June 10, 2025 – Samsung is poised to shake up the foldable smartphone market with its first-ever tri-fold device, tentatively dubbed the Galaxy G Fold. As the South Korean tech giant gears up to challenge Huawei’s Mate XT, the only mass-produced tri-fold phone currently available, leaks and certifications are painting a clearer picture of this ambitious device. Expected to debut in Q3 2025, the Galaxy G Fold promises a massive display, cutting-edge technology, and a premium price tag. However, its limited market release and conservative specs in some areas have sparked both excitement and debate among tech enthusiasts. Here’s the latest on Samsung’s tri-fold venture.
A New Form Factor with a Massive Display
The Galaxy G Fold is set to introduce a dual-hinge design, allowing it to fold twice into three segments, creating a versatile device that transitions from a phone to a tablet-sized screen. According to leaks, the tri-fold will feature a 6.49-inch outer display when folded and an expansive 9.96-inch inner display when fully unfolded, pushing it firmly into tablet territory. This design, often described as a “G-shaped” or “Z-shaped” inward-folding mechanism, protects the primary display when closed, offering a unique blend of portability and productivity.
Samsung’s display subsidiary showcased a similar tri-fold panel at MWC 2025 in March, hinting at the technology that will power the Galaxy G Fold. The device is expected to share design elements with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, including speaker drivers, cutouts, and a titanium-based hinge for durability and a slimmer profile. This advanced hinge, paired with a titanium backplate, aims to keep the device lightweight despite its complex form factor.
Next-Gen Battery Technology
One of the most intriguing rumors about the Galaxy G Fold is its use of a silicon-carbon battery, a next-generation technology that could offer better energy density in a thinner package. While the battery capacity is expected to be under 5,000mAh to maintain a slim design, this advanced composition could deliver battery life comparable to larger conventional batteries. This move aligns with Samsung’s broader push toward thinner devices, with similar technology rumored for the Galaxy S26 series in 2026.
However, the Galaxy G Fold has already stirred controversy with its charging capabilities. A recent 3C certification in China revealed that the device, bearing the model number SM-F9680, will support only 25W wired charging—a significant step behind competitors like the Huawei Mate XT, which offers 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. This conservative approach, possibly to prioritize thinness and safety, has drawn criticism from tech fans who expect faster charging from a premium device in 2025.
Camera and Performance Expectations
While specific details about the Galaxy G Fold’s internals remain scarce, leaks suggest it could borrow heavily from the Galaxy Z Fold 7. There’s speculation that it may feature a triple-lens camera system (200MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto), potentially matching the setup of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition. This would give Samsung an edge over Huawei’s Mate XT in the camera department, though it’s unclear if the tri-fold will match the flagship specs of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The device is also expected to leverage Galaxy AI features tailored for its foldable form, enhancing productivity and entertainment. From finishing emails in its folded state to serving as an immersive media hub when unfolded, the Galaxy G Fold aims to capitalize on its versatile design.
Price and Availability: An Exclusive Launch
Samsung’s tri-fold is shaping up to be an ultra-premium offering, with a rumored price tag of $3,000 to $3,500—potentially making it the most expensive Samsung phone to date. This steep cost, combined with production challenges, means the Galaxy G Fold will likely be produced in limited quantities and launched exclusively in South Korea and China, mirroring the strategy used for the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. This restricted release has led some to speculate that Samsung is testing demand for the tri-fold form factor before committing to a global rollout, possibly with future iterations.
The device is expected to debut in Q3 2025 (July–September), potentially alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 at Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event in July. However, some sources suggest the tri-fold could get its own unveiling later in the year to avoid overshadowing other foldables. A post on X from @TheGalox_ noted that the limited release could be a strategic move to gauge consumer interest before a broader launch with the next generation.
Challenges and Competition
Samsung’s cautious approach to the tri-fold market comes as Huawei’s Mate XT, released in 2024, remains the only commercially available tri-fold phone. While Samsung pioneered foldables with the Galaxy Z series, some critics argue the company has grown complacent, with iterative updates failing to match the innovation of Chinese competitors. The Galaxy G Fold’s 25W charging speed and limited market availability have fueled concerns that Samsung is playing it safe rather than pushing boundaries. A post on X from @Androidheadline summed up the sentiment, stating, “The Samsung Tri-Fold Is Nearing Launch, and Yes, It Already has Battery Drama.”
Moreover, the high price and exclusive launch could limit the device’s impact. As noted by NotebookCheck, Samsung’s decision to restrict the Galaxy G Fold to two markets suggests “increasingly less confidence in the foldable market” it once pioneered. Yet, if successful, the tri-fold could reinvigorate Samsung’s foldable lineup and set the stage for future global releases.
What’s Next?
The Galaxy G Fold is a bold step for Samsung, blending cutting-edge design with a premium price that reflects its complexity. While the 3C certification and recent patents filed in Europe (as noted by @PatentlyApple on X) confirm that the device is nearing launch, its limited availability and conservative charging specs may temper excitement for some. As Samsung prepares for its Q3 2025 reveal, all eyes will be on whether the Galaxy G Fold can deliver a “game-changer” experience, as suggested by Digital Trends, or if it will remain an exclusive experiment for a niche audience.
For now, tech enthusiasts can look forward to more leaks and official teasers as the launch window approaches. Whether the Galaxy G Fold redefines foldables or becomes a costly curiosity, it’s clear Samsung is ready to take on the tri-fold challenge—on its own terms.
