# Samsung’s Tri-Fold Aspirations Dim as Huawei Surges Ahead with Cutting-Edge Design
Samsung has historically been a pioneer in the smartphone realm, especially in the arena of foldable devices. Nevertheless, recent events indicate that the South Korean tech leader might be adjusting its course following Huawei’s early introduction of a tri-fold smartphone. Reports suggest that Samsung is now redirecting its attention towards a rollable smartphone, potentially ushering in a new era of innovation in mobile technology.
## What Occurred?
Samsung had been developing a tri-fold phone idea for quite some time, having filed patents in both South Korea and the United States. The vision was to craft a gadget that could fold into three segments, providing a larger screen when completely unfolded. However, despite the patents and initial hype, the tri-fold concept failed to evolve into a commercial product.
Meanwhile, Huawei capitalized on the opportunity by unveiling its **Mate XT**, a tri-fold smartphone that has attracted considerable attention. The design of the Mate XT permits the device to fold into three sections, delivering an expansive display when fully opened. This development has purportedly prompted Samsung to rethink its strategy, inspiring the company to investigate alternative innovative formats.
## Samsung’s New Trajectory: Rollable Devices
As reported by *TheElec*, Samsung is now turning its attention toward a rollable smartphone, anticipated to be revealed in the latter half of 2025. The rollable device, speculated to feature a 12.4-inch display when fully extended, could represent Samsung’s next significant venture into the foldable and flexible display sector.
The tech giant has already provided a preview of what this rollable innovation may entail. During CES 2024, Samsung showcased a prototype named the **”Rollable Flex”**, which can expand to a screen five times larger than its default configuration. This prototype illustrated the potential for a device that could unfurl to present a larger display and retract to a more compact form when not in use.
Although the idea is thrilling, concerns arise regarding the device’s durability. Rollable smartphones inherently consist of multiple moving parts, potentially leading to challenges in longevity and reliability. However, if Samsung can navigate these obstacles, the rollable phone could revolutionize the smartphone landscape.
## Reasons for the Shift
Samsung’s choice to move away from the tri-fold idea in favor of a rollable phone is likely driven by multiple factors:
1. **Huawei’s Tri-Fold Achievement**: The introduction of the Mate XT by Huawei has upped the ante for Samsung to pursue new pathways of innovation. Instead of trailing behind with a tri-fold design, Samsung seems to be gambling on a rollable form to set itself apart in the market.
2. **Disappointing Foldable Sales**: Samsung’s existing foldable range, which includes the **Galaxy Z Flip 6** and **Galaxy Z Fold 6**, has reportedly not met sales forecasts. While praised for their design and utility, these devices haven’t captured the consumer market as robustly as anticipated. A fresh, more innovative offering could assist Samsung in regaining its momentum.
3. **Consumer Demand for Novelty**: The smartphone landscape is fiercely competitive, with consumers continuously looking for new and compelling features. Samsung likely views the rollable phone as an opportunity to deliver something original, potentially drawing in a new demographic of customers.
## Anticipating Samsung’s Rollable Phone
While specifics remain vague, early buzz indicates that Samsung’s rollable phone could sport a 12.4-inch display when fully extended. This would render it one of the largest smartphone displays available, providing users with a tablet-like experience within a device that can conveniently fit in a pocket when rolled up.
Moreover, reports suggest that the phone might feature an under-display selfie camera, enhancing the device’s sleek, modern aesthetics. However, additional specifications such as battery longevity, processing capabilities, and camera performance are still unconfirmed at this point.
## The Rollable Phone Concept: Not Entirely Unprecedented
It’s important to acknowledge that Samsung is not the pioneer in exploring the rollable phone concept. LG had been in pursuit of a similar idea before exiting the smartphone arena. The **LG Rollable** was demonstrated in a hands-on video, yet the project ultimately fell through before it reached consumers. Now, Samsung appears ready to continue where LG stopped, potentially bringing forth the first widely available rollable phone.
## The Horizon of Smartphone Innovation
As the smartphone industry evolves, brands like Samsung and Huawei are increasingly searching for distinctive avenues to differentiate themselves. Foldable smartphones have represented one path for progress, but with Huawei’s tri-fold launch and Samsung’s potential rollable offering, the contest for the next breakthrough remains vibrant and far from concluded.
Samsung’s shift towards a rollable
