Tecno Phantom Ultimate G Fold: The First Inward-Folding Tri-Fold Phone

Tecno unveils the Phantom Ultimate G Fold, a tri-foldable concept phone that folds inward to protect its 9.94-inch display.

Tecno is once again pushing the boundaries of smartphone design with its latest concept device, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold. Building on its earlier prototypes, this tri-foldable concept phone takes a new approach to durability, usability, and design. Unlike the Phantom Ultimate 2, which had a more exposed structure, the G Fold introduces a fully inward-folding display system that protects the screen when not in use.

At the heart of this futuristic device is a 9.94-inch main display that folds neatly into the body of the phone. When folded, the internal display is completely hidden, reducing the chances of scratches and wear. Tecno has also added a cover display, so users can still perform basic tasks without opening the device. This is a smart evolution from their previous concept, which exposed a third of the screen rather than providing a dedicated outer display.

The folding mechanism itself is one of the most innovative parts of the design. The G Fold uses two hinges: a small teardrop-style hinge that folds one-third of the screen, and a larger hinge that folds over it. A self-locking mechanism ensures the phone stays securely closed. Despite its triple-fold design, the folded thickness is a surprising 11.49mm, while unfolding it drops the profile down to just 3.49mm. For comparison, Huawei’s tri-fold production model measures 12.8mm when folded and varies between 3.6mm to 4.8mm when open, meaning Tecno's concept is impressively thin in both configurations.

In terms of performance, Tecno is keeping most specifications under wraps, but they have shared that the battery will exceed 5,000mAh, a notable achievement given the phone’s slim profile. While we don’t yet have exact figures or the name of the processor inside, Tecno promises a high-performance chipset to power the device.

Camera-wise, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold features a triple-camera setup located on the central third of the phone, so it's positioned on the back when the phone is folded. The flexible hinge design allows the device to function almost like a tripod, letting users angle the camera without needing additional support, a great feature for hands-free photography or content creation.

To achieve this lightweight yet durable design, Tecno incorporated ultra-high-strength 2,000MPa steel and a 0.3mm Titan Fiber plate for the back cover. This ensures the phone remains sturdy even with its intricate folding mechanism.

Some details are still unknown, such as the size of the outer display, the total weight of the phone, and the specific camera and chipset specs. However, it’s important to remember that the Phantom Ultimate G Fold is still a concept device. Tecno is expected to showcase it at MWC 2026, giving tech fans a closer look at what could be the future of foldable phones. The company is also likely to announce updates to its Phantom V Flip and V Fold series at the event.

Stay tuned for more updates as Tecno reveals additional specs and features in the lead-up to MWC 2026.