Samsung under pressure from Huawei, working on tri-fold phone, likely to launch in early 2025

Samsung is gearing up to release a tri-fold smartphone in early 2025, positioning itself to compete against Huawei and other rivals in the foldable market. The South Korean tech giant is facing growing pressure after Huawei introduced the Mate XT Ultimate Edition in China, with a price tag of CNY 19,999 (around ₹2,37,000).

With other companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor also rumoured to be working on tri-fold devices, Samsung’s upcoming release will be critical for maintaining its edge in the foldable segment.

Industry insiders suggest that Samsung is not only working on this ambitious tri-fold phone but could also introduce a new entry-level clamshell-style foldable. Both devices are likely to debut in 2025.

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As per numerous reports, Samsung Display’s partners have already wrapped up the development and production of components for the tri-fold model. However, the final decision to launch rests with the head of Samsung’s Mobile Experience (MX) division, who will give the go-ahead when the timing feels right.

Samsung’s experiments with a tri-fold concept is not entirely new. Back in March 2023, there were hints that the company might skip launching the Galaxy S23 FE to make room for a triple-folding smartphone. Although that device didn’t materialise then and the S23 FE eventually hit the market in October 2023, Samsung’s commitment to exploring new foldable designs has remained steady.

This upcoming tri-fold device could help the company address some recent challenges. Sales for its latest foldable models, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, have been weaker than expected, leading to a 10 per cent dip in OLED display orders compared to the previous year.

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This slowdown in demand has forced Samsung to adjust its rolling production plans, reducing the supply of panels as it waits for the next big thing to reignite consumer interest.

In the past, Samsung has teased foldable prototypes such as the Flex G and Flex S, which featured multiple folding mechanisms similar to what’s expected from the tri-fold model.

Though these concepts never made it to market, they reflect the company’s ambition to push boundaries in smartphone design. With Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate and Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2 already exploring tri-fold possibilities, Samsung’s entry will need to stand out to reclaim the spotlight.

All eyes will be on Samsung as it prepares to roll out these next-generation devices. If successful, the tri-fold smartphone could inject fresh momentum into the foldable market, giving the company a much-needed edge in the ongoing battle for innovation.