One UI 8 Leaks First Look at Samsung Tri-Fold Phone
Samsung is poised to redefine the segment with its first-ever tri-fold device. Exclusive animation files discovered within the latest One UI 8 build by Android Authority offer a comprehensive preview of the device’s innovative design and unique folding mechanics, fueling speculation of its imminent unveiling at next week’s Galaxy Unpacked event.
Galaxy Unpacked: A Stage for Innovation
Scheduled for July 9, Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event is expected to showcase the next generation of its foldable lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and potentially the more accessible Galaxy Z Flip FE. However, the most significant reveal may be the rumoured tri-fold phone, provisionally named the “Galaxy G Fold.” This event serves as a crucial platform for Samsung to demonstrate its continued leadership in foldable technology.
First Look: Design Revealed Through One UI 8
Thanks to an Authority Insights story on Android Authority, based on an APK teardown, we now have a clear understanding of the Galaxy G Fold’s likely appearance even before its official launch. The leaked animations, while primarily illustrating NFC positioning, reveal intricate details about the device’s physical form.
The animations depict a device with three distinct rear panels. The left-most panel is expected to house a triple rear camera setup, featuring a design reminiscent of current Galaxy Z Fold flagships. The middle panel will likely integrate the cover display, complete with a front-facing camera for use when the device is in its folded state. Interestingly, the right-most panel appears to be a blank rear surface, devoid of bezels, suggesting it’s not an active display.
A Unique Folding Mechanism: The “G-Fold”
One of the most compelling aspects revealed is the device’s innovative folding mechanism. Unlike the HUAWEI Mate XT, which utilises an “S-shaped” fold with one inward and one outward hinge, Samsung’s tri-fold will feature two inward-folding hinges, akin to Samsung Display’s Flex G prototypes. This “G-shaped” fold dictates that the device will unfold from right to left.
A critical warning embedded within the animations advises users against attempting to fold the right-most panel (which bears the rear cameras) inwards first. This cautionary note highlights a deliberate design choice: the two hinges are of different sizes, a necessity for achieving a flat fold without stressing the display. The blank rear panel is strategically positioned to be sandwiched in the middle of this fold. The unfolding animation also hints at a recessed side frame, likely designed to accommodate the volume rocker and side button.
Specifications and Availability
While its commercial name remains unconfirmed, referred to as “Multifold 7” in the One UI 8 code and rumoured as “Q7M” internally, previous leaks have shed light on potential specifications. The tri-fold is expected to boast a substantial 9.96-inch folding screen and a 6.54-inch cover display. Weighing in at approximately 300 grams, initial reports suggest a limited release, with availability potentially restricted to South Korea and China.
Anticipation Builds for Unpacked
The emergence of these detailed animations, coupled with the device’s clear presence within Samsung’s software build, strongly indicates that Samsung is poised for an official unveiling in the very near future. With the Galaxy Unpacked event just days away, anticipation is high that Samsung will showcase this groundbreaking tri-fold device, alongside its next generation of foldables, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of smartphone design.
