The Galaxy Z Fold series – A book-style foldable phone with a large inner screen, catering to multitasking and productivity users.
The tri-folding flip device blends elements from both designs, potentially offering a clamshell form factor that unfolds into an even larger display than the Z Fold lineup.
If released, this device could serve as a hybrid between a foldable phone and a compact tablet, giving users more screen real estate while maintaining a small footprint when folded.
Samsung’s Tri-Folding Strategy: The Galaxy G Fold and Beyond
In addition to this tri-folding flip device, Samsung is rumored to be working on another tri-foldable smartphone, the Galaxy G Fold. According to leaks, this device will have:
- A massive 9.96-inch unfolded display, making it larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 7.6-inch screen.
- A 6.54-inch external screen when folded, allowing it to function like a traditional smartphone when closed.
- An inward folding mechanism, which could result in a slightly thicker device compared to standard foldables.
This suggests Samsung is actively developing multiple tri-folding designs, potentially targeting different user demographics—one for compact productivity (flip-style) and one for larger screen experiences (G Fold).
How Samsung’s Tri-Folding Tech Competes with Huawei’s Mate XT
Huawei has been making strides in the foldable segment with the Huawei Mate XT, which features a 10.2-inch unfolded display—one of the largest screens in a foldable smartphone.
Samsung’s Galaxy G Fold is rumored to feature a 9.96-inch unfolded display, bringing it close in size to the Mate XT, while the newly patented tri-folding flip phone could offer a different take on the foldable concept.
Huawei has traditionally focused on outward-folding displays, while Samsung has preferred inward-folding designs, which provide better durability and protection for the main screen.
If Samsung successfully commercializes a tri-folding device, it could become the leader in multi-folding smartphone technology, potentially outpacing Huawei in the premium foldable segment.
Will Samsung’s Tri-Folding Flip Phone Become a Commercial Product?
While patents often showcase experimental designs, not all concepts make it to the market. However, the inclusion of an S Pen slot, along with the increasing demand for foldables, indicates that Samsung is serious about multi-fold devices.
Samsung has been a pioneer in foldable technology, and with competitors like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi expanding their foldable offerings, it makes sense for Samsung to push the limits of innovation.
There are a few potential scenarios for this tri-folding flip phone:
- It could launch as a completely new product line, separate from the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series, positioning itself as a next-gen hybrid between a phone and a tablet.
- Samsung may refine the concept and introduce elements of this design in future Z Flip or Fold models.
- It remains a concept without a commercial release, serving as a testbed for future foldable innovations.
Regardless of whether this particular device makes it to mass production, it confirms that Samsung is actively developing the next wave of foldable technology.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
