Samsung may have inadvertently given us a first look at its upcoming “multifunctional” device in the latest One UI 8 update. Some animations spotted by Android Authority show what Samsung’s triple flagship might look like, including the dual-hinge folding mechanism, display placement, camera setup, and NFC location.
The device is likely to be called the “Galaxy G Fold,” although Android Authority notes that One UI 8 animation files refer to it as the “Multifold 7.” Samsung first teased the new foldable device at its Unpacked event in January, along with a basic illustration of what looks like a three-screen phone that matches the design in the leaked animation.
The leaked design shows a three-panel device with a large triple camera on the back, located on the right panel when fully deployed. The animations indicate that the NFC chip will be placed on this panel. The center panel appears to be a cover display with a front camera that can be used when the device is folded. When fully deployed, the front camera is on the right side, on the same panel as the rear triple camera on the back.
One of the animations in particular shows how the device will fold, demonstrating two different sized hinges, with the left display folding inward, indicating that the right display is designed to be placed on top of it. Another animation warns users not to fold the right panel first, as the camera module will not allow the display to fold flat and the left display will not be able to fold completely without potentially damaging the device.
This is different from the Z-shaped folding mechanism used in the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design, which was introduced last September as the first commercially available triple phone. The Mate XT folds in such a way that one, two, or all three display panels can be used at the same time, making it more versatile than Samsung’s obvious design, although it leaves part of the panel permanently open and therefore more vulnerable.
However, this may not be the final design of Samsung’s upcoming foldable smartphone, and there is very little information about it, so take these leaks with a grain of salt. We might get some official details next week if Samsung unveils the device at its next Unpacked event on July 9, when the company is also expected to show the latest generation of its Z Fold and Z Flip devices.
