Samsung Trifold Phone Design Leaked Ahead of Unpacked 2025 via One UI 8 Software Update
A Surprise Look at Samsung’s Next Foldable Phone Innovation
In a surprising twist, Samsung may have accidentally revealed its upcoming trifold smartphone ahead of the anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025. Visual animations discovered within the latest One UI 8 firmware build appear to showcase a foldable device with a dual-hinge trifold design, offering a rare glimpse at what could become the next major advancement in foldable technology.
Leaked by Android Authority, the animations suggest a model internally referred to as “Multifold 7”—a name speculated to change to “Galaxy G Fold” or a similar branding upon official release. The premature reveal comes just days before Samsung’s major summer launch, adding fuel to speculation that the company could unveil its first trifold smartphone alongside the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6.
Multifold 7: Samsung’s Vision for Trifold Innovation
The One UI 8 system files contain multiple reference animations depicting the trifold device, labeled as “Multifold 7”. These files show a three-screen foldable phone with two differently sized hinges and a unique folding sequence.
From the animations, here are some of the standout design elements:
- ✅ Dual-hinge trifold display with inward-folding outer panels
- 📷 Triple rear-camera setup, located on the right panel when unfolded
- 🔋 NFC chip housed in the right panel (alongside the rear camera array)
- 🤳 Front-facing camera on the cover display (middle panel), which remains usable when folded
- ⚠️ Warning animation instructs users to fold the left panel first to avoid damaging the device, due to the protruding camera bump on the right side
This structure means the phone folds inward from both sides, sandwiching the main display to prevent external exposure—contrasting sharply with Huawei’s outward-folding trifold, the Mate X Triple Ultimate Design, released in 2024.
Trifold vs. Z-Fold: How Samsung’s Design Differs
Samsung’s trifold concept takes a protective-first approach, enclosing its flexible display fully when closed. This contrasts with Huawei’s trifold, which leaves part of the screen exposed—granting fast access and improved multitasking, but sacrificing some protection.
Key Differences:
Feature | Samsung “Multifold 7” | Huawei Mate XT Ultimate |
---|---|---|
Fold Direction | Inward (protective fold) | Outward (exposed screen) |
Hinges | 2 Hinges, asymmetrical | 2 Hinges, symmetrical |
Display Use | Enclosed when folded | One panel always exposed |
Camera Setup | Rear triple camera + cover selfie cam | Dual rear/front combo |
NFC | Right panel | Not explicitly known |
Samsung’s choice to enclose all three displays ensures better durability for the inner screen—ideal for users concerned about scratches, impacts, or accidental touches during transit.
Hinge Design and Folding Order
The animations include a clear visual guide showing users how to fold the device properly—an unusual but telling inclusion. The folding order is critical due to the camera bump on the right panel, which can block a flat fold if not nested correctly.
- 🔄 First, fold the left panel inward
- 🔄 Second, fold the right panel over it
- ⚠️ Failing to follow this order may damage the flexible display
This suggests Samsung has engineered specific mechanical tolerances to ensure longevity, even if it may slightly reduce the convenience of quickly folding or unfolding the device.
What the Trifold Leak Tells Us About Samsung’s Plans
While not officially confirmed, these animations strongly suggest that Samsung’s trifold device is much further along in development than previously assumed. The inclusion of:
- Complete folding sequence animations
- Device warnings for user safety
- Camera and NFC chip placements
- Internal naming conventions
…points to a prototype nearing production-ready status. This lines up with earlier patent filings and teaser concepts shown at CES 2023 and the January 2025 Unpacked keynote, where Samsung briefly showcased a triple-folding OLED screen prototype.
Could Samsung Reveal the Trifold at Unpacked 2025?
The leaks come just ahead of Samsung’s Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, where the company is expected to launch:
- Galaxy Z Fold6
- Galaxy Z Flip6
- Galaxy Watch7
- Galaxy Buds3 Pro
But with this new leak, the possibility of a surprise reveal for the trifold “Galaxy G Fold” cannot be ruled out. Samsung may offer:
- A concept demo similar to past Unpacked events
- A sneak peek with a 2026 launch window
- Or even a limited developer prototype program
As foldable phones enter their next phase, Samsung may feel the need to compete directly with Huawei, which has already beaten it to market with a commercially available trifold model.
What Comes Next: Release Date, Specs, and More
As of now, no official specifications for Samsung’s trifold device have been confirmed. However, based on the leaked animations and previous foldable hardware:
Potential Specs and Features:
- 📱 7.5 to 8.5-inch unfolded display area
- 🔋 4500–5000mAh battery, split across folding sections
- 📷 Triple rear camera with ultrawide and telephoto
- ⚙️ Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Exynos 2500 chip
- 🎮 S Pen compatibility possible
- 🧠 AI-powered multitasking and app continuity
- 💾 Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage (likely tiered models)
Samsung will likely prioritize software optimizations in One UI 8.1 or 9.0, making multitasking across three displays seamless with drag-and-drop apps, split-screen modes, and adaptive refresh rates.
Final Thoughts: Samsung’s Trifold Could Define the Future of Foldables
The accidental discovery of Samsung’s trifold phone design through a One UI software update is an exciting signpost in the evolution of foldable smartphones. Whether this new form factor is officially announced on July 9th or teased for future release, it signals that Samsung is not content with simply iterating its Z Fold and Z Flip series.
Instead, the company appears poised to launch a new category of foldables—one that merges protection, innovation, and multi-screen productivity in a premium form.
With Huawei, Xiaomi, and other Chinese OEMs racing ahead in foldable design, Samsung’s next move could determine who truly leads the global foldable smartphone market in 2026 and beyond.