Patent shows: Samsung tri-fold phone has 3 batteries
Samsung's three-piece TriFold appears to consist of three batteries, according to a patent filing. The hope is that the total battery capacity will be more or less the same as a tablet of the same size. Whether this makes the device too thick remains to be seen.
The patent application was found by the Dutch GalaxyClub. Normally we ignore patent applications because they rarely lead to an actual product. But we have known for some time that Samsung has been working on a foldable consisting of three parts so this one does arouse our attention. It could even possibly launch as early as November.
The documents that accompanied the South Korean patent application show the device with clearly three parts connected by two hinges. The device has three batteries; T1, T3 and T2 of which the latter is also the thickest. How that translates to battery capacity the patent does not tell.
Battery capacity still unclear
Samsung is not known for applying thick batteries in its phones. 5000 mAh is the largest the manufacturer currently applies, while larger batteries are available. Samsung also does not apply Silicon-carbon batteries, which have a higher energy density than traditional Lithium-ion batteries.
It is also not obvious that Samsung will introduce this technology with the TriFold; it has been very cautious about innovative batteries since the Note 7 (and its battery problems). If we look at Samsung's other high-end foldable, the Z Fold 7, it packs a rather modest 4400 mAh.
The patent further shows the device when folded. This shows that it is still quite thick, but perhaps Samsung managed to keep the end result under 10 millimeters. That would still be acceptable to many. Meanwhile, we wait anxiously for Samsung to send out an invitation. As mentioned, there are rumors talking about a launch still in 2025 although this foldable will not be available worldwide.
