Tech News
Oluwapelumi debo
Samsung Electronics has officially introduced a bold new chapter in its foldable journey with the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold, a smartphone designed with two hinges and three connected display sections. Revealed during a media event at Samsung Gangnam in Seoul, the TriFold represents the culmination of six years of foldable innovation since the debut of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019.
With global interest in foldables accelerating—driven by increasing competition from China and Apple’s anticipated entry into the category next year—Samsung is using the TriFold to signal its technological leadership and expand the boundaries of what a foldable device can be.
A Phone That Expands Into a Tablet
The Galaxy Z TriFold transforms dramatically depending on how you use it. When collapsed, it maintains the familiar silhouette of a standard bar-style smartphone with a 6.5-inch cover screen. But once fully unfolded, it reveals a stunning 10-inch ultra-wide display, creating a tablet-like canvas that dwarfs Samsung’s previous foldables.
This makes the device significantly larger than the 8-inch panel on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, positioning the TriFold as Samsung’s biggest and most immersive flexible display yet. The aspect ratio shifts to a more landscape-friendly format, giving users a true tablet viewing experience without rotating the device.
Samsung achieves this transformation through a carefully engineered in-folding mechanism that uses two inward-folding segments to protect the main display. The left panel closes first, then the right panel—housing the rear camera system—folds over it. The device even triggers alerts and haptic feedback if the user attempts to close the panels in the wrong order, a small touch that showcases Samsung’s attention to durability and user guidance.
Design, Hardware, and Performance
Despite the complexity of its design, Samsung managed to create the thinnest foldable display in Galaxy history, with the TriFold measuring just 3.9 mm when opened. When closed, the device is 12.9 mm thick, a slimmer profile than even the Galaxy Z Fold 5 from 2023 and surprisingly thinner than many single-fold competitors.
At 309 grams, the TriFold is noticeably heavier than other Samsung foldables—by roughly 100 grams—yet during hands-on testing, the weight balanced well when the device was unfolded. One-handed usage during video playback or reading remained comfortable, although the device does feel substantially heavier when folded in phone mode.
Powering the TriFold is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the same flagship-class processor used in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung also equips the device with its largest foldable battery to date—a 5,600 mAh unit—and supports 45W super-fast charging, the first time such high-speed charging has been included in a Galaxy Z-series device.
Productivity and Multimedia: A Three-App Powerhouse
The TriFold’s expansive screen is built for heavy multitasking. During demonstrations, users were able to comfortably open and run three apps simultaneously—for example, messaging, email, and a browser—side by side in a desktop-style layout.
Video consumption also benefits greatly from the new form factor. YouTube content fills the wide display without the need to rotate the device, creating a viewing experience close to that of a compact tablet. Mobile games take advantage of the immersive real estate as well, and stability remains solid thanks to the well-distributed weight across the device’s large frame.
Launch Details and Pricing
Samsung plans to release the Galaxy Z TriFold in South Korea on the 12th of this month, followed by key international markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE, and the United States.
At launch, the device will be offered in a single configuration and a single color—“Crafted Black.”
The official retail price is 3,594,000 won, placing it firmly in the ultra-premium tier due to its cutting-edge engineering and limited initial production.
A Turning Point in Foldable Competition
Although the TriFold is generating significant buzz, the combination of high pricing and limited manufacturing volume means it is unlikely to become a mainstream bestseller at launch. Instead, experts say Samsung’s goal is to make a statement—to show competitors how far ahead it is in engineering and refinement.
Market research from TrendForce shows this demonstration may be vital. Samsung’s global share in the foldable category is projected to slip from 45.2% last year to 35.4% this year, with China’s Huawei close behind at 34.3%. Huawei already launched its own tri-fold model, the Mate XT, which folds in a Z-shape but has struggled with durability concerns.
Other rising challengers—Honor, Xiaomi, and Motorola—are rapidly gaining traction in China and emerging markets. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable device next year. With the competitive landscape intensifying, the TriFold serves as Samsung’s reminder that it remains at the forefront of foldable technology.
A senior tech industry insider explained, “Huawei’s early tri-fold model still faces reliability issues, and Apple is arriving late. Samsung wants to show it has already mastered the engineering that others are still figuring out.”
Is This the Future of Foldables?
Samsung executives believe the tri-fold format could accelerate global demand for next-generation foldables. Lim Seong-taek, Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics Korea, expressed confidence that the TriFold will act as a catalyst.
“I believe the Galaxy Z Tri Fold could trigger explosive growth in the foldable market,” he said. “After years of refining our foldable technology, we’re prepared to lead the next phase and deliver experiences that truly satisfy consumers.”
As the battle for foldable dominance escalates and new form factors emerge, the Galaxy Z TriFold may mark a pivotal moment—moving foldables beyond novelty and into a new era of versatility, performance, and design evolution.
