The smartphone industry is in a constant state of evolution, with foldable devices emerging as one of the most exciting innovations in recent years. These devices combine the portability of a smartphone with the versatility of a tablet, offering users new ways to interact with technology. On July 17, 2025, TECNO, a brand known for its innovative designs, unveiled the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept, a tri-fold smartphone that claims to be the world’s thinnest in its category. With a unique dual inward-folding design, a massive 9.94-inch display, and a focus on durability, this concept device is generating significant buzz in the tech world.
Background and Context
TECNO has been making waves in the smartphone market with its bold designs and affordable yet feature-rich devices. The PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept is the latest in a series of innovative prototypes, following the Phantom Ultimate 2 showcased at MWC 2025. Unlike its predecessor, which left part of the display exposed, the G Fold Concept introduces a dual inward-folding mechanism, addressing key concerns about screen durability in foldable devices.
The unveiling of the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept took place across multiple locations, including Abuja, Nigeria, Manila, Philippines, and Bogota, Colombia, signaling TECNO’s global ambitions. As reported by sources like PR Newswire and GSMArena, this concept device is not yet available for purchase but is set to be showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, where TECNO may reveal further details or plans for commercialization.
Design and Innovation
Dual Inward-Folding Tri-Fold Design
The defining feature of the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept is its “G-Style” dual inward-folding tri-fold design. Unlike conventional tri-fold devices, such as Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, which fold in a Z-pattern and leave part of the display exposed, the TECNO concept folds inward twice to fully protect the main 9.94-inch display. This design minimizes the risk of scratches and impacts, addressing one of the biggest challenges in foldable technology.
The folding mechanism is supported by a sophisticated dual-hinge system:
- A smaller “waterdrop” hinge on the right side folds the first section inward.
- A larger primary hinge on the left side closes over the folded section, ensuring a gapless and secure closure.
This setup not only enhances durability but also allows for multi-angle hovering, enabling the device to be positioned at various angles for hands-free use, such as for photography, video calls, or presentations. According to Android Central, this feature makes the device versatile, functioning like a mini tripod.
Materials and Durability
To achieve its slim profile and robust construction, TECNO has employed advanced materials:
- Hinges: Made from ultra-high-strength steel with a tensile strength of 2,000MPa, ensuring durability and reliability.
- Back Cover: Utilizes Titan Fiber, a lightweight yet strong material only 0.3mm thick, contributing to the device’s slimness without compromising structural integrity.
These materials, as noted by Designboom, allow the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept to maintain a premium look and feel while addressing the durability concerns often associated with foldable devices.
Cover Display
For everyday tasks, the device includes a secondary cover display that functions like a traditional smartphone screen. This allows users to check notifications, make calls, or perform quick tasks without unfolding the entire device, enhancing usability and convenience.
Specifications and Features
The PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept boasts a range of impressive specifications, though some details remain undisclosed as of July 31, 2025. Below is a summary of the known features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Display | 9.94-inch, minimal creasing, tablet-like experience when unfolded |
| Dimensions | 11.49mm (folded), 3.49mm (unfolded) – potentially the thinnest tri-fold |
| Battery | Over 5,000mAh, promising extended usage |
| Processor | High-performance chip (brand not specified) |
| Camera | Triple camera setup integrated into the larger hinge (details TBD) |
| Additional Features | Secondary cover display, multi-angle hovering |
Display
The 9.94-inch main display is a standout feature, offering a tablet-like experience when fully unfolded. Sources like Gizmochina and GSMArena highlight its minimal creasing, which ensures a smooth and immersive visual experience for activities like gaming, video streaming, or productivity tasks.
Dimensions
The device measures 11.49mm when folded, comparable to book-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and an ultra-slim 3.49mm when unfolded, setting a new benchmark for tri-fold smartphones. This thinness, as reported by Hindustan Times, makes it a leader in the foldable category.
Battery and Performance
The PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept is expected to feature a battery exceeding 5,000mAh, which should provide ample power for its large display and high-performance chip. While the chipset brand is not specified, it’s described as high-performance, suggesting it can handle demanding tasks like multitasking and gaming.
Camera
A triple camera setup is integrated into the larger hinge, a unique design choice that maximizes space efficiency. However, specific details about the camera sensors and capabilities are yet to be revealed, as noted by Fonearena.
Additional Features
The secondary cover display and multi-angle hovering add to the device’s versatility. The cover display allows for quick interactions without unfolding, while the hovering feature enables creative uses, such as positioning the device for hands-free video recording or presentations.
Comparison with Competitors
The foldable smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players like Huawei and Samsung exploring tri-fold designs. Here’s how the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept stacks up:
| Device | TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept | Huawei Mate XT Ultimate | Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding Mechanism | Dual inward-folding tri-fold | Z-pattern tri-fold | Inward-folding tri-fold (speculated) |
| Folded Thickness | 11.49mm | 12.8mm | Not disclosed |
| Unfolded Thickness | 3.49mm | 3.6-4.8mm | Not disclosed |
| Display Protection | Fully protected (inward-folding) | Partially exposed | Likely protected (inward-folding) |
| Availability | Concept, MWC 2026 showcase | Commercial (outside US) | Rumored, no confirmed release |
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate
Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, the first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, folds in a Z-pattern, leaving a third of its display exposed. While it offers a large screen, its 12.8mm folded thickness is thicker than TECNO’s 11.49mm. The inward-folding design of the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept provides better display protection, making it a more durable option.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold (Rumored)
Samsung is reportedly developing a tri-fold device, potentially named the Galaxy Z TriFold, with an inward-folding mechanism similar to TECNO’s. However, as of July 31, 2025, Samsung has not officially unveiled its tri-fold, giving TECNO a head start in showcasing its concept. According to NotebookCheck.net, the naming similarity (both using “G Fold”) could lead to interesting market dynamics.
TECNO’s Edge
TECNO’s focus on thinness and display protection positions it as a strong contender in the tri-fold market. By unveiling its concept before Samsung and offering a thinner profile than Huawei, TECNO is setting new standards for foldable design.
Availability and Future Prospects
As of July 31, 2025, the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept remains a prototype, not available for purchase. TECNO has confirmed it will be showcased at MWC 2026, a major tech event where the company may share additional details, such as the chipset brand, camera specifications, or potential commercialization plans. This aligns with TECNO’s strategy of using concept devices to test market interest and refine designs, as seen with the Phantom Ultimate 2 in 2024.
While there’s no guarantee the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold will become a commercial product, its unveiling has sparked excitement and speculation. If TECNO can successfully bring this concept to market, it could challenge established players and capture a significant share of the foldable market.
Impact on the Foldable Market
The PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept has the potential to influence the foldable smartphone market in several ways:
- Setting New Standards: By prioritizing thinness and display protection, TECNO is addressing key consumer concerns, potentially pushing competitors to innovate further.
- Versatility and Usability: The large 9.94-inch display and multi-angle hovering make it a versatile device for both productivity and entertainment, appealing to users seeking a hybrid smartphone-tablet experience.
- Competitive Pressure: TECNO’s entry into the tri-fold market challenges industry leaders like Huawei and Samsung, encouraging faster advancements in foldable technology.
If commercialized, this device could redefine consumer expectations for foldable smartphones, emphasizing durability, slimness, and functionality. Even as a concept, it serves as a bold statement of TECNO’s ambitions in the global smartphone market.
The TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept is a groundbreaking addition to the foldable smartphone landscape. With its dual inward-folding tri-fold design, ultra-slim profile, and impressive 9.94-inch display, it addresses key challenges in foldable technology while offering a glimpse into the future of mobile devices. Although it remains a concept as of July 31, 2025, its planned showcase at MWC 2026 will be a key moment for tech enthusiasts and industry observers.
By challenging competitors like Huawei and Samsung, TECNO is positioning itself as a leader in foldable innovation. Whether or not the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold becomes a commercial product, its introduction highlights the exciting possibilities of foldable smartphones, paving the way for more versatile and durable devices in the years to come.
