TECH

Samsung unveils tri-fold smartphone that will be cheaper than its rival, the Huawei Mate XTs

The race for the first smartphone that folds into three parts and becomes a true tablet is in its final stretch, and Samsung is preparing to make an aggressive entry. Contrary to expectations that this cutting-edge technology would cost an unattainable fortune, new rumors from South Korea indicate that the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold may arrive on the market at a significantly lower price than expected, positioning itself below its only direct competitor, the Huawei Mate XTs.

With a launch scheduled for the first week of December, Samsung seems to want to prove that it can not only innovate in the format, but also make the technology (relatively) more accessible than the Chinese competition.

That said, if a Fold costs around €2000, asking around €2500 for a Trifold makes some sense. These aren't perfect values, because it will still be a niche product, but it makes a lot more sense.

The most interesting thing is that the information supposedly came from an "internal sales channel announcement," which gives it some weight. That said, remember that Samsung usually offers free storage upgrades during the launch period. In other words, even if that value corresponds to the basic version, it's possible that those who buy in the first few weeks will receive more memory for the same price.

The tri-fold should arrive with a huge 10-inch screen when fully open and with a larger battery than the current Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is Samsung's top-of-the-line foldable. The three-segment design is the big novelty, and of course, the most expensive part to develop. That's why so many analysts predicted a prohibitive price.

This translates to about US$2,447 (approximately €2,350), a value that, while high, is notably lower than the US$2,520 that Huawei asks for its Mate XTs. This price difference, in an ultra-luxury segment, is a clear strategic move to steal the attention of early adopters.

The big difference between Samsung and Huawei will not only be the price, but the construction philosophy. While Huawei uses a "Z" format (one fold inwards, another outwards), leaving part of the screen exposed, Samsung has opted for a "G" shaped design with folds inwards.

This approach is crucial for durability. By folding the flaps inwards, the sensitive OLED panel is fully protected when the device is closed, reducing the risk of scratches and accidental damage to your pocket or bag. The biggest difference between Samsung and Huawei won't just be the price, but the construction philosophy. While Huawei uses a "Z" shape (one fold inward, another outward), leaving part of the screen exposed, Samsung opted for a "G" shaped design with folds inward.

This approach is crucial for durability. By folding the flaps inward, the sensitive OLED panel is fully protected when the device is closed, reducing the risk of scratches and accidental damage to your pocket or bag.

Until now, analysts pointed to a price of around US$3,000 for Samsung's first tri-fold phone. However, Korean blogger yeux1122, known for his leaks, reveals that Samsung is considering a starting price of 3.6 million won in its domestic market.

It remains to be seen whether this new foldable "triple book"-shaped phone will even reach the United States, or even Europe. Samsung has not yet confirmed its presence in Western markets, but everything indicates that the announcement is imminent. In fact, with this rate of leaks, the only thing that hasn't yet been completely removed from the picture is the surprise.

mundophone