Samsung Tri-Fold Phone Leaks: 25W Charging Disappointment Ahead of Launch

Samsung is poised to shake up the foldables market with its first tri-fold smartphone, but there’s already a hitch that’s grabbing headlines: 25W wired charging. As leaks roll in ahead of a likely debut at Samsung’s Unpacked event in New York this July, enthusiasts are buzzing not only about the futuristic 9.96" folding screen but also questioning the company's decision to limit charging speeds.

Is Samsung playing it too safe with its next big foldable? Here's a full breakdown of what’s been revealed so far including specs, model numbers, and launch context and why the charging speed is sparking early criticism.

A New Form Factor: Samsung’s First Tri-Fold Smartphone

The rumored device is expected to be a true engineering marvel. Drawing inspiration from the Huawei Mate XT, Samsung’s tri-fold aims to push foldable boundaries further by offering a tablet-sized experience that still fits in your pocket. The phone under the model number SM-F9680 (Chinese market variant) has surfaced in China’s 3C certification listings, offering crucial insights.

Core Display Specs:

• Main Display: 9.96-inch foldable screen for immersive media and multitasking

• Cover Display: 6.54-inch secondary screen for calls, quick tasks, and notifications

• Weight: A substantial 298g, balancing utility with portability

This tri-fold form factor is expected to redefine productivity on mobile, offering a triple-panel layout that folds into a compact slab. However, pushing hardware limits comes with trade-offs especially in power management.

Charging Letdown: Only 25W Wired Support

While Samsung typically reserves fast charging advancements for its flagships, the 25W charging limit on the tri-fold has sparked disappointment. Despite being a first-of-its-kind device, Samsung appears to have chosen thermal safety and battery longevity over peak charging speeds.

Why It’s Controversial:

• Competing foldables like Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 and Oppo Find N3 support 67W to 80W charging

• 25W feels underwhelming for a premium experimental product in 2025

• No charger in the box, continuing Samsung's eco-friendly but unpopular trend

For power users and early adopters, slower charging could become a practical drawback especially for a device that might require more juice to power its large screen.

Certification Confirms Launch Trajectory

The phone's appearance in global certifications, particularly the 3C database in China, is a clear indicator that launch is imminent. The device bears the model number SM-F9680, with the final digit expected to vary by region (e.g., SM-F968U for the U.S.).

Key Certification Takeaways:

• Launch in Chinese market is confirmed

• Global release likely, though with limited regional availability

• Model number pattern aligns with Galaxy Z Fold series, suggesting it may debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7

Although its initial rollout might be geographically limited, the tri-fold is expected to be Samsung’s headline product at the Unpacked event in early July. For official details as they emerge, you can also keep tabs on Samsung’s Newsroom for direct updates.

Design Language: Durable but Hefty

The tri-fold phone is expected to be heavier and bulkier than current foldables. At 298g, it weighs more than the Galaxy Z Fold5 and will require refined hinge engineering to keep it usable.

What We Expect:

• Multiple hinge points with reinforced durability

• Possibly Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the cover and reinforced polymer inside

• Samsung’s latest Flex Mode UI optimizations for tri-fold multitasking

Despite the heft, the phone will likely feature flagship-tier materials and a book-like folding mechanism that allows three panels to unfold into one.

How It Compares to Galaxy Z Fold7 and Huawei Mate XT

Samsung’s tri-fold is expected to be a premium offering above the Galaxy Z Fold7, serving as a technological showcase. Compared to the Huawei Mate XT, Samsung’s iteration appears to offer more software maturity but lacks competitiveness in battery charging.

While Samsung leads in software integration and UI refinement, the charging disappointment could give rivals like Huawei an edge in niche appeal.

Limited Availability: Not for Everyone

Sources suggest the device’s release will be highly localized, with priority given to markets like China and South Korea, and possibly a limited U.S. or European launch. The tri-fold may serve more as a concept-to-commercial device than a global mass-market rollout. This aligns with Samsung's past strategy of testing bleeding-edge designs in select regions before wider adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the Samsung tri-fold phone launch? 

A: It’s expected to debut at the Unpacked event in New York in early July 2025.

Q2: What is the model number of Samsung's tri-fold phone? 

A: The Chinese version is listed as SM-F9680, with SM-F968x variants globally.

Q3: What are the screen sizes of the Samsung tri-fold? 

A: The device will feature a 9.96-inch foldable display and a 6.54-inch cover display.

Q4: How fast does the Samsung tri-fold phone charge? 

A: Leaks confirm 25W wired charging, with no charger included in the box.

Q5: Will the tri-fold phone be available worldwide? 

A: The release will likely be geographically limited, focusing on China and select markets.

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• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 to Launch with One UI 8 

Conclusion: Charging Disappointment Can’t Overshadow Innovation

• Samsung's tri-fold phone pushes design boundaries but stumbles on charging technology.

• The confirmed 25W wired charging feels outdated for a device of this caliber.

• Despite its flaws, it could still reshape the foldable market if priced and positioned well.