Samsung officially announced the Galaxy Z TriFold on December 2, 2025, marking its first entry into the tri-fold smartphone market. This new device features a massive 10-inch internal screen that folds twice to fit into a regular pocket. The company confirmed the phone will cost roughly $2,500, a figure that places it at the very top of the premium smartphone market. This launch comes just months after Huawei released its own tri-fold device, heating up the competition for multi-foldable gadgets. Samsung plans to release the phone in South Korea on December 12, with a US launch scheduled for early 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The Galaxy Z TriFold features a 10-inch main display and a 6.5-inch cover screen.
- It uses a dual-hinge system where both sides fold inward to protect the screen.
- The device runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 16GB of RAM.
- Samsung set the price at approximately $2,500 (3.59 million won).
- US availability is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Design and Display Features
The Galaxy Z TriFold introduces a fresh design approach compared to existing foldables. It uses two hinges to divide the screen into three distinct sections. Unlike the Huawei Mate XT which folds in a Z-shape, Samsung chose an inward-folding design. This means both side panels fold in towards the center. This method protects the delicate inner screen when you close the device. When fully open, the device measures just 3.9mm thick at its thinnest point.
The main attraction is the 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It offers a sharp resolution of 2160 x 1584 pixels and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. This size makes it comparable to many tablets. When folded, you can use the 6.5-inch cover screen which functions like a standard smartphone. This outer screen is even brighter, hitting 2600 nits, and uses a standard 21:9 aspect ratio that feels natural in the hand.
Hardware and Performance
Samsung packed this device with high-end specifications to justify the price. The phone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which is the same chip found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It comes with 16GB of RAM and storage options of 512GB or 1TB. This power ensures smooth performance even when running three apps at once.
Powering a 10-inch screen requires significant energy. Samsung included a 5,600 mAh battery system split across the three panels. This design helps balance the weight and provides all-day power. The phone supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. For photography, the device sports a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Software and Productivity
The large screen allows for new software tricks. The Galaxy Z TriFold runs on Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8 interface. The standout feature is the standalone Samsung DeX mode. This allows users to switch to a desktop-like interface directly on the 10-inch screen without needing an external monitor. You can open multiple windows, use a taskbar, and pair a keyboard for a laptop-like experience.
Multitasking is a core focus. You can run three apps side-by-side in portrait mode. For example, you could watch a video, browse the web, and take notes simultaneously. Samsung also included specific AI tools to help with productivity, such as instant summaries and sketch-to-image features that work well on the large canvas.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Z TriFold comes with a high cost. Samsung set the price at 3,590,000 KRW in South Korea, which converts to about $2,500 USD. This makes it one of the most expensive phones Samsung has ever sold. Sales begin in South Korea on December 12, 2025. The company confirmed it will expand sales to other regions including the US, Singapore, and the UAE in the first quarter of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the screen size of the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold?
A. The device features a 10-inch main internal display when fully unfolded and a 6.5-inch cover display when folded.
Q. How much does the Galaxy Z TriFold cost?
A. The phone is priced at approximately $2,500 USD (3.59 million won). Exact US pricing will be confirmed closer to the American launch.
Q. When will the Galaxy Z TriFold be available in the US?
A. Samsung plans to launch the device in the United States in the first quarter of 2026.
Q. Does the Galaxy Z TriFold support an S Pen?
A. Current reports indicate the device does not have a built-in slot for an S Pen, and Samsung has not highlighted S Pen support as a primary feature for this specific model.
Q. Is the Galaxy Z TriFold water resistant?
Yes, the phone has an IP48 rating. This means it offers resistance against water, but it is not certified as dust-tight.
Q. What processor does the Galaxy Z TriFold use?
A. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 16GB of RAM.
Q. How is this different from the Huawei Mate XT?
A. The main difference is the folding style. The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold folds both sides inward to protect the screen, while the Huawei Mate XT uses an outward folding “Z” shape.
Q. Can I use the Galaxy Z TriFold as a desktop computer?
A. Yes, it supports standalone Samsung DeX, allowing you to use a desktop interface directly on the 10-inch screen.
