Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold transforms from a 6.5-inch phone into a 10-inch tablet, offering a true two-in-one experience that feels both practical and polished.
At a Glance
- The TriFold folds twice across three panels and is 3.9 mm thin at its slimmest point
- A 5,600-mAh battery and 45-watt fast charging aim for all-day use
- Already on sale in Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and the UAE; US launch set for Q1
- Why it matters: It delivers the long-promised phone-tablet hybrid in a pocket-friendly form
Jonathan P. Miller, senior technology reporter for News Of Losangeles, tested the device at CES 2026 in Las Vegas and found it fills a niche book-style foldables have yet to satisfy.
Hands-On Impressions
The first thing you notice is the size. Unfolded, the 10-inch internal display gives true tablet real estate for movies, multitasking or typing. Folded shut, the 6.5-inch cover display behaves like a standard phone, albeit one that measures 12.9 mm thick.
Weight is 309 grams, yet the distribution feels balanced enough that the number fades away during use. The frame tapers from 4.2 mm at the thickest zone-camera bump excluded-so the device sits comfortably in hand.
How It Compares to the Z Fold 7
Side-by-side with Samsung’s two-panel Galaxy Z Fold 7, the differences are stark:
- Video playback feels cinematic on the TriFold’s larger canvas
- Three-app multitasking shows less compromise thanks to extra pixels
- Samsung DeX desktop mode gains practicality with the expanded screen
Both phones share an identical camera stack:
- 200-megapixel wide sensor
- 12-megapixel ultrawide
- 10-megapixel telephoto
- Dual 10-megapixel selfie modules
Battery capacity swings the other way. The TriFold carries 5,600 mAh versus the Fold 7’s 4,400 mAh, and supports 45-watt super-fast charging. Jonathan P. Miller found the Fold 7 lasted a full day “without much juice to spare,” so the larger cell should ease range anxiety.
Hinges, Creases and Learning Curves
Two hinges create two creases, yet they prove less visible than the single crease on the Fold 7. Closing order matters: left panel first, then right. Mis-fold the sequence and the phone vibrates with an on-screen alert-a gentle tutor for new owners.
Global Rollout and Missing Price
The TriFold is already moving units in:
- Korea
- China
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
Korean inventory reportedly sold out in minutes. A US release is slated for the first quarter of this year, but Samsung withheld domestic pricing at CES. With the Fold 7 starting at $2,000, shoppers should expect a premium ticket.
In-the-Box Perk
Samsung confirmed the TriFold ships with both a charging cable and charging brick-a small but welcome reversal of recent cost-cutting trends.
Key Takeaways
- The TriFold’s 10-inch unfolded screen finally delivers a credible tablet mode
- Shared flagship cameras and a bigger 5,600-mAh battery remove core compromises
- US buyers face an early-2026 launch at an undisclosed, likely high price
News Of Losangeles selected the Galaxy Z TriFold as a Best of CES 2026 winner in the mobile category.
