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Samsung is believed to be developing a foldable device and industry insiders have referred to it as a “tri-fold” smartphone. The Korean company has remained tight lipped about it, but a wave of new rumours suggest they could have let a number of key features slip about the phone.

Indeed, a recent V test firmware shared by software developer @TechHighest on X (previously Twitter) contained three small animations apparently taken from One UI 8. These clips offer clues on some of the things the Samsung’s multi-fold device will possibly bring to market, as well as a look at its distinctive design.

What the Leaked Animations Reveal

1. Reverse Wireless Charging

The foldable handset is presented in the first animation alongside a Galaxy S25, with both devices bearing a blue circle on the back. The rear side of the foldable smartphone appears to also have two Galaxy Buds positioned on it, indicating that this one would also be going to feature bi-lateral or reverse wireless charging. This would in turn let users charge a pair of accessories like earbuds (or even another phone) by just laying them on the back of the device.

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2. Standard Wireless Charging (When Closed)

The second animation demonstrates the multi-fold on a wireless charging pad. It also appears that wireless charging will be possible — but when the device is shut. While that could curtail charging flexibility, it would also be consistent with the way that foldable gadgets usually handle power flow across several screens and hinges.

3. NFC Payments

The third animation shows the foldable device unfolded with card appearing on the screen beside a station featuring a tap-to-pay logo. This strongly suggests NFC payments are supported, allowing users to make contactless payments through the foldable device as if it were a Galaxy S-series smartphone.

A Peek at the Design

Although Samsung's animations don't provide a comprehensive look at their tri-fold device, they do confirm its tri-fold design is actually threefold or folds in multiple directions - potentially serving both smartphone and tablet needs depending on its configuration.

Samsung pioneered the foldable smartphone trend with their Galaxy Z Fold and Flip devices; multi-fold devices would represent the next stage in foldable technology's development.

Launch Timeline Still Unclear

Unfortunately, not much is still known about Samsung's multi-fold. Details regarding display specs, hinge strength, processor selection and battery size remain unknown; however TM Roh has confirmed that their device should launch before year's end.

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What It Means for the Foldable Market

Samsung has been dominating the foldable smartphone space for some time, but it’s getting increasingly crowded, with the likes of Honor, Oppo, and Huawei looking to push their own advances. A tri-fold construction might give Samsung an edge once again, offering users more than one form factor in a single device.

With reverse wireless charging, standard wireless charging, and NFC payments, Samsung’s multi-fold looks like being an impressive all in one device for productivity and general use-cases.

Final Thoughts

The leaked animations may not show the whole picture, but they offer the most detailed look yet at Samsung’s ambitious multi-fold smartphone project. The unannounced device could reshape what foldables are capable of, with reverse charging, wireless charging and NFC payments all on the menu.

If Samsung can deliver by the end of 2025, the “tri-fold” is poised to be the next major steppingstone in mobile technology.