Samsung’s Tri-Fold Is Coming – But Don’t Expect Fast Charging
Samsung is reportedly gearing up to unveil its first tri-fold smartphone, and while the form factor may push boundaries, the charging speed won’t. The device, expected to make an appearance alongside the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 at the July Unpacked event in New York, has surfaced on China’s 3C certification database. 
And with it comes a letdown for power users – it only supports 25W wired charging.
That’s right, in 2025, Samsung’s most futuristic phone still charges at the same speed as its budget models from a few years back. No charger in the box either, which is no longer a surprise but still feels like a missed opportunity for something this bold and new.
The tri-fold, bearing the model number SM-F9680 in China and SM-F968x globally, is rumored to sport a massive 9.96” foldable screen with a 6.54” outer display. At 298g, it’ll be hefty, but it’s also expected to offer a unique folding mechanism with two inner panels folding like an accordion, rather than the Huawei Mate X-style outward fold.
But the conversation surrounding this device isn’t just about form – it’s about function. Many users feel Samsung is stuck in the past when it comes to charging. While competitors explore 100W charging, Samsung seems hesitant to go beyond 45W – even that is barely faster than 25W in real-world tests. It’s a strange position for a company with such a deep legacy in battery innovation.
Yet, that doesn’t mean Samsung is standing still. While its mobile charging might feel outdated, Samsung SDI is pioneering silicon-carbon batteries for electric vehicles and is reportedly supplying BMW later this year. They’re also pushing toward solid-state batteries – potentially redefining the next decade of energy storage. But for smartphone users hoping for tangible improvements today, it feels like they’re being left behind.
One likely reason for Samsung’s conservatism? The ghosts of the Galaxy Note7 debacle still linger. When your battery once became a literal fire hazard, caution isn’t just expected – it’s baked into your design philosophy.
Ultimately, the tri-fold phone may be more about novelty and brand prestige than practicality. It’s a niche device aimed at showing what’s possible, even if it’s not pushing the boundaries where users most want – faster, more convenient power.