At a Glance
- Galaxy Z TriFold launches on Jan. 30.
- Starts at $2,900 with 512 GB storage.
- Features a 10-inch inner display and titanium hinges rated for 200,000 folds.
- Why it matters: It sets a new premium price point for foldable phones in the U.S.
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung’s newest twin-hinged foldable, will hit U.S. stores on Jan. 30. The phone starts at $2,900, more than triple the price of the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s base model. Samsung is positioning the TriFold as the most expensive mainstream smartphone yet, aiming to push the premium tier higher.
Release Date and Price
Samsung confirmed the release date and price in a recent press briefing. The phone will be available for purchase on Jan. 30 in the U.S., with pre-orders beginning a week earlier. The starting price of $2,900 includes 512 GB of internal storage, the lowest configuration offered.
Design and Build
The TriFold’s design centers on its twin hinges, made from titanium for durability. Samsung claims the hinges can endure 200,000 folds, a figure that rivals the durability of its predecessor models. The device’s thinness is 3.9 mm at its thinnest point, just slightly thicker than the 3.6 mm of Huawei’s Mate XT.
| Feature | Galaxy Z TriFold | Huawei Mate XT |
|---|---|---|
| Thinness | 3.9 mm | 3.6 mm |
| Hinges | Titanium, 200k folds | – |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Display
When unfolded, the TriFold reveals a 10-inch inner display that competes with full-size tablets. This is larger than the 8-inch inner screen of the single-hinged Galaxy Z Fold 7. The outer display is a 6.6-inch OLED panel, maintaining a high resolution for everyday use.
Performance
Under the hood, the TriFold runs a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the same processor that powers the Galaxy S25 series. The phone does not feature the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is expected to appear on upcoming flagship models. The device starts at 512 GB of storage, offering ample space for apps and media.
Battery and Charging
The TriFold houses a 5,600-mAh battery, larger than the 4,400-mAh battery found in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Charging support is 45 W, a standard rate for Samsung phones. While other premium Android handsets have surpassed this with 80-W chargers, Samsung’s offering remains competitive.
Camera
The rear camera setup consists of a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. The camera system is packaged in a single black color variant. This configuration aims to deliver high-resolution photography and versatile shooting options.
Comparison to Competitors
Samsung’s main competitor in the trifold space is Huawei’s Mate XT, which starts at 3,499 € (about $4,150). The Mate XT is not available on U.S. carriers out of the box and runs Huawei’s EMUI OS, which lacks Google apps due to regulatory restrictions. In terms of hardware, the TriFold offers comparable size and specifications but with a familiar Android experience.
Availability and Pricing
The TriFold will be available through Samsung’s official website, major carriers, and select electronics retailers. The base model with 512 GB starts at $2,900, while higher storage tiers increase the price accordingly. Samsung’s pricing strategy places the TriFold above the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s highest 1-TB configuration, which tops out at $2,420.
Key Takeaways
- The Galaxy Z TriFold launches on Jan. 30 with a starting price of $2,900.
- It features a 10-inch inner display and titanium hinges rated for 200,000 folds.
- The phone uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a 5,600-mAh battery with 45-W charging.
- Competitors like Huawei’s Mate XT are more expensive and lack Google app support in the U.S.
The TriFold represents Samsung’s ambition to redefine the premium foldable segment, combining cutting-edge hardware with a steep price tag. Its release will likely influence the market’s perception of what a high-end foldable can offer.
