Samsung may very well be set to increase its folding telephones lineup this yr with an all-new mannequin that has two hinges as a substitute of 1 – and it may provide a tablet-sized show.

At the moment, Samsung gives two choices for individuals wanting to choose up a folding telephone. Its clamshell Z Flip fashions seem like common smartphones when open, however you’ll be able to fold them in half to retailer them in a extra compact area, whereas its Z Fold units open up like a guide, and are just a little bulkier however gives customers a bigger display than a typical telephone.

This rumored tri-fold telephone would successfully be an enlargement of the prevailing Z Fold line – including an additional folding panel in order that we will carry round a good bigger display in our pockets.

Again in December 2021, Samsung patents emerged detailing a tri-fold telephone, and at MWC 2023 Samsung Show (the screen-focused arm of Samsung) demoed a tri-folding Flex G show. Now tipster Yogesh Brar (opens in new tab) has claimed that Samsung may very well be placing this tech into motion in its personal units this yr (by way of Android Authority (opens in new tab)).

Leaks like this could all the time be taken with a pinch of salt, however based mostly on the proof it does appear possible that Samsung will launch a tri-folding telephone someday sooner or later, if not in 2023.

Is tri-fold a fold too far? 

A tri-folding telephone would have its fair proportion of benefits and drawbacks.

In comparison with Samsung’s present Flip and Fold telephones, a tri-fold handset ought to be capable to provide a display measurement that’s on par with some tablets. What’s extra, when the system is in its closed type a tri-fold system may nonetheless provide customers an outer display that is the dimensions of a typical telephone show, relying on the way it closes up; different foldables sometimes provide very small shows, with restricted performance, when folded, however a tri-fold may have one in every of its three panels uncovered.

That stated, including an additional panel would imply the system is bulkier than the two-paneled Z Fold, which could hurt its attraction as a ‘compact’ choice. What’s extra, folding shows are sometimes capable of stand up to much less put on and tear in comparison with typical smartphone screens due to the fabric they’re constructed from – so whereas having a display consistently uncovered could make the system extra helpful, it may additionally make it extra susceptible to break.

On that be aware, whereas Samsung has put in lots of effort to cut back the weak point attributable to folds in telephones, they’re nonetheless not excellent. Including an additional fold would additionally add a further supply of potential issues which may make its tri-fold telephone extra trouble than its value.

But when and when such a product does come out (from Samsung or one in every of its opponents) it may nicely be part of our ranks of the finest foldable telephones, so you should definitely verify again right here for our ideas.