TECNO Is Trying to Steal Samsung’s Thunder by Showing a Tri-Fold Concept

TECNO showcased a tri-fold concept smartphone called the Phantom Ultimate 2 earlier in March at the MWC 2025 event. The company has now teased a new, similar product, reportedly called the TECNO Phantom Ultimate G Fold concept. TECNO has teased its new concept device right before Samsung’s big Unpacked event, where it could showcase its first tri-fold smartphone, which the rumor mill calls the Galaxy G Fold.

While TECNO hasn’t yet posted any official photos, the gadget tipster PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) has shared a few hands-on images of the tri-fold concept offering. As seen in the pictures, the new TECNO tri-folding handset will differ from the Phantom Ultimate 2 model when it comes to design.

TECNO’s new tri-fold concept smartphone has an inward folding mechanism

TECNO MWC 2025 event’s Phantom Ultimate 2 concept model has one display panel that folds inward and the other that folds outward. However, the upcoming TECNO tri-fold concept offering will have both display panels folding inwards. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy G Fold smartphone will also feature a similar G-style folding display mechanism if we believe the reports so far.

TECNO teased the Phantom Ultimate G Fold’s “smooth, multi-angle hovering” capabilities for hands-free uses, which mirrors a notebook and provides people another way to utilize it. TECNO’s new concept offering appears to have better protection for the display as compared to the Huawei Mate XT.

Huawei’s device takes a completely different approach as one of its hinges folds inwards, while the other folds outwards. This makes the phone’s folding display prone to scratches and damage in case it suffers a fall.

A Pixel 9 series-inspired rear design and camera bar

TECNO’s Phantom Ultimate G Fold concept phone has a matte silver frame accompanied by a white back, which is similar to Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It also appears to have the Pixel 9 Pro’s horizontal camera bar. The previous tri-fold TECNO smartphone, the Phantom Ultimate 2, had a vertical rear camera island.

As of now, Huawei is the only company selling a tri-fold smartphone to consumers, that too in select markets. Samsung could finally announce a launch date for its first tri-fold handset at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7’s launch event tomorrow. As for TECNO, it plans to fully unveil its Ultimate G Fold concept in mid-July, but it is unlikely to release the phone commercially anytime soon.