Just when we thought the foldable phone wars couldn’t get any more interesting, TECNO shows up with the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept and completely changes the game.
We’re talking about a device that measures just 11.49mm when folded. But here’s the kicker – when you unfold it completely, it’s an absolutely mind-bending 3.49mm thin, and we’re talking about a device that houses a massive 9.94-inch display.
Here’s where TECNO gets really clever. While other manufacturers have been scratching their heads trying to figure out how to protect those delicate flexible screens on tri-folds, TECNO went and created what they’re calling the “G-Style” design. It’s basically like closing a book, but then folding that book in half again – except everything folds inward.
The genius here is that when you close this thing up, your precious main display is completely protected inside, safe from keys, coins, and whatever else is lurking in your pocket. Meanwhile, there’s a secondary cover display that handles all your everyday smartphone needs.
The engineering behind this is pretty wild. TECNO’s custom dual-hinge system uses a smaller waterdrop hinge for that first fold, then a larger primary hinge for the second fold. When everything comes together, there’s this self-locking mechanism that ensures the device stays perfectly gapless and secure.
Now, TECNO isn’t exactly first to the tri-fold party. Huawei beat everyone to the punch with their Mate XT Ultimate Design, which is already available in China for those willing to shell out serious cash. But while Huawei went with an outward-folding design that leaves the screen exposed, TECNO’s inward-folding approach is arguably the smarter play from a durability standpoint. It’s the difference between protecting your investment and crossing your fingers every time you toss your phone in a bag.
Now, before you get too excited and start reaching for your wallet, let me bring you back down to earth. This is still a concept device, and TECNO has confirmed it’ll be showcased at MWC 2026. That means we’re still about a year away from even seeing a production version.
And even if it does, let’s be real – TECNO doesn’t exactly have a strong presence in the US market. Their recent foldables have impressed us as budget-friendly options that never made it stateside. So while this tri-fold concept is undoubtedly cool, don’t expect to be able to walk into your local carrier store and pick one up anytime soon.
What’s really exciting about the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept isn’t necessarily the device itself – it’s what it represents. TECNO is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with foldable technology, and they’re great at coming to market with products that won’t break your wallet. This is the kind of innovation that forces other manufacturers to step up their game.