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Samsung’s tri-fold leak: a new take on folding phones
Samsung’s long-rumored tri-fold smartphone is drawing nearer, and fresh leaks of One UI animations offer the clearest glimpse yet of how the company plans to differentiate its first triple-fold device. Rather than adopting the Z-style layout used by Huawei's Mate XT and Mate XTs, Samsung appears to center the cover display within the folded device—a distinct design choice that carries practical benefits for everyday use.
What the One UI leak shows
Shared by leaker @TechHighest on X, the official-looking One UI clips depict the Galaxy Z TriFold folding inward around a central cover screen. When closed, the usable front display sits on the middle panel instead of the outermost section. This layout changes how users interact with the phone when it is folded and suggests Samsung is prioritizing ergonomics and camera usability in the tri-fold form factor.
Key product features
- Central cover display for the usable front screen when folded
- Camera module adjacent to the center display to enable high-quality selfies using main sensors
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging coil positioned below the camera array
- Expected main unfolded display near 10 inches, similar to competing tri-folds
- One UI animations indicating dedicated UX flows for triple-fold operation
Advantages and practical use cases
Centering the cover display may make the TriFold more ergonomic in daily scenarios. Users can grip the inactive outer panels while keeping the central screen clean and smudge-free. Placing the coil beneath the camera module means the phone can charge wirelessly or share power via reverse wireless charging while being used like a conventional bar phone—useful for media playback, navigation, or video calls when docked on a charger.
How it compares to Huawei and Samsung's own lineup
Compared with Huawei's Mate XT and Mate XTs, which favor a Z-fold arrangement, Samsung's approach creates a different balance between display continuity and exterior usability. The reported unfolded size of roughly 10 inches places the TriFold in the same display class as Huawei's tri-folds, but the central cover display gives Samsung a unique UX angle. Samsung is also expected to continue the Galaxy Z Fold series—buyers who prefer a two-panel folding design will likely see the Galaxy Z Fold7 remain available alongside the new TriFold.
Market relevance and strategic positioning
By introducing a tri-fold that prioritizes a centered cover display and practical charging placement, Samsung signals it isn't simply following competitors but trying to carve a distinct identity in the expanding foldable market. Practical features such as improved selfie ergonomics, purposeful wireless charging placement, and One UI optimizations could help the Galaxy Z TriFold stand out to prosumers and tech enthusiasts looking for a versatile foldable device.
Timing and what to expect next
Samsung confirmed the Galaxy Z TriFold will debut before 2026, and recent leaks point to an October launch window. Until official specs are announced, key details such as the exact unfolded display size, internal hardware, and pricing remain tentative, but the leaked animations give a useful preview of Samsung's tri-fold UX and hardware thinking.
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