New York – Samsung’s much-anticipated tri-fold smartphone may be gearing up to make waves in the world of mobile design, but early leaks suggest it could lag behind in one key area: charging speed.
According to a recent leak, the upcoming tri-fold device will reportedly support charging speeds between 23W and 24W, a figure that pales in comparison to what’s currently available in the premium smartphone market. This is particularly surprising given the device’s expected price point—Samsung’s tri-fold is tipped to be the most expensive Galaxy device yet.
While the innovation in design is set to grab headlines, today’s users are equally focused on performance and battery efficiency, and in this regard, Samsung might fall short. Competitors like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Vivo are pushing boundaries with fast charging technologies ranging from 80W to 120W, creating a stark contrast with Samsung’s conservative approach.
Historically, Samsung has been cautious with charging speeds, even in its flagship Galaxy S series, which tops out at 45W. Therefore, the rumored 23W–24W speed—possibly rounded up and branded as 25W—could be seen as a step back, especially for tech enthusiasts who value fast-charging as an essential feature.
This new information comes via a leak from PandaFlash on X (formerly Twitter), who claims the charging performance was benchmarked internally and falls within the aforementioned range. While this isn’t an official confirmation, it does offer a credible glimpse into what Samsung may deliver with the tri-fold device.
Despite the concerns around charging, excitement remains high for the design and innovation Samsung is set to unveil. Internally codenamed “Q7M”, the device has reportedly appeared in the GSMA database under the model number SM-F968, with two regional variants: SM-F9680 for China and SM-F968N for South Korea. This indicates a limited launch strategy, with the device potentially skipping global markets—at least initially. Countries like India may have to wait longer for a wider rollout.
As for the folding mechanism, Samsung is rumored to be adopting a dual-inner fold—both sides folding inward—unlike Huawei’s zigzag-style Mate XT. This approach not only helps in protecting the internal display when closed but also aligns with existing patents suggesting S Pen support, possibly with a built-in stylus slot.
While official specs and launch timelines are still under wraps, the tri-fold’s blend of advanced engineering and design could still set a new benchmark for next-generation foldables—provided users are willing to compromise on charging speed.
As 2025 draws closer, all eyes will be on whether Samsung’s tri-fold innovation lives up to the hype and how soon it can reach markets beyond its home turf.
