While foldable phones have a lot to offer, they still don’t quite match the display size of some of the best tablets. However, tri-fold phones are one step closer, offering a larger display while still fitting in your pocket.
Despite that, there is only one such phone on the market, the Huawei Mate XT. However, Samsung has long been rumored to be working on its own version. This device, which could be called either the TriFold or the G Fold, could take everything we love about the Galaxy Z Fold range and expand upon it.
You may like
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0
Huawei Mate XT
Galaxy Tri-Fold (rumored)
Price
From $2,900
Likely around $2,800
Main Display
10.2 inches (3184 x 2232 pixels)
10 inches
Dual Display
7.9 inches (2232 x 2048 pixels)
N/A
Front Display
6.4 inches (2232 x 1008 pixels)
6.5 inches
CPU
Kirin 9010 5G (rumored)
N/A
RAM
16GB
Up to 16GB
OS
HarmonyOS 4.2
One UI 8
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
At least 256GB
Rear Cameras
50MP main camera (f/1.4), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (5.5x optical/50x digital zoom)
200MP main camera, 12MP Ultrawide, either a 10MP 3x optical zoom or 50MP 5x optical zoom
Front Camera
8MP
either 4MP or 8MP
Battery
5,600 mAh
5,600 mAh
Charging
66W wired, 50W wireless
N/A
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Price and availability
(Image credit: Huawei)
Unfortunately, innovation comes with a cost, and that seemingly goes double for trifold devices. The Huawei Mate XT cost the equivalent of $2,900 when it was released in China. Sadly, Huawei has kept the Huawei Mate XT to select markets, limiting who could buy it.
We don’t currently know precisely how much the Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold will cost, but it would make sense for the phone to cost at least $2,500.
We also don’t know where it will be available, as we have seen rumors that the phone would be a limited release in China. However, more recent rumors have hinted that Samsung hasn’t made a final decision on whether or not it will sell the device in the U.S.
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Design and Displays
(Image credit: Huawei)
There are two main factors in a trifold phone: the size of the screen and how it folds. We know that the Huawei Mate XT features a 10.2-inch main display, with a 6.4-inch front screen. It’s impressive enough, and it exceeds devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Regarding how it folds, the best way to look at it is like a giant S. The middle part of the display folds over onto the right side of the screen. Then, the left-hand side of the screen folds in the opposite direction, which turns that side of the display into the front screen.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tri-Fold is rumored to be moving in a different direction in terms of its folding mechanism. According to rumors, Samsung is planning an inward-folding device that features an independent cover screen. It appears that the phone will feature a 10-inch display, alongside a 6.4-inch outer display.
At a glance, the difference between the two devices concerns durability, as the Huawei phone will have a section of the screen facing outward. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tri-Fold won’t, meaning that it could be slightly more resistant to drops. However, both phones have the downside of relying on the hinges, which are also the weakest points.
You may like
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Foldable phones have a somewhat unfair reputation for being lacking in the camera department. However, the Huawei Mate XT has a relatively decent setup. The phone comes with a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 12MP 5.5x telephoto lens. Finally, there is also an 8MP front camera.
In comparison, we don’t really know much about the cameras that come with the Galaxy TriFold, but we can make some educated guesses. For instance, it is widely accepted that Samsung’s triple foldable phone will feature the same 200MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide cameras seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Ideally, the phone will also feature the same 10MP 3x optical zoom, or boost it to a 50MP 5x model, but that’s more up in the air currently. It’s also unclear if the phone will have the same set of 10MP cameras on the front and main display.
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Performance and Software
(Image credit: Future)
The Huawei Mate XT is believed to feature the company’s own in-house chip, the Kirin 9010 5G. While we haven’t had a chance to run any tests on the phone, we do know that the Kirin 9010 is an 8-core chipset manufactured using a 7-nanometer process.
According to Notebook checker, its Geekbench scores are relatively low in both single-core and multi-core tests. However, the phone does come with 16GB of RAM, which could help boost the power.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold will likely come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, the same seen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. If accurate, this would represent a marked increase over Huawei, as Qualcomm’s chip is a real powerhouse. We don’t know for certain what RAM the phone will have, as most reports seem to indicate between 12 and 16 GB of RAM.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of software, Huawei recently elected to move away from Android and instead utilize its own HarmonyOS. When we had a hands-on with the Huawei, we found using it to be a little alien, especially as the phone offered a lot of China-specific apps.
However, the motion between apps felt smooth, as did the app resizing when you open and close the phone. Unfortunately, the phone can only split two apps, which is a bit limited and disappointing for such a large screen.
We would expect that the Galaxy Tri-Fold will feature the Android-based OneUI OS that other Samsung models feature. That means you’ll have many of the same features seen on the best Samsung phones, including Now Brief and a stellar experience. We’d also expect to see Samsung DeX included, as well as the ability to split three apps, which is available on other Samsung devices.
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: AI
(Image credit: Google)
The Huawei Mate XT comes with several AI options, including the Celia assistant, which offers features like an AI info consultant to summarize articles and provide real-time translation. The phone also features several AI photo editing tools that enhance photos and videos.
One of the more interesting additions is an AI camera, which automatically adjusts camera settings based on the subject being photographed.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tri-Fold will more than likely offer full Gemini and Galaxy AI support. As such, we can expect features like Now Brief, AI Photo edit, AI Translate and Health AI. If the chip rumors are true, then the Tri-Fold could be a real powerhouse in this department.
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Batteries
(Image credit: Samsung Display)
Batteries are always interesting when it comes it Chinese models, as, due to different laws and standards, they often offer much larger capacity. However, the Huawei Mate XT feels relatively subdued with a 5,600 mAh cell.
While that’s certainly large for a modern phone, it seems minimal when considering it needs to power a much larger display. However, the phone does offer 66W/50W charging, which could help to make a difference.
Meanwhile, recent patents have indicated that the Galaxy Tri-Fold could feature three batteries, allowing the phone to at least match the 5,600 mAh capacity. However, the addition of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which has been shown to improve battery performance, could help the phone to last much longer than you would expect.
Samsung Tri-Fold vs Huawei Mate XT: Conclusion
(Image credit: Future)
At this point, we are still in the dark about a lot of the features and hardware that could feature as part of the Galaxy Tri-Fold. However, all rumors seem to point to a device that is at least comparable to many of the best foldables on the market. However, the biggest advantage it currently has is that it could be more widely available, something Huawei simply doesn’t offer.
Meanwhile, the Huawei Mate XT is a device that offers a lot, but there is an argument that the price simply doesn’t match. However, if you wanted something truly novel, then it certainly has its place.
While we might never get the chance to personally compare the two, it is interesting to see what this new movement in smartphone technology is offering.
Let us know if you would be interested in grabbing a tri-fold phone, or do you see it as nothing more than a gimmick.
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
