Summary: Yasuhiro Yamane, a Japanese IT journalist with over 1,800 phones in his collection, traveled from Hong Kong to Korea specifically to purchase Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, the company’s first triple-folding smartphone. The device features a 10-inch unfolded display, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and weighs just 309g despite its transformative design. Yamane describes it as “an entirely new kind of device” that bridges smartphones and tablets, offering unprecedented productivity through its dual-fold mechanism and optimized multitasking interface. Priced at approximately $2,450 in South Korea, the Galaxy Z TriFold targets creators, business users, and early adopters seeking desktop-class functionality in a pocketable form factor.
When someone who owns 1,800 mobile phones decides to fly to another country to buy one specific device, you know something extraordinary is happening. Yasuhiro Yamane, a Japanese IT journalist with over two decades covering smartphones, didn’t wait for the Galaxy Z TriFold to launch in Japan he traveled from Hong Kong to Seoul to be among the first to own Samsung’s revolutionary triple-folding smartphone. His reaction? “An entirely new kind of device” that redefines the boundary between phone and tablet.
What Made a Veteran Reviewer Travel Across Borders for One Phone?
Yasuhiro Yamane isn’t your typical tech enthusiast. Based in Hong Kong since 2003, he’s built a career and an astonishing collection by documenting the evolution of mobile technology across two decades. His 1,800-phone archive includes everything from obscure regional variants to premium flagship devices, making him a walking encyclopedia of mobile phone history.
His first Samsung purchase? The SGH-E400 flip phone from 2003, which impressed him with its distinctive rounded design and color options that were rare at the time. Among his favorites is the Samsung Serenata, a 2007 collaboration with Bang & Olufsen that he still considers “the most beautiful device in mobile phone history”.
Yasuhiro Yamane is a Japanese IT journalist who has covered smartphones for over 20 years and collected more than 1,800 mobile devices. He describes himself as a “mobile phone researcher” and primarily uses Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series as his daily driver.
But what drove Yamane to make the Galaxy Z TriFold trip wasn’t nostalgia, it was Samsung’s proven track record in foldable technology. “Samsung’s foldable lineup stands out not only for its display technology but also for its foldable-optimized user interface,” Yamane explained, citing features like split-screen functionality and exceptional multitasking.
- 10-inch tablet experience that folds into pocketable phone
- Exceptional multitasking with three-app split-screen support
- Remarkably thin 3.9mm unfolded profile
- Largest battery (5,600 mAh) ever in a Samsung foldable
- Standalone Samsung DeX support for desktop workflows
- 200MP camera system with OIS and 8K video
- IP48 water and dust resistance on a dual-hinge device
- Snapdragon 8 Elite performance with up to 1TB storage
- Limited to South Korea at launch; global availability unclear
- Premium $2,450 price point
- 309g weight heavier than standard phones
- No S Pen support despite large display
- No microSD card expansion
- Foldable screen durability concerns with UTG
- Single color option (Crafted Black)
- 12.9mm folded thickness bulkier than traditional phones
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Breaking the Phone-Tablet Boundary
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung’s most ambitious engineering achievement in the foldable category. Unlike traditional bi-fold devices, this smartphone features two hinges that allow it to unfold twice, transforming from a standard 6.5-inch phone into a sprawling 10-inch tablet.
When fully unfolded, the device measures just 3.9-4.2mm at its thinnest point, remarkably slim for a device containing two hinge mechanisms and a triple-panel battery system. Folded, it measures 159.2 x 75 x 12.9mm, making it pocketable despite its transformative capabilities.
The build quality incorporates Advanced Armor aluminum framing with titanium hinge housing, Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2 on the cover display, and a ceramic-glass fiber-reinforced polymer back. Samsung also achieved IP48 dust and water resistance, impressive given the complexity of dual-hinge architecture.
The 10-Inch Display Revolution
The Galaxy Z TriFold features a 10.0-inch QXGA+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X main display (2160 × 1584 pixels) with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and 4:3 aspect ratio. When folded, a 6.5-inch FHD+ cover screen (2520 × 1080 pixels) provides full smartphone functionality.
The 10-inch unfolded display delivers roughly the same screen real estate as three bar-type smartphones combined. Yamane noted that despite his initial concerns about the screen size, the display “felt solid yet slim, lightweight and comfortable to hold” when unfolded.
The 4:3 aspect ratio of the main display makes it ideal for productivity tasks, document editing, and reading closer to a tablet than a stretched phone screen. The 269 ppi density ensures sharp text rendering, while the 120Hz LTPO panel adapts refresh rates dynamically to balance smoothness with battery efficiency.
Weight and Portability Concerns Addressed
At 309 grams, the Galaxy Z TriFold is heavier than standard smartphones but lighter than most tablets. Yamane was pleasantly surprised: “When unfolded, the device felt solid yet slim, lightweight and comfortable to hold”.
For context, an iPad mini weighs 293-297g but lacks phone functionality and can’t fold into a pocket. The Galaxy Z TriFold’s weight is strategically distributed across its three panels, making it feel balanced rather than top-heavy when partially unfolded.
Technical Specifications That Matter
Display Technology
| Specification | Main Display | Cover Display |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10.0 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Resolution | 2160 × 1584 (QXGA+) | 2520 × 1080 (FHD+) |
| Technology | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 1600 nits peak | 2600 nits peak |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | 21:9 |
| Protection | UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) | Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2 |
Performance Hardware
The Galaxy Z TriFold runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the latest 3nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with two 4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and six 3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores. The Adreno 830 GPU clocked at 1200 MHz handles graphics-intensive tasks and supports Samsung DeX desktop mode.
Samsung offers two configurations: 512GB with 16GB RAM and 1TB with 16GB RAM both using UFS storage technology for fast read/write speeds. Notably, there’s no microSD card slot, making the storage choice permanent.
The device ships with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8, custom-built to take advantage of the triple-fold form factor with features like persistent taskbars, three-app split-screen views, and continuity between folded and unfolded states.
Camera System
Galaxy Z TriFold features a triple rear camera: 200MP wide (f/1.7, OIS), 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom, OIS), and 12MP ultrawide (120°). It includes a 10MP selfie camera on the main display and a 10MP cover camera, supporting 8K@30fps video recording.
The 200MP main sensor uses Samsung’s Adaptive Pixel technology, binning down to effective 12.5MP or 50MP shots depending on lighting conditions. The 1/1.3″ sensor size with 0.6µm pixels captures substantial light, while multi-directional PDAF and OIS ensure sharp images even in challenging conditions.
The telephoto camera offers true 3x optical zoom (67mm equivalent), sufficient for portraits and detail shots without quality degradation. The 12MP ultrawide (13mm, 120° field of view) covers landscape and group photography scenarios.
Video capabilities extend to 8K@30fps and 4K@60fps with 10-bit HDR recording and gyro-EIS stabilization. The front-facing cameras on both the unfolded display and cover screen support 4K recording at 30/60fps.
Battery and Charging
Samsung equipped the Galaxy Z TriFold with its largest foldable battery ever: 5,600 mAh distributed across three cells, with one cell integrated into each panel. This architectural choice ensures balanced weight distribution and thermal management.
Charging specifications:
- 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0 (wired) – reaches 50% in approximately 30 minutes
- 15W Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
- 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories like Galaxy Buds or smartwatches
The device supports QC2.0 quick charging standards and includes power management features that optimize battery longevity across the three-cell system.
Real-World Performance: Testing the Triple-Fold Experience
Productivity and Multitasking
Yamane’s real-world testing revealed the Galaxy Z TriFold’s true strength: productivity. “The productivity and multitasking enabled by the 10-inch unfolded display are impressive,” he noted, explaining that even with two apps open simultaneously, “the screen feels spacious and comfortable”.
The device handles three-app multitasking seamlessly. Yamane commonly runs email, maps, and PDF files side-by-side. The interface feels intuitive thanks to One UI’s optimizations for the dual-fold structure.
Practical use case: Yamane recommends holding the device vertically on public transport, with video playing on the top half and social media or messaging on the bottom. This vertical split-screen configuration works particularly well in confined spaces like subway cars, allowing efficient use of the large display without disturbing others.
For content creators and writers, pairing the Galaxy Z TriFold with a Bluetooth keyboard transforms it into a mobile workstation. “You can write articles while researching at the same time,” Yamane explained, highlighting the device’s ability to replace separate laptop and phone setups.
Samsung DeX Integration
The Galaxy Z TriFold is the first Samsung phone with fully standalone Samsung DeX support. Users can connect external keyboards, mice, or even monitors to create a complete desktop-like environment anywhere.
DeX mode on the 10-inch display provides enough screen real estate for desktop-class workflows without external monitors. Samsung includes a persistent taskbar, draggable windows, and file management features that mirror traditional desktop operating systems.
Entertainment Use Cases
Beyond productivity, the 10-inch AMOLED display excels at entertainment. Yamane describes it as providing “an immersive 10-inch viewing experience anywhere” simply by taking the device from your pocket and unfolding it.
The 4:3 aspect ratio suits reading digital magazines, comic books, and web browsing better than the elongated screens of standard phones. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling through social media feeds and fluid gaming experiences.
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support deliver spatial audio that matches the cinematic display quality. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is offset by Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD support for high-quality wireless audio.
Comparison: Galaxy Z TriFold vs. Standard Foldables
| Feature | Galaxy Z TriFold | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Huawei Mate XT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unfolded Display | 10.0″ (2160×1584) | 7.6″ (2160×1856) | 10.2″ (2232×2048) |
| Fold Mechanism | Dual inward-fold | Single inward-fold | Dual inward-fold |
| Weight | 309g | 239g | 298g |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Kirin 9010 |
| Battery | 5,600 mAh | 4,400 mAh | 5,600 mAh |
| Main Camera | 200MP | 50MP | 50MP |
| Price | ~$2,450 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,800 |
| Availability | South Korea | Global | China only |
The Galaxy Z TriFold sits between the more affordable Z Fold 6 and the premium Huawei Mate XT in terms of pricing. While Huawei pioneered the tri-fold category, Samsung’s stronger global presence and proven foldable reliability give it advantages in market reach.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy Z TriFold?
Ideal User Profiles
Yamane recommends the Galaxy Z TriFold specifically to three user groups:
1. Creators and Business Professionals: Those who frequently multitask and need mobile productivity will benefit most. The device can replace both tablet and laptop for many use cases.
2. Digital Nomads: Users who typically carry multiple devices can consolidate their tech stack. The combination of phone portability and tablet functionality eliminates the need for separate devices.
3. Entertainment Enthusiasts: Users who value immersive content consumption will appreciate the 10-inch viewing experience that unfolds from their pocket.
After returning to Japan, Yamane showed the device to approximately 100 acquaintances, most described it as “a completely new form factor” and expressed anticipation for its Japanese launch.
Price and Availability
Samsung launched the Galaxy Z TriFold in South Korea on December 12, 2025, priced at 3.59 million won (approximately $2,450 or ₹2,25,000). This represents a strategic price reduction from earlier rumors that suggested a 4 million won price tag.
The device is currently available only in Crafted Black, with model numbers including SM-D639B, SM-D639B/DS, SM-D639U, SM-D639U1, SM-D639N, and SM-D6390 for different regional variants. Global availability, including Japan, India, and other markets, has not been officially announced.
The price positions it competitively against Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate while undercutting the Chinese competitor by several hundred dollars. For reference, the price is approximately 29% higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, reflecting the additional engineering complexity of the dual-hinge system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the journalist with 1,800 phones travel to Korea for the Galaxy Z TriFold?
Yasuhiro Yamane, a Japanese IT journalist who has collected over 1,800 mobile phones across 20+ years, traveled from Hong Kong to Seoul specifically to purchase Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold because he believed it represented a unique breakthrough in foldable technology that would “open up new possibilities unlike anything we had seen before”. He couldn’t wait for a Japanese launch and wanted to be among the first to experience the device.
How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold cost?
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is priced at 3.59 million Korean won, which converts to approximately $2,450 USD or ₹2,25,000 INR. This makes it more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 but more affordable than competitors like the Huawei Mate XT, which costs around $2,800.
What is the screen size of the Galaxy Z TriFold when fully unfolded?
When fully unfolded, the Galaxy Z TriFold features a 10.0-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with 2160 × 1584 pixel resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This provides roughly the same screen real estate as three standard smartphones combined, making it ideal for multitasking and productivity.
Can the Galaxy Z TriFold replace a laptop for work?
The Galaxy Z TriFold can replace a laptop for many tasks, especially when paired with Samsung DeX, a Bluetooth keyboard, and mouse. It supports three-app split-screen multitasking, document editing, and desktop-class workflows. However, limitations include the mobile operating system, lack of full desktop software compatibility, and smaller screen compared to traditional laptops.
Is the Galaxy Z TriFold available globally?
As of December 2025, the Galaxy Z TriFold is only available in South Korea, where it launched on December 12, 2025. Samsung has not officially announced global availability, including markets like Japan, India, the United States, or Europe. The journalist Yasuhiro Yamane showed the device to about 100 people in Japan who expressed anticipation for a local launch.
How heavy is the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold?
The Galaxy Z TriFold weighs 309 grams (10.90 oz), making it heavier than standard smartphones but lighter than most tablets. The weight is distributed across three panels thanks to the triple-cell battery design, which helps it feel balanced when held. Journalist Yasuhiro Yamane noted that despite initial weight concerns, the device “felt solid yet slim, lightweight and comfortable to hold” when unfolded.
Does the Galaxy Z TriFold support S Pen stylus input?
No, the Galaxy Z TriFold does not support S Pen or any stylus input. This is due to the softness of the foldable display material constant stylus use would create permanent grooves on the screen. The lack of stylus support is a notable omission given the device’s large 10-inch display and productivity focus.
What makes the Galaxy Z TriFold different from regular foldable phones?
Unlike traditional foldable phones with a single hinge, the Galaxy Z TriFold features dual hinges that allow it to unfold twice, transforming from a standard 6.5-inch phone into a 10-inch tablet. This provides significantly more screen real estate for multitasking, productivity, and entertainment while maintaining pocketable portability when folded. It also includes a three-cell 5,600 mAh battery system and standalone Samsung DeX support.
