On the morning of , my colleagues and I logged on at the crack of dawn, not for a sneaker drop or concert tickets, but for a phone. Specifically, Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, which had already launched in other parts of the world last month and reportedly sold out quickly. We anticipated a similar outcome with the US arrival – despite its $2,900 price tag – given the buzz and limited supply.
The scarcity was such that Samsung didn’t provide review units to CNET or other journalists, a typical practice for new phone launches. This meant we were online shopping alongside everyone else.
At 7:00 AM PT, the race began. Four of my teammates and I attempted to secure the dual-folding phone. The goal was simple: one successful purchase. Almost immediately, everyone received a “sold out” notification – except for me. Miraculously, I added the TriFold to my cart and completed the transaction for a total of $3,164.05 (including taxes and a California Battery Recycling Fee). It truly was a game of chance, and luck was on my side.
Now, the real work begins. I’ll be using the Galaxy Z TriFold daily and sharing my experiences. I had some hands-on time with the phone during CES, but now I’ll assess its practicality as a phone-tablet hybrid.
Several questions immediately come to mind. Is the 6.5-inch cover display sufficient for most tasks? Will I adapt to the feel of the phone when folded, or will the three stacked panels feel unwieldy? And, crucially, is the 10-inch internal display genuinely useful for multitasking and productivity?
This blog will be the space for those insights, and many more. The Galaxy Z TriFold represents a significant departure from conventional smartphone design, and its success hinges on whether it can deliver a compelling user experience that justifies its substantial cost. The concept of a folding phone isn’t new – Samsung has been iterating on the form factor for several years with the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip lines. However, the TriFold takes things a step further, attempting to bridge the gap between a smartphone and a small tablet in a single device.
The core challenge with any folding device is durability. The hinge mechanism is inherently a point of potential failure, and the flexible display itself is more susceptible to damage than traditional glass. Samsung has made strides in improving the robustness of its folding screens, but long-term reliability remains a concern. The price point also presents a barrier to entry for most consumers. At $2,900, the Galaxy Z TriFold is firmly in the luxury category, appealing to early adopters and tech enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology.
Beyond the hardware, the software experience is critical. Samsung will need to optimize its One UI software to take full advantage of the TriFold’s unique form factor. This includes seamless app transitions between the cover display and the internal display, as well as features that enhance multitasking and productivity. The ability to run multiple apps side-by-side on the larger screen could be a game-changer for users who frequently switch between tasks.
The cost-performance debate surrounding the TriFold is already underway, as noted by the Korea JoongAng Daily. Whether the device can justify its price will depend on how well it delivers on its promise of a truly versatile and productive mobile experience. The initial sell-out suggests there’s demand, but sustained success will require more than just novelty.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deep into these questions and more. I’ll be exploring the TriFold’s capabilities in various scenarios, from everyday communication and entertainment to more demanding tasks like document editing and video conferencing. I’ll also be paying close attention to battery life, performance, and the overall user experience. Stay tuned for regular updates as I put the Galaxy Z TriFold through its paces.
