Tecno Unveils Phantom Ultimate G Fold: World’s Thinnest Tri-Fold Phone Concept

Tecno has entered the tri-fold phone arena with the unveiling of its Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept, which it claims is the world’s thinnest tri-fold device. As foldables evolve, thinness has become a top priority, and Tecno’s latest innovation pushes that boundary further.

The Phantom Ultimate G Fold builds on the design language seen in Tecno’s previous Phantom Ultimate 2, first teased in August 2024 but yet to be released. Unlike Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, which unfolds in a Z-like accordion fashion, Tecno’s tri-fold design folds inward in a G-shape—hence the naming. This format sets it apart from other contenders, including the upcoming Samsung Galaxy G Fold, which remains under wraps.

Tecno’s new concept device boasts a 3.49mm thickness when unfolded, making it the slimmest tri-fold announced to date. It opens up to reveal a large 9.49-inch display with what Tecno describes as “minimal creasing.” When compared to the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate’s 3.6mm and Samsung’s two-panel Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 4.2mm unfolded, Tecno’s model leads in the thinness race.

In its folded form, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold measures 11.49mm—still thinner than the Mate XT’s 12.88mm, though bulkier than single-fold and traditional smartphones such as the iPhone 16 Pro (8.25mm) and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8.9mm). However, such trade-offs are typical in the foldable category.

To ensure the device is as functional as it is slim, Tecno developed a custom dual-hinge system. A waterdrop hinge secures the right panel, folding first, while a larger primary hinge supports the left panel. The latter includes a dual-cam design, allowing the phone to remain partially folded—a feature likely useful for hands-free viewing or video calls.

Though full specifications remain under wraps, Tecno confirmed that the Phantom Ultimate G Fold will house a battery exceeding 5,000 mAh. While promising, it’s uncertain how the large 9.49-inch screen will affect power efficiency—an issue noted in similar devices like Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, which housed a 5,600 mAh battery that struggled with screen demands.

Tecno also hinted at a “high-performance chipset” and a “versatile triple-camera system,” though no additional hardware details were disclosed. With today’s top mobile processors capable of managing complex multi-screen setups, performance will be under scrutiny once real-world tests begin.

The company has not provided pricing or a release window, but confirmed the concept will be showcased at Mobile World Congress 2026, where more information is expected.