Samsung's highly anticipated entry into the tri-fold smartphone market is taking shape, but early certification documents reveal some concerning compromises that could impact its competitiveness against existing rivals like Huawei's Mate XT.
Certification Reveals Limited Charging Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy G Fold has recently appeared in China's 3C certification database under the model number SM-F9680, with the trailing zero indicating its intended release for the Chinese market. The certification documents reveal that Samsung's first tri-fold device will support only 25W wired charging, a specification that falls significantly behind competitors in the foldable space. This charging speed matches some of Samsung's older devices but represents a step backward compared to what users might expect from a premium tri-fold smartphone.
Galaxy G Fold Specifications
- Model Number: SM-F9680 (China variant)
- Display Size: 9.96 inches (unfolded)
- Expected Price: USD 3,000 - USD 3,500
- Launch Window: Q3 2025
- Battery Configuration: Triple-battery setup
Comparison with Huawei's Tri-Fold Pioneer
The charging limitation becomes more apparent when compared to Huawei's Mate XT, which currently dominates the tri-fold market with 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging capabilities. While Samsung has historically been conservative with charging speeds to prioritize battery safety and longevity, this approach may put the Galaxy G Fold at a disadvantage in a market where fast charging has become a key selling point. The company's cautious stance likely stems from past battery incidents, but it raises questions about whether Samsung can justify premium pricing while offering slower charging speeds.
Charging Speed Comparison
- Samsung Galaxy G Fold: 25W wired charging
- Huawei Mate XT: 66W wired, 50W wireless charging
- Samsung Galaxy A series: 45W charging
- OnePlus (USB-C): ~17W maximum
Technical Considerations and Market Positioning
The reduced charging speed may be attributed to the Galaxy G Fold's complex triple-battery configuration and the engineering challenges of maintaining a thin profile across three folding sections. Samsung's decision to limit charging speeds could be a deliberate safety measure, considering the tight internal space constraints and heat management requirements of a tri-fold design. However, this conservative approach contrasts with the company's Galaxy A series, which supports 45W charging, creating an unusual situation where mid-range devices outperform flagship products in this specific metric.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Expectations
Industry sources suggest the Galaxy G Fold will launch during Q3 2025, potentially separate from Samsung's traditional Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip announcement cycle in July. The device is expected to carry a premium price tag between USD 3,000 and USD 3,500, reflecting both its innovative tri-fold design and first-generation status. This pricing strategy positions the Galaxy G Fold as a luxury device, but the charging limitations may complicate Samsung's value proposition in an increasingly competitive foldable market.
Display Innovation as a Potential Offset
Despite the charging concerns, the Galaxy G Fold is rumored to feature a 9.96-inch display when fully unfolded, offering a more traditional tablet-like aspect ratio compared to current book-style foldables. This display configuration addresses one of the main criticisms of existing foldable devices by providing a more natural viewing experience for multimedia content and productivity tasks. The tri-fold design eliminates the square display issue that has limited the appeal of traditional book-style foldables, potentially making it more attractive to users seeking a true tablet replacement.