Infinix enters the tri-fold smartphone race

Like most innovations, a king can only remain at the top for so long. A while ago, Huawei shocked the world with the first-ever tri-fold phone, and since then, several hints have suggested that more tri-fold phones are on the horizon.

Honestly, I expected Samsung to be the one to come out guns blazing in the tri-fold sector, snatching the fame Huawei gained with the Mate XT, given its reputation for traditional foldables. Instead, Infinix beat them to it by showcasing its own concept tri-fold phone.

Enter the Infinix Zero Mini Tri-Fold—a smartphone that folds in three ways thanks to dual vertical hinges. Unlike the Huawei Mate X, which folds and unfolds horizontally in a book-style design—expanding from a standard phone to a tablet-sized screen and back—the Infinix Zero Mini uses two vertical hinges that fold into itself. Think of it like a flip phone, but with dual hinges, allowing it to fold twice for greater flexibility.

In other words, it takes a small phone and makes it even smaller, transforming it into multiple form factors, including a wearable fitness gadget and a pro-level camera setup. Infinix even added a strap accessory that lets users attach the phone to bike handlebars, dashboards, or bag straps for hands-free use.

If this concept entry comes to life, it would put Infinix in direct competition with Huawei, whose Mate XT remains the only commercially available tri-fold phone.

That said, Huawei isn’t the only rival on the horizon. Not long ago, Samsung teased its own take on the tri-fold concept, likely inspired by its Galaxy Z Fold series. While Samsung's approach leans toward a book-style fold—which keeps screens protected when closed and expands into a larger tablet-like display—Infinix’s outward-folding design prioritizes flexibility and quick access.

Since parts of the screen remain visible at all times, this setup enables unique modes like a wearable display, an always-accessible dual-screen setup, and seamless multitasking.

Despite the exciting concept, Infinix is keeping many details under wraps. There’s no word on the processor, screen resolution, camera specs, or even a release date. Right now, it’s just a prototype, but with the Mobile World Congress 2025 ongoing, we may soon get the full picture. If Infinix can bring this concept to life, it could shake up the foldable phone market. But will it be practical and durable enough for everyday use? That remains to be seen.