Xiaomi is preparing to enter the tri-fold phone segment in 2026, having been mostly known for classic fold and flip designs until now. We take a look at the current market situation and what to expect from their new tri-fold model.
pandealia.euThe best coupons from Chinese stores, prices and price history in one place.The topic of foldable smartphones has experienced dynamic growth in recent years,and tri-fold models represent the latest evolution of this trend. After several years absent from the fold segment, Xiaomi is now preparing to enter this challenging market in 2026 with its own tri-fold device.
What are tri-fold phones and who are the current players in the market?
Tri-fold phones are an advanced type of foldable smartphone,allowing an extended screen with three folding panels. This design offers broader usage possibilities, with the device unfolding to approximate a tablet.
Currently, there are three main tri-fold models on the market,two from Huawei and one from Samsung, specifically the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. These devices have set a high standard in foldable phones with complex mechanisms and large displays.
The tri-fold segment itself remains a novelty and a luxury product,requiring top-notch technology solutions and manufacturing processes. This limits the number of manufacturers willing to engage in this area, pushing them to seek new innovations.
How has Xiaomi approached foldable phones?
Xiaomi began offering flip models relatively late, only in 2024,meaning it entered the foldable smartphone category with a delay compared to competitors. Before that, it focused on fixed models and standard smartphone series like the Xiaomi 17 Pro.
In 2025, Xiaomi completely skipped launching any fold model,suggesting the company might have been preparing a new approach or technology for its future entry into this growing category.
This strategic inactivity in the fold segment in 2025 is interesting,because at the same time, other market leaders like Samsung and Huawei were focusing on developing their foldable models, transforming smartphone design.
Development and expansion of the Xiaomi 17 series in the context of foldable phones
Currently, Xiaomi has expanded the Xiaomi 17 series with the Pro Max model and a special Leica Ultra edition,highlighting a focus on premium smartphones with top-tier photography and high performance. However, these models are not foldable.
This shift in the portfolio indicates that Xiaomi is simultaneously working on multiple fronts,whether in traditional smartphones, high-performance flagships, or future foldable devices, aiming to cover a broad spectrum of users.
The arrival of a tri-fold device could complement this strategy,offering a premium innovation for higher price categories and for innovative users looking for an unconventional experience in work and entertainment on mobile.
Comparing Xiaomi with current leaders in tri-fold production
Currently, Huawei and Samsung dominate the tri-fold phone market with their products,such as Huawei's models and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. Both focus on reliable folding mechanisms and high display quality.
Xiaomi's tri-fold model will face a challenging task,to match these brands, which already have experience and established products in the foldable phone market.
Xiaomi's success may also depend on innovations in design, performance, and price,which could attract new customers and push foldable phone standards forward.
Xiaomi's plan for a tri-fold phone in 2026
According to available information, Xiaomi plans to launch a tri-fold model in 2026,meaning the company aims to compete with existing tri-fold phones from Huawei and Samsung and capitalize on current trends in foldable devices.
This move comes after several years without fold models in Xiaomi's portfolio,indicating that the new tri-fold concept may represent a technological advance or a new usage format.
For users, this could mean expanded multimedia and work usage options,as a tri-fold foldable phone provides more screen area and flexibility in a single device.
After years of absence in the foldable segment,Xiaomi plans to enter the tri-fold phone market in 2026. This move could significantly increase competition in a segment currently dominated mainly by Huawei and Samsung.
