Nikkei Asia said the idea is to get a phone which folds into three segments using two hinges. It will be out "as early as the end of this year".

Samsung has been getting all excited about foldables. There is the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, both of which are expected to appear in new versions this year.

The report said the design is still being finalised, but Nikkei's sources say its screen could have a more standard 16:9 or 18:9 aspect ratio, making it easier for app makers to design for than the 25:9 screen found on the Z Fold.

Samsung may be introducing a new type of foldable to ease its power users into a transition to the form factor. Samsung says it might be skipping a new Galaxy Note this year but wasn't exactly clear why. There was talk of streamlining its phone offerings and of the global chip shortage, but this could be a test to see if Note users are ready for the fold. By giving customers three foldable options to choose from, Samsung could be trying to make it as likely as possible that people will find one that works for them.