The race to reimagine the future of foldable smartphones has entered a bold new phase as TECNO officially unveils its latest concept device, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold. Meanwhile, tech titan Samsung is quietly preparing to release its tri-fold smartphone, setting the stage for a transformative leap in mobile design. With both brands pursuing foldable innovation on their terms, 2025 could be remembered as the year smartphones truly began to break their mould.
TECNO Steps into the Spotlight with Phantom Ultimate G Fold
Just a year ago, TECNO’s ambitious Phantom Ultimate 2—a tri-fold prototype with a unique outward-folding design—left tech enthusiasts intrigued but cautious. The fold left a portion of the screen exposed and vulnerable, and while it was bold, it also seemed impractical for real-world use.
Fast-forward to today, and TECNO’s newest concept, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold, is a dramatic evolution. This device folds inward, similar to Samsung’s Z Fold series, but with not one, but two hinges that allow it to fold into thirds. When folded, the main 9.94-inch flexible display is completely protected inside the phone, a significant improvement over its predecessor.
This inward-folding mechanism is supported by two innovative hinge designs: one compact hinge that enables a teardrop-style fold, and a second, larger hinge that locks the phone securely in place. The result? A tri-fold device that is incredibly thin, just 11.49mm when folded, and a shockingly slim 3.49mm when unfolded, setting a new benchmark in foldable design.
The Phantom Ultimate G Fold also features a cover screen for daily tasks when the phone is closed, giving users a convenient and battery-friendly alternative to opening the large inner display.
Engineering Marvel and Stylish Statement
Beyond just folding, TECNO’s concept delivers on durability and aesthetics. The back panel is constructed using ultra-high-strength steel (2,000 MPa) and a 0.3 mm Titan Fibre plate, materials that allow for flexibility while maintaining strength and structure.
The phone houses a battery with over 5,000mAh capacity—a notable achievement given the device’s ultra-thin profile. For photography enthusiasts, a triple-camera system sits on the centre panel of the device, which becomes the rear when the phone is folded. Thanks to the flexible hinge angles, the phone can function like a tripod, making it perfect for hands-free content creation or vlogging.
While full technical specifications—like the exact chipset, cover screen size, and total weight—are still under wraps, TECNO has confirmed that the Phantom Ultimate G Fold will be showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, where more information is expected to be revealed. This concept isn’t yet headed for mass production, but it signals TECNO’s intent to be taken seriously in the premium foldable segment.
Samsung’s Tri-Fold Galaxy Z Fold Is No Longer Just a Rumour
While TECNO made headlines with its concept reveal, Samsung has been quietly preparing a tri-fold of its own. Although it didn’t appear at the most recent Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung Mobile President TM Roh confirmed in an interview last week that a tri-fold device is indeed in development and will launch before the end of the year.
“We are now focusing on perfecting the product and its usability,” Roh said, “but we have not decided its name. As the product nears completion, we are planning to make a final decision soon.”
Insiders believe the name will likely follow Samsung’s familiar foldable branding, with “Galaxy Z TriFold” currently being floated as the front-runner. Earlier names like “Galaxy G Fold” were linked to past prototypes such as the Flex G and Flex S, which debuted at CES 2022 as exploratory concepts.
Leaked information suggests that Samsung’s tri-fold—code-named Q7M and carrying model number SM-F968—will be released in limited quantities and only in select markets. Its existence has already been confirmed via firmware code inside One UI 8, Samsung’s latest interface, which launched alongside the Galaxy S25 series and the new generation of Z Foldables.
The Foldable Frontier: What’s Next?
The race between TECNO and Samsung represents more than just tech one-upmanship—it’s about reimagining how we use and interact with our mobile devices. Tri-folds could potentially merge smartphone portability with tablet functionality, without the need to carry two devices.
Both TECNO and Samsung are proving that the era of foldables is not a fleeting trend but a long-term shift in mobile innovation. TECNO is leveraging bold design and aggressive experimentation, while Samsung is banking on refinement, scale, and its established foldable legacy.
As 2025 progresses, we may very well see the dawn of a new product category—where pocket-sized devices unfold to offer desktop-class productivity, immersive media experiences, and new possibilities for creators.
Whether TECNO gets there first with its Phantom Ultimate G Fold, or Samsung nails the landing with the Galaxy Z TriFold, one thing is certain: the future of smartphones will be folded—not flat.
