Samsung working on tri-fold phone; plans to launch by 2025-end

New York, Jul 10 (PTI) South Korean Consumer Electronics major Samsung is working on a tri-fold phone, which it plans to launch by the end of this year, said a top company executive here.

The company, which launched the latest edition of its foldables Galaxy Fold Z7 and Flip 7, is now working on tri-fold phones, said Minseok Kang, Vice President, Product Planning, Samsung Electronics.

The company is focusing on the perfection of the product and working on the commercialisation of the tri-fold device.

"In terms of tri-folding, the device is under development," he said while talking on the sidelines of an event to launch the latest series of its flagship phones.

"We are evaluating key points for the final decision to commercialise the device. I can say that our current target is to launch this device by the end of this year."  "When we launch a new device or new form factor, important considerations include completeness in the form factor itself and ensuring user satisfaction, along with readiness for mass production," Kang said.

The South Korean Chaebol has launched the first Fold device in 2019, and the latest launch is the seventh edition.

Samsung has made several improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold 7, terming it a breakthrough in engineering designed to deliver effective operability, usability, and immersive experiences.

"Samsung has consistently led the industry in form-factor innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through advanced engineering and design," he added.

Galaxy Fold 7 measures 8.9 mm when folded and 4.2 mm when unfolded. It is nearly half the thickness of the original Fold.  "Definitely, this represents a major leap in foldable design," Kang said, adding that "The weight of the Fold 7 is just 215 grams. Definitely, it is lighter than our competitors' premium devices. It's a difference you can feel every day in your pocket or in your hand".

It's even lighter than several bar-type phones, he added.

Now, Samsung faces competition from Vivo, Motorola and OnePlus, among others.

Kang believes that Fold 7 and Flip 7 are now at a significant turning point, being quite influential in moving foldables from a niche category to mainstream. They even provide features beyond what traditional bar-type smartphones offer.  However, he was quick to add that foldable and bar phones would co-exist.

"The Fold could potentially become mainstream, but the standard bar phone will continue to meet user needs. I do not believe that one will completely replace the other; both can coexist and fulfil different user requirements," he said. PTI KRH BAL BAL