Is a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 on the Horizon? First Tri-fold Phone to Enter Mass Production in Q2, with Projected Output of 200,000 Units

Is a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 on the Horizon? First Tri-fold Phone to Enter Mass Production in Q2, with Projected Output of 200,000 UnitsThe launch of Huawei's Mate X2 last September marked the official entry of tri-fold screen phones into mass production. Huawei, with its bold innovation, seized the first-mover advantage, becoming the first manufacturer to launch such a device

Is a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 on the Horizon? First Tri-fold Phone to Enter Mass Production in Q2, with Projected Output of 200,000 Units

The launch of Huawei's Mate X2 last September marked the official entry of tri-fold screen phones into mass production. Huawei, with its bold innovation, seized the first-mover advantage, becoming the first manufacturer to launch such a device. However, since the Mate X2's release, the market has remained a "single-player game," with few competitors entering the fray. This is about to change. According to South Korean media outlet TheElec, Samsung Electronics plans to begin mass production of its first tri-fold phone in the second quarter of this year, with an estimated annual output of around 200,000 units. Similar to the Huawei Mate X2, Samsung's first tri-fold phone is more of a demonstration of technological prowess and a foray into the high-end market, rather than a mass-market consumer electronic product.

The report indicates that Samsung's tri-fold phone will employ a different folding mechanism than the Huawei Mate X2's "Z-shaped" design. Instead, Samsung opts for a more conservative "G-shaped" folding solution. In this design, the screen is completely enclosed within the body when folded, effectively protecting it from external damage and enhancing durability. However, this design is not without its limitations.

Because the screen is fully enclosed when folded, Samsung's "G-shaped" tri-fold phone requires an additional external screen for everyday use. This stands in stark contrast to the Huawei Mate X2's "dual-screen" design. The Mate X2's "Z-shaped" fold allows users to utilize the phone in various folded states, offering a good user experience whether fully unfolded or in different folded configurations. Samsung's "G-shaped" solution, with its extra external screen, undoubtedly reduces the overall fun and convenience of using the phone, lacking the flexible operation of the Mate X2's "foldable in any way" approach.

Beyond the user experience, Samsung's tri-fold phone may also differ from the Huawei Mate X2 in terms of thickness. It's speculated that the "G-shaped" folding mechanism's structural design will inevitably increase the overall thickness of the phone, preventing it from achieving the slim profile of the Mate X2. For users prioritizing portability, this is a factor to consider.

Samsung previously showcased prototypes of its tri-fold phone at several exhibitions. These prototypes, using the same "G-shaped" folding design as the upcoming mass-produced version, featured a 12.5-inch unfolded screen larger than the Mate X2. This highlights Samsung's considerable expertise in screen technology. However, the larger screen size translates to higher power consumption and increased weight, posing challenges to battery life and portability.

Samsung's choice to mass-produce its first tri-fold phone in Q2 might be related to its market strategy. An annual production of 200,000 units, compared to Samsung's massive overall phone sales, is a relatively small number. This suggests Samsung primarily aims to test the market waters, explore the potential of tri-fold phones, gather user feedback, and gain valuable experience for future, more mature tri-fold phone development.

Based on current information, Samsung's first tri-fold phone differs significantly from its main competitor, the Huawei Mate X2. The Mate X2, with its bold and innovative "Z-shaped" folding mechanism and dual-screen user experience, secured a first-mover advantage. Samsung, however, has taken a more conservative route, opting for a "G-shaped" design that prioritizes screen protection and product stability. The two different design approaches reflect the varying technological paths and market positioning of the manufacturers.

The mass production of Samsung's tri-fold phone marks the official commencement of competition in the tri-fold phone market. While the annual production of 200,000 units isn't high, it signals that more manufacturers will enter this emerging market. In the future, with technological advancements and cost reductions, tri-fold phones may gradually reach the mass market, becoming a significant segment of the smartphone industry. Consumers will then enjoy more choices and a wider variety of foldable phone designs. However, currently, Samsung's G-shaped tri-fold design lags behind Huawei's Z-shaped design in portability and ease of use. The market's ultimate choice remains to be seen. This will be a fascinating technological and market battle to watch over the coming years. Samsung's entry will undoubtedly accelerate the maturation of the tri-fold phone market.