In a showcase of its engineering capabilities, Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first dual-hinge device that transforms into a 10-inch display. This innovation aims to redefine multitasking and productivity on smartphones, beating competitors months ahead of the expected foldable iPhone launch.
Article contents:
- A revolution in foldable phone design
- Trifold design: phone and tablet in one device
- Multitasking power and the enhanced DeX experience
- Durability and specs: addressing previous concerns
- Market competition: Huawei and Apple on the horizon
- Frequently asked questions
A revolution in foldable phone design
Samsung Electronics has unveiled its first “trifold” smartphone, boasting its engineering prowess in foldable hardware even as the category has yet to see widespread adoption among everyday consumers. This announcement serves as a proactive step to cement Samsung’s leadership in this growing sector.
The new phone, named the Galaxy Z TriFold, is part of a small subsegment of foldable phones featuring two hinges, allowing them to transform into larger, tablet-sized devices. Samsung announced the device’s initial launch in South Korea on December 12 with a starting price of around $2,450 USD, with plans to sell it in other markets including the United States, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Trifold design: phone and tablet in one device
The Galaxy Z TriFold features an innovative design. When closed, the outer screen provides dimensions similar to a standard smartphone, making it easy to use with one hand. However, when fully opened, it delivers a tablet-like experience with a massive 10-inch display, which is larger than the screen found on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The hinge design on the TriFold differs from some competitors; it folds inward from both sides. To prevent incorrect usage, the phone quickly alerts users through on-screen notifications and physical vibrations if they begin to fold it improperly, such as by closing the right side before the left.
Multitasking power and the enhanced DeX experience
The real draw of this device lies in its multitasking capabilities. In the tablet-like mode, each of the device’s screens can run a different app independently. This provides the equivalent of three separate 6.5-inch phones side by side.
But Samsung went a step further by optimizing its DeX software for this type of device. Users can now run a desktop-like experience directly on the large internal screen, without needing to connect the phone to an external display (as required on other Samsung phones).
In DeX mode, the TriFold can run up to four distinct workspaces, each capable of running five apps simultaneously. This level of productivity is unprecedented on a mobile device and approaches the laptop user experience.
Durability and specs: addressing previous concerns
Durability has long been the primary concern for foldable devices. To address these concerns, Samsung stated that it has improved the phone’s hinges, aluminum frame, and display technology to enhance long-term durability. The company will also offer a one-time 50% discount on screen repair costs should it ultimately be needed.
At its thinnest point, the TriFold is just 3.9 millimeters thick. Inside, it packs a 5,600 mAh battery, the largest capacity Samsung has used in a foldable phone to date, delivering up to 17 hours of continuous video playback with the screen fully open. The company has also equipped the TriFold with its suite of Galaxy AI features.
Market competition: Huawei and Apple on the horizon
Samsung revealed the device several months before Apple is expected to announce its first foldable iPhone, which is rumored to feature a book-style design.
However, direct competition comes from Huawei, which was the first to enter this subsegment with the Mate XT in 2024 and its update this year. Huawei will pose strong competition in China, the largest market for foldables, though it lacks the broad Android app compatibility that Samsung enjoys.
Although foldable device sales remain modest compared to traditional models, innovations like the Galaxy Z TriFold push the boundaries of what a smartphone can be and set a new standard for the future.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the Galaxy Z TriFold?
A: It is Samsung’s first smartphone featuring a trifold design, containing two hinges that allow it to unfold into a 10-inch tablet device.
Q: What is the main feature of the TriFold?
A: The main feature is its superior multitasking capabilities. It can run three independent apps side by side and supports DeX mode directly on the device for a desktop-like experience with up to four workspaces and twenty open apps simultaneously.
Q: How much does the Galaxy Z TriFold cost?
A: It launched in South Korea starting at around $2,450 USD, making it an ultra-premium device targeting a specific segment of users.
Q: Is the device durable?
A: Samsung says it has improved the hinges, frame, and display technology to enhance durability compared to previous generations and is offering a one-time screen repair discount, but the long-term durability of complex foldable devices remains under practical testing.
