The Galaxy Z TriFold stands out as a remarkable leap in technology, yet it also raises a few concerns I can’t overlook.
Beyond the Alphabet
Beyond the Alphabet is a weekly Android Central column that examines the tech world both inside and beyond Mountain View. On paper, the Galaxy Z TriFold looks like a near-perfect upgrade for anyone already familiar with foldables: it’s slim, speedy, equipped with a robust camera system, and it expands to an even larger display when opened.
Even if I end up paying a steep premium, I’m not totally convinced it will stay as my everyday device. A big part of that hesitation is influenced by Harish, who recently spent hands-on time with the TriFold and shared his impressions.
If you enjoy our coverage, consider making Android Central a preferred source in Google News to stay up to date with the latest news, reviews, features, and more.
Odd design choice
Before the official reveal, I suspected Samsung would adopt a design akin to the Huawei Mate XT. The Mate XT offered three display configurations because you can keep one screen closed, adding extra versatility for days when a 10-inch tablet feels excessive but an 8-inch option would suffice.
Samsung, however, appears to have chosen a different path. I’m left wondering why they didn’t pursue a three-configuration approach like the Mate XT.
DeX Mode should’ve been the default
Another point of confusion is why Samsung isn’t setting DeX Mode as the default layout when the TriFold unfolds. This has been my perennial question with virtually every new Galaxy Tab release: Android still isn’t naturally suited for larger displays without substantial adjustments.
You can’t simply swap in a different launcher due to API restrictions, which often results in a less than smooth experience. In practice, unfolding the TriFold greets you with a home screen that feels oddly wasted in terms of space.
To be clear, I’m not referring to the older DeX, which resembled a desktop-like interface. I’m talking about the newer DeX, rebuilt with One UI 8 and built on Android 16 Desktop Mode. This hybrid launcher could resemble a traditional desktop with widgets—something that wasn’t feasible before. With a nearly new product category on the horizon, this would have been the perfect moment to introduce that change.
Last-gen
Originally, I planned to gripe about a potentially $3,000 device not featuring the latest flagship processor. And yes, I still have that critique, not just because I’m a tech fanatic, but because I often argue that Samsung and Google miss opportunities when premium devices don’t include top-tier cameras.
Don’t get me wrong—the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is a powerful chip that should keep pace with these foldable displays for years. Still, it would have been fantastic to see the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at the helm.
Of course, pushing for that upgrade would likely push the price even higher. Add to that the ongoing DRAM shortage, which gives manufacturers a ready-made excuse to charge more and boost margins.
Even higher prices loom
There’s a real chance the Galaxy Z TriFold could be among the first phones to feel the price pinch, since we still don’t know the global price. Samsung kicked off pre-orders in South Korea with a price of KRW 3,590,400, which translates to roughly $2,434 in USD terms.
That figure is surprising in its own right: it’s only about $400 more than the base Galaxy Z Fold 7. Given that this is a niche product within a niche category, the price is actually lower than some expectations.
Interestingly, Samsung reportedly sold out the TriFold in minutes, just as the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition did. It’s unclear whether the rush reflects genuine excitement, brand loyalty in the home market, or simply the small initial production run.
As mentioned, I’ll likely pursue a TriFold release in the United States, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Huawei’s Mate XT ends up offering the more compelling execution of this form factor.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
A new beginning
After years of largely repeating the same design, Samsung finally aimed for something bold with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It’s incredibly slim, powerful, and expensive, yet it remains the leading book-style foldable for most users.
FAQ
When is the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold being released?
So far, pre-orders are open only in South Korea, but Samsung has confirmed a release to additional markets in 2026.
What will the Galaxy Z TriFold cost?
Global pricing hasn’t been announced yet. In South Korea, pre-orders were set at KRW 3,590,400 (about $2,434 USD).
How large are the screens on the TriFold?
The device features a 6.5-inch cover screen and a 10-inch inner screen when fully unfolded. There’s no option to fold just a portion of the display into a smaller main screen.
Does the TriFold support S Pen?
Unfortunately, S Pen support doesn’t appear to be included, echoing the removal of this feature from the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition and the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys all things tech, from tablets to smartphones to the accessories that accompany them, and he’s even known to collect various headphones, despite their habit of ending up in the same drawer.
