Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold marks the company’s first venture into three-panel foldable smartphones, offering a hybrid device that transforms from a traditional smartphone into a tablet-sized screen, expanding the foldable category beyond the conventional dual-fold design.
Design and Build
The TriFold adopts a dual-hinge mechanism that folds inward on both sides to produce a 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display and a 6.5-inch external screen, delivering an expansive canvas for productivity and multimedia. The device achieves an impressively slim 3.9 mm thickness when fully unfolded, though it measures about 12.9 mm when folded, reflecting its substantial construction. Water and dust resistance are addressed with an IP48 rating, a meaningful inclusion for a complex foldable form factor.
Performance and Software
Powering the TriFold is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) platform paired with 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage, aligning its internal performance with Samsung’s flagship expectations. The handset runs Android 16 with One UI 8, incorporating AI tools and optimisations for large displays and multitasking. Standalone Samsung DeX support allows it to function as a mobile workspace with multiple windows and workspaces, enhancing productivity far beyond classic smartphone capabilities.
Display and Multimedia
The cover and main panels both refresh at 120 Hz, with peak brightness values reported around 2,600 nits on the external panel and 1,600 nits internally, a balance between outdoor visibility and battery efficiency. The larger inner display essentially acts as a tablet, offering the ability to run multiple apps side by side, a feature that underscores Samsung’s push toward “phone-plus” computing.
Cameras and Battery
Camera hardware mirrors Samsung’s high-end standards, with a 200 MP main sensor, accompanied by ultrawide and telephoto optics; front sensors are placed on both the inner and outer displays. Powering this ambitious form factor is a 5,600 mAh battery system distributed across the three segments, with support for 45 W wired fast charging and wireless options, promising all-day use in typical scenarios.
User Experience
Despite its overall heft (~309 g), the TriFold’s transformation into a large, tablet-like screen delivers clear advantages for streaming, gaming and productivity workflows that benefit from extra space. However, its size and high expected price potentially around $2,500–$3,000 in many markets raise questions about mainstream appeal. Additionally, multitasking benefits come with a learning curve, and some traditional phone tasks may feel less fluid due to the larger footprint compared with simpler foldables or slab phones.
Pros
- Unfolds to a true tablet-sized 10-inch display with robust multitasking.
- Flagship performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite and 16 GB RAM.
- Standalone Samsung DeX mode enhances productivity.
- Premium camera system and robust battery life.
Cons
- High price point may limit mainstream adoption.
- Larger folded thickness and weight compared with conventional phones.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold represents a bold experiment in foldable design, blending smartphone convenience with a tablet-like workspace. While its premium pricing and size may confine its appeal to enthusiasts and power users, the TriFold’s performance, display real estate and productivity potential position it as a landmark device in the evolution of mobile computing.
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