Let’s be honest — foldables are no longer just geek toys. They’re fashion statements, productivity beasts, and a proving ground for the craziest ideas in mobile tech. And TECNO? Yeah, the brand best known for budget phones just dropped the most radical foldable concept of 2025. Meet the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold — a tri-fold design that dares to challenge Samsung, Huawei, and everyone else.
This isn’t a gimmick. It’s an idea so ambitious it folds in three places and still ends up thinner than your iPad. Let’s unfold this madness.
Specifications
• Form Factor: G-style inward tri-fold design
• Folded Thickness: 11.49 mm
• Unfolded Thickness: 3.49 mm
• Main Display: 9.94-inch flexible AMOLED
• Cover Display: Secondary smartphone-sized front panel
• Hinge System: Dual-inward fold (waterdrop + main hinge)
• Back Material: 0.3 mm Titan Fiber composite
• Hinge Material: 2000 MPa ultra-strength steel
• Battery: 5,000 mAh (estimated, concept-level)
• Operating Modes: Phone mode, tablet mode, hover/tent mode
• Camera: Triple-lens array (details unreleased)
• Software: Custom TECNO HiOS Fold (likely based on Android)
• Status: Concept device, not yet commercially available
Engineering the Impossible: How the Ultimate G Fold Works
The G Fold’s core innovation is its G-style tri-fold structure. Unlike standard dual-folds or Huawei’s out-folding tri-fold, TECNO’s design folds inward twice, like a paper map curling into itself. This keeps the fragile inner display completely protected when shut — no more micro-abrasions from keys or zippers.
Inside, a 9.94-inch AMOLED panel stretches across the entire unfolded body. That’s nearly a full tablet, but once closed, it collapses into a palm-sized phone. The hinge system — one small waterdrop fold, one primary fold — enables this ultra-smooth compression without leaving gaps. And yes, it locks into different positions for tent or laptop-style use.
From a user experience standpoint, it’s the closest thing we’ve seen to a multi-form digital canvas — productivity, content, calls, it adapts to your needs in real time.
Feel, Fold, Finish: A Close Look at Design
Despite being a concept, TECNO nailed the industrial design. The folded body is only 11.49 mm thick, which is on par with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5. But once open, it stretches to an insanely thin 3.49 mm. That’s thinner than most tablets and basically unheard of in foldables.
The Titan Fiber rear panel keeps it rigid and lightweight. It’s just 0.3 mm thick, yet gives off the visual of carbon fiber and the tactile feel of aerospace plastic. The hinge steel is rated at 2000 MPa, which puts it on par with what you’d find in aviation-grade frameworks.
Buttons, sensors, cameras — TECNO hasn’t revealed the final placements yet. But renders show a neat, balanced design with zero visual clutter.
My Thoughts After Following the Launch
Even as a concept, the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold is jaw-dropping. The engineering behind that G-style inward fold shows a deep understanding of real-world durability — something many foldables still struggle with. It’s not just about screen size, it’s about screen safety.
The ability to use it like a regular smartphone on the cover display, and then unfold into a 10-inch tablet for movies, note-taking, or gaming… that’s not just convenient, it’s transformative. Especially if you travel light.
If TECNO can translate this design into a production unit with solid software and camera support — I’d honestly take this over most dual-folds out there.
How It Stacks Up
TECNO PHANTOM G Fold vs Huawei Mate X3 Pro
• Huawei’s tri-fold folds outward, exposing the display when shut — risky for scratches
• TECNO’s folds inward, fully protecting the screen — big win for durability
• TECNO is also thinner unfolded (3.49 mm vs Huawei’s ~3.6 mm)
TECNO PHANTOM G Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
• Samsung is production-ready, polished, but only a dual fold
• TECNO offers more screen area and smarter protection
• TECNO still lacks release date, so Samsung wins on reliability for now
Verdict: If it launches as shown, the TECNO G Fold could dominate the niche tri-fold segment and even eat into Samsung’s fanbase.
What Others Say
“TECNO’s Phantom Ultimate G Fold might be the most exciting foldable concept of 2025.” — Yanko Design
“With a closed thickness of just 11.49 mm, it’s as thin as a Galaxy Fold — but it opens into a whole new category.” — Android Headlines
FAQ
• Is the TECNO G Fold coming to market in 2025?
Not confirmed. It’s still a concept device.
• Does the screen fold inward or outward?
Inward — for better protection when closed.
• How big is the unfolded display?
9.94 inches — nearly full tablet size.
• Is it thinner than Samsung foldables?
Yes. When unfolded, it’s just 3.49 mm thick — a record for tri-folds.
Cons
• Still a concept, no hands-on or durability tests
• No confirmed chipset, camera specs, or OS version
• Limited global reach for TECNO hardware
• No launch window or pricing yet
Availability and Price
As of now, this is a concept device, not available for purchase. No pricing or launch timeline has been officially announced.
Expect a full reveal or prototype demo by MWC 2026.
Final Verdict
★★★★☆
The TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold is a futuristic statement piece. Whether it ever ships doesn’t change the fact that TECNO just redefined how good a foldable could be. It’s not ready for your pocket yet — but it definitely deserves your attention.
Who This Is For
• Foldable enthusiasts who want the next frontier
• Tech visionaries looking for truly new designs
• Designers and professionals craving ultra-portable multitasking
Who Should Wait
• Users who need guaranteed durability and software polish
• Those outside TECNO’s current markets (Asia, Africa, limited EU reach)
• Buyers looking for something to purchase right now
