TECNO is making waves in the smartphone industry with the unveiling of its latest concept device, the TECNO Phantom Ultimate G Fold. This announcement comes as a strategic move just ahead of Samsung’s highly anticipated Unpacked event, where the tech giant is expected to reveal its own tri-fold smartphone, rumored to be called the Galaxy G Fold.
The Phantom Ultimate G Fold concept was first teased by TECNO earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, where the company showcased its innovative Phantom Ultimate 2. The new concept device promises to build on this foundation with a unique design and enhanced features. Although TECNO has not released official images, renowned gadget tipster PhoneArt, known by the handle @UniverseIce, has shared exclusive hands-on photos, providing a glimpse into the device’s intriguing design.
Design Innovations and Features
The TECNO Phantom Ultimate G Fold distinguishes itself with an inward folding mechanism for both of its display panels, a departure from the Phantom Ultimate 2’s combination of inward and outward folding screens. This design choice aligns with the rumored specifications of Samsung’s Galaxy G Fold, which is also expected to feature a G-style folding display.
One of the standout features of TECNO’s new concept is its “smooth, multi-angle hovering” capability, which allows users to utilize the device hands-free, akin to a notebook. This feature not only enhances user experience but also offers improved protection for the display compared to competitors like the Huawei Mate XT, which has a more vulnerable outward folding hinge.
Comparisons and Market Context
Currently, Huawei is the only company offering a tri-fold smartphone to consumers, albeit in limited markets. Huawei’s approach, with one hinge folding inward and the other outward, makes its device susceptible to scratches and damage. In contrast, TECNO’s inward folding design aims to mitigate these issues, potentially setting a new standard for durability in the tri-fold smartphone segment.
The Phantom Ultimate G Fold also draws inspiration from Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold in its aesthetic, featuring a matte silver frame and a white back, complemented by a horizontal camera bar reminiscent of the Pixel 9 Pro’s design. This marks a shift from the vertical rear camera island seen in the Phantom Ultimate 2.
Industry Implications and Future Prospects
The timing of TECNO’s announcement is significant, as it seeks to capture attention just before Samsung’s major product reveal. With Samsung poised to potentially announce a launch date for its first tri-fold handset at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 event, TECNO’s strategic tease could influence consumer expectations and market dynamics.
While TECNO plans to fully unveil the Phantom Ultimate G Fold in mid-July, industry insiders suggest that a commercial release may not be imminent. This cautious approach could allow TECNO to refine its technology further and gauge market interest before committing to a full-scale launch.
As the race for innovation in the smartphone industry intensifies, TECNO’s bold move to challenge established players like Samsung and Huawei underscores the competitive spirit driving technological advancement. The coming months will reveal whether TECNO’s concept can translate into a market-ready product that meets consumer demands and reshapes the tri-fold smartphone landscape.
