The race for foldable phone dominance just took another dramatic twist. Leaked regulatory filings in China have seemingly confirmed Samsung's worst-kept secret: its highly anticipated first tri-folding smartphone is nearing launch. But while the ambitious form factor promises unprecedented screen real estate, a key specification revealed in the documents has sparked debate: its charging speed appears significantly slower than its primary rival, Huawei's new Mate XT.
According to certifications spotted on China's compulsory CCC (China Compulsory Certificate) database and reported by multiple sources, a mysterious new Samsung device bearing the model number SM-F9400 has cleared regulatory hurdles. Crucially, this listing confirms the device supports wired charging capped at 25W (11.0Vdc / 2.25A). This discovery, initially unearthed by The Tech Outlook, aligns with earlier rumors about Samsung's tri-fold project, codenamed "Galaxy Z Fold Trio" or "Galaxy Z9 Fold".
"The appearance on the 3C database is usually one of the final steps before a product launch in China," notes an industry analyst familiar with certification processes. "This strongly suggests Samsung is preparing to unveil its tri-fold contender, potentially as soon as late July or August." You can delve deeper into the specifics of the 3C filing and its implications in the original report here: Alleged Samsung Tri-Fold Appears on China's 3C Database.
The Charging Conundrum: 25W vs. 66W
The confirmed 25W charging speed immediately draws comparisons to Samsung's current flagship foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, which also utilize 25W wired charging. However, this specification places the upcoming tri-fold phone at a distinct disadvantage against Huawei's recently launched Mate XT. Huawei's flagship outward-folding device boasts blisteringly fast 66W SuperCharge technology.
This substantial difference translates directly to user experience. A 66W charger can replenish a large battery from 0% to near-full capacity in roughly 30-40 minutes. A 25W charger, while still reasonably fast, typically requires 60-80 minutes or more to achieve the same result – a notable wait, especially for a power-hungry device featuring potentially three display panels. Industry watchers at IT Home have highlighted this gap as a potential concern for power users: Samsung Tri-fold Model SM-F9400 Certified with 25W Charging.
Why Charging Speed Matters More on Foldables
Foldable phones, especially large tri-folds, inherently demand larger batteries to power their expansive screens and complex mechanics. While Samsung's tri-fold battery capacity remains unconfirmed in the leak, it's expected to be substantial. A slower charging speed becomes more noticeable and potentially frustrating on such devices, particularly for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout a busy day and need quick top-ups. Huawei's aggressive push with 66W charging (and rumors of even faster speeds on future models) clearly sets a benchmark Samsung's tri-fold isn't meeting at launch, at least according to this certification.
The Tri-Fold Frontier
Despite the charging speed revelation, the emergence of the SM-F9400 in the CCC database is undeniably exciting. Samsung's entry into the tri-fold market represents the next evolution in flexible display technology. Prototypes suggest a design that unfolds from a standard smartphone size to a small tablet, and then further into a much larger tablet or even a laptop-like form factor, offering unparalleled versatility.
Availability & Competition
The 3C certification points to an imminent launch in China, with a global release likely to follow. Samsung will face stiff competition not only from Huawei's charging-savvy Mate XT but also from other players exploring multi-fold designs, like Xiaomi and potentially Motorola. Whether consumers prioritize groundbreaking form factor over cutting-edge charging speeds remains to be seen.
One Thing's Clear...
Samsung's first tri-fold smartphone is real, and it's coming soon. While its ambition to redefine screen real estate is undeniable, the leak confirms it will enter the arena with a charging spec that feels conservative in 2024, particularly when measured against Huawei's latest offering. The battle for foldable supremacy just added another complex fold.
*Looking for current top-tier foldables? Check out the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 on Amazon.*
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