Samsung reveals three-part foldable smartphone
At the CEO summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Gyeongju, South Korea, Samsung stole the show by unveiling a full-size model of its first triple-fold smartphone. The innovative device folds twice and transforms from a standard phone form factor into a tablet-like screen of around 10″. The smartphone, dubbed the Galaxy Z Trifold, is Samsung’s boldest move yet in foldable technology.
Behind transparent glass, visitors were able to view the key design elements of the trifold mechanism, which uses an inward-folding system on both sides. When unfolded, the device is roughly 4.2mm thick, comparable to Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7. Folded, it measures between 1.2 and 1.5cm thick. Although no official specifications have been released, observers estimate the size of the unfolded display at around 10″. The crease lines that are often visible on foldable screens are said to be “barely noticeable”.
Sources have revealed that each of the three displays contains a separate battery module, significantly boosting the total battery life. The reveal puts Samsung in direct competition with Huawei’s tri-fold Mate XT smartphone, which debuted last year as the first of its kind worldwide, but has struggled with durability issues and screen damage. Samsung, by contrast, has spent the past year refining its foldable technology, starting with the ultra-thin Galaxy Z Fold7 launched in July.
Analysts expect Samsung to begin commercial production of the triple-fold device as early as next month, strengthening its position in the high-end foldables market.
Insiders estimate that Samsung’s first triple-fold smartphone is likely to carry a price tag of about 4 million won (€2,350), due to its complex hinge mechanism and multi-panel OLED design. That is nearly double the price of Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7. The smartphone is expected to go on sale first in South Korea and China before becoming available worldwide.
Analysts believe that, at launch, the focus will be less on immediate sales and more on showcasing Samsung’s technical capabilities against the backdrop of mounting competition from Chinese rivals in the foldable-display space. Initial production is expected to be limited to between 50,000 and 100,000 units as Samsung gauges market demand.
Unfortunately there are no plans for an Irish release.
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