Smartphone rival surpasses Samsung's latest launch, hinting at potential cost advantage
In a surprising move, Tecno has leaked details of their latest concept phone, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold, just days before Samsung's anticipated reveal of the Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and potentially the Galaxy G Fold. This tri-fold smartphone boasts a unique dual-inward folding design, setting it apart from competitors like Huawei's Mate XT and Samsung's existing foldables.
The Phantom Ultimate G Fold's innovative design features two hinges, allowing the flexible inner display to fold twice inwards. This design ensures that the screens are fully protected when the device is closed, eliminating the risk of exposed displays and accidental scratches that are common with outward-folding models such as the Huawei Mate XT.
In addition to its screen protection, Tecno claims the Phantom Ultimate G Fold will be the thinnest tri-fold phone on the market, achieving a slim profile comparable to traditional book-style single-hinge foldables. This is particularly noteworthy given the complexity of tri-fold designs. When unfolded, the device offers a fully flat, uninterrupted large display, ideal for immersive media, multitasking, or productivity.
The Phantom Ultimate G Fold also includes a secondary outer display for quick tasks without unfolding, a feature similar to Samsung's existing foldables. However, it stands out with its "multi-angle hovering" feature, allowing the phone to stay propped up like a mini laptop for hands-free use such as watching videos or reading.
In comparison to other foldables, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold offers a tri-fold design with dual inward folds, providing full screen protection. This design is markedly different from the outward-folding Huawei Mate XT, which leaves part of the screen exposed. Samsung’s Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are more refined and commercially available foldables with mainstream acceptance. Tecno's G Fold, however, is an experimental concept aimed at pushing foldable innovation further.
As Samsung prepares for their Unpacked event on 9th July, where the Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and potential Galaxy G Fold are expected to be revealed, Tecno's Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept positions itself as a futuristic contender. However, it remains to be seen if and when the concept will reach commercial availability and how it performs in real-world usage.
Tecno, known for being a disruptor in the concept device market, has not officially announced whether the Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept will be launched commercially. The official announcement for the device is expected in mid-July. The exact specifications and features of the phone are yet to be officially announced.
The timing of Tecno's tease and leak of the Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept appears to be disruptive, potentially aiming to steal some of Samsung's limelight ahead of their Unpacked event. Samsung Galaxy Unpacked will likely bring updates on the latest Galaxy hardware, including the anticipated Galaxy G Fold, though its availability remains questionable given Tecno's concept reveal.
[1] UniverseIce, a familiar leaker, has shared images of the new Tecno phone, offering a glimpse into its design. [2] The exact release date of the Samsung Galaxy G Fold is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be available to buy within the next couple of months if revealed at Samsung Unpacked. [3] The hinges of the Tecno Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept are different sizes to accommodate the central panel. [4] Tecno first unveiled a tri-fold phone concept in August 2024.
- Tecno's Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept, set to compete with upcoming smartphones like Samsung's Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, boasts a unique tri-fold design and a thin profile, appealing to those seeking a futuristic, immersive media, and multitasking experience, combining elements of technology such as gadgets and smartphones.
- The innovative design of the Phantom Ultimate G Fold not only offers full screen protection with dual inward folds, setting it apart from outward-folding models like the Huawei Mate XT, but also features a "multi-angle hovering" function that allows it to function like a mini laptop for hands-free use, further expanding its utility within the realm of technology.
