The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, the latest entrant into the foldable phone market, has already sold out in some regions despite its $2,900 price tag. Initial skepticism surrounding its design has shifted after hands-on testing reveals a surprisingly refined device.
Beyond the Hype: A Practical Foldable
While previous foldables felt like compromises between durability and functionality, Samsung appears to have found a sweet spot with the Z TriFold. It functions as a pocketable phone that unfolds into a 10-inch tablet, but it’s the execution that sets it apart.
Engineering the Fold: Two Hinges, One Goal
The device utilizes two hinges of different sizes to enable its triple-folding design. The right hinge operates similarly to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while the left hinge is wider to accommodate the stacked panels when closed. The responsiveness of this hinge is notable; it springs open with minimal effort, offering an ergonomic advantage over competitors like Huawei’s Mate XT and the flat-sided Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The key to this ease of use is a protruding edge on the rightmost panel, providing a clear lip for unfolding. Samsung even implemented an auto-alarm that alerts users if the device is folded incorrectly, ensuring long-term durability.
Minimizing Creases, Maximizing Screen Space
Two hinges mean two screen creases, a common concern with foldables. However, Samsung has made significant progress in minimizing crease visibility. The Z TriFold’s creases are barely perceptible to the touch, a noticeable improvement over previous generations and competitors like Huawei’s Mate XT.
The crease is virtually non-existent unless viewed from an extreme angle, making it unlikely to bother most users even in tablet mode.
Samsung vs. Huawei: Design Trade-Offs
Samsung and Huawei approach the trifold design differently. Huawei’s Z-shaped design offers greater versatility, allowing the device to function as a smartphone, a mini-tablet (with one side unfolded), and a full tablet.
Samsung skips the mini-tablet mode entirely. The Z TriFold can only be fully folded or fully unfolded, limiting its immediate usability. This trade-off prioritizes durability; Samsung’s design protects the inner screen when folded, unlike Huawei’s exposed display. While this limits functionality, it could extend the device’s lifespan, a significant consideration at its price point.
Software Optimization and Missed Opportunities
The Z TriFold runs Android 16-based One UI 8, a clear step up from Huawei’s dated software. It supports three windows side-by-side, multiple pop-up windows, and separate workspaces for efficient multitasking.
However, the device lacks a built-in kickstand or magnetic accessory support (like MagSafe). Without these features, using the Z TriFold as a tablet requires an unwieldy case or external stand. The inclusion of magnetic accessory support would have transformed the device into a more versatile two-in-one laptop alternative.
Conclusion
Despite its bulk, Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold represents a promising step forward in foldable technology. The smart design choices, particularly the hinge mechanism and minimized creases, address key concerns. While the lack of a mini-tablet mode and magnetic accessory support are drawbacks, the focus on durability justifies the trade-offs for users prioritizing long-term usability. The Z TriFold demonstrates that the future of folding phones may be less about gimmickry and more about practical refinement.
