Highlights
- Samsung has completed development of its first tri-fold phone but the launch is on hold as Samsung evaluates market demand.
- Tri-fold is expected to feature a 10-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite chip, titanium frame, and IP48 rating.
- Samsung has confirmed a September 2025 launch for the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra.
- Both will run Android 16 with One UI 8, feature MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chips and focus on Galaxy AI-powered multitasking.
We have heard about the Samsung Tri-Fold before but now comes the word from an official source. It appears Samsung has finished developing its first tri-fold smartphone, but it’s not ready to release it just yet. According to a company executive, the device is production-ready but Samsung is holding back to see if there’s enough real-world demand.
In a chat with Android Authority, the executive confirmed, “We’ve had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it’s not a new concept to us. What we’re debating is the viability. When I say the viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?” Samsung clearly wants to avoid launching something that might be too ahead of its time.
Some reports have previously hinted that the Samsung tri-fold might be called the Galaxy G Fold, though it is not official.
Samsung Tri-Fold – What To Expect?
Reports suggest Samsung’s G Fold follows a G-shaped design with two inward folds to better protect the screen. This is different from what we have seen in Huawei’s outward-folding Mate XT, which uses an S-shaped design.
However, the G-shaped setup also requires a separate cover display. The G Fold is expected to be a high-end device priced over $3,000, compared to the $1,999 Galaxy Z Fold7, due to its complex engineering and premium materials.
Samsung has also added durability upgrades including a titanium frame and an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. The phone is said to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite with a 10-inch AMOLED display when fully unfolded, taking aim at Huawei’s 10.2-inch Mate XT.
There’s talk that Samsung might quietly release the G Fold in limited quantities in South Korea and China later this year, possibly starting production in September to test how the market reacts. Still, with tri-folds making up just 1% of global smartphone sales in 2024 according to Counterpoint Research, Samsung is being cautious.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Series Set for September 2025 Launch
In another conversation with Android Authority, a Samsung South Africa official confirmed that the Galaxy Tab S11 series is on track for a September 2025 launch. It is not a surprise since this is completely in line with Samsung’s usual timeline.
The executive (as per Android Authority) said, “So Samsung will be announcing a (Galaxy Tab) refresh for the range coming through, shortly. In line with our traditional cadence.”
The new lineup will reportedly feature just two models, the Galaxy Tab S11 and the larger Tab S11 Ultra. If true, it would mean the company is dropping the “Plus” variant this time. The base model brings back the compact 11-inch AMOLED display, something many fans missed last year.
Both tablets will run on MediaTek’s new Dimensity 9400+ chip, an upgrade over last year’s Dimensity 9300+. They’ll ship with Android 16 and One UI 8, along with bigger batteries. The Tab S11 is said to pack an 8,400mAh battery, while the Ultra will keep its 14.6-inch display.
The focus will also be on Galaxy AI-powered features aimed at multitasking and improving cross-device performance. According to Geekbench leaks, the base model scored 1420 (single-core) and 5312 (multi-core), while the Ultra variant posted stronger numbers a few days later. The CPU scores of Tab S11 Ultra hit 2,675 points in single-core and 8,039 points in multi-core tests. As of now, it’s unclear if these scores reflect final performance or early testing.
Samsung is expected to open pre-orders closer to launch via Samsung.com and other major retailers.
FAQs
Q1. Is Samsung’s tri-fold phone ready for launch?
Answer. A Samsung executive confirmed, “We’ve had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it’s not a new concept to us. What we’re debating is the viability. When I say the viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?”
Q2. What are the expected features of the Samsung Galaxy G Fold tri-fold phone?
Answer. The G Fold is expected to feature a 10-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite chip, a titanium frame, IP48 rating, and a G-shaped inward-folding design with a separate cover display.
Q3. When will the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 series launch and what models are expected?
Answer. A Samsung South Africa official confirmed that the Galaxy Tab S11 series is on track for a September 2025 launch. The lineup will reportedly include just two models: the Galaxy Tab S11 and the larger Tab S11 Ultra.