Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold may bring wireless charging and NFC payment

Samsung is reportedly working on a foldable device that industry watchers have dubbed a “tri-fold” smartphone. While the company has yet to make any official announcements, fresh leaks suggest a glimpse into the handset’s potential features and design.

Hints about the device surfaced after software developer @TechHighest shared a V test firmware build on X (formerly Twitter).

The firmware, seemingly based on One UI 8, included three short animations that appear to showcase the functions of Samsung’s upcoming multi-fold device.

Reverse wireless charging

One of the leaked animation clips shows the foldable device placed alongside what appears to be the Galaxy S25, both marked with a glowing blue circle on their rear panels.

The animation also depicts a pair of Galaxy Buds resting on the foldable’s back, strongly pointing towards reverse wireless charging support. This means users could recharge accessories like earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone simply by placing them on the device.

Wireless charging support

The second clip indicates that the device will support standard wireless charging, but only when it is fully folded and not in an open position.

While this might limit the flexibility of charging compared to flat-bodied phones, it aligns with how most foldable devices handle power flow across multiple displays and hinges.

NFC payments

The third animation hints at NFC-based contactless payments. It shows the tri-fold unfolded, with a digital card on screen beside a payment terminal displaying a tap-to-pay logo.

If accurate, this would allow the foldable to function much like Samsung’s Galaxy S series when it comes to making mobile payments.

Design and concept

Although the leaked animations don’t reveal the device in full, they confirm a multi-fold design capable of folding in more than one direction. This suggests Samsung’s tri-fold could serve dual purposes, acting as both a compact smartphone and a tablet-like display depending on its configuration.

Samsung has been at the forefront of the foldable smartphone market with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip line-ups. The introduction of a tri-fold model would represent the next phase of the company’s innovation in foldable technology.

Launch timeline

As of now, most specifications remain under wraps. Details regarding the display quality, hinge durability, processor, and battery are yet to surface.

However, President of Samsung's Mobile Division TM Roh has previously indicated that the new foldable device is likely to debut before the end of this year.