The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Is This $3,000 Foldable Phone Worth It?

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Trifold has arrived, clocking in at a jaw-dropping $3,000—but does it finally deliver on the promise of a truly versatile foldable phone? On Tech News Weekly, CNET’s Abrar Al-Heeti shared her exclusive first-hand impressions after purchasing and testing the device, discussing its design, usability, software, and whether this triple-fold concept is actually practical for everyday users.

What Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold and How Does It Work?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold is a cutting-edge foldable smartphone that folds in three segments, thanks to two distinct hinges and three display panels. Unlike previous “bi-fold” designs (which open like a book), the trifold aims to function as both a compact phone and a full-sized tablet. According to Abrar Al-Heeti on this week’s episode, the device can transition from a standard phone form factor to a sprawling 10-inch display, providing substantial screen real estate for productivity and entertainment.

Samsung is releasing this model in very limited batches, and there are currently no media review units—prompting reviewers like Abrar Al-Heeti to purchase retail units directly.

Galaxy Z Trifold Design: How Practical Is This Triple-Fold?

On Tech News Weekly, Abrar Al-Heeti described the trifold’s mechanism as a “pamphlet-style” opening, which keeps the cover screen protected and minimizes fingerprint smudges on the main display. For those concerned about durability, Samsung includes clear warnings not to remove the pre-installed screen protector, as with previous foldable models.

Unboxing offers a premium feel—complete with a charging brick (unusual for 2026 smartphones)—but the packaging isn’t excessively luxurious beyond practical protections. The phone’s heft, unfolding action, and unique design provide a distinctly high-tech experience.

Is the Software Ready for a Trifold Phone?

One of the biggest challenges for foldables is software adaptation. Abrar Al-Heeti noted that Samsung is pushing its DeX platform, which turns the trifold into a multi-window, multitasking powerhouse. This flexibility makes the device genuinely useful for those wanting a pocketable device that can also serve as a tablet.

Typing on the unfolded 10-inch display uses a split keyboard, which could be a stretch for those with smaller hands. Despite these growing pains, the overall user interface remains familiar to Samsung users, performing similarly to recent Samsung devices but optimized to take advantage of the extra screen.

Is a $3,000 Foldable Really Useful?

The Galaxy Z Trifold targets a niche audience: enthusiasts, professionals, or anyone seeking a hybrid phone-tablet experience. According to Abrar Al-Heeti, the trifold format feels much more logical than previous foldables—delivering a big enough screen to justify its engineering.

Mikah Sargent echoed this, stating that while most foldables seem like compromises, the trifold genuinely bridges the smartphone and tablet gap. Both hosts agreed that while the clamshell flip and trifold form factors are most appealing, the traditional bi-fold has not won them over due to awkward sizing.

What You Need to Know

• Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold is a $3,000, limited-edition foldable phone offering both compact and 10-inch tablet modes.
• Design highlights: Pamphlet-style tri-fold, less exposed display, fingerprint-resistant (to a degree), and comes with a charging brick.
• Software: Samsung’s DeX enables desktop-like multitasking; split keyboard on large screen takes adjustment.
• Durability: Pre-installed screen protector shouldn’t be removed; hardware feels premium with practical packaging.
• Market: Aimed at tech enthusiasts or those craving a true phone-tablet hybrid—most likely not for mainstream buyers yet.
• Battery life and deeper performance analysis are still being tested; ongoing review at cnet.com by Abrar Al-Heeti
• Current drawbacks: High price, app developer readiness, and ergonomic learning curve.
• Alternative foldables (like clamshells) might be more sensible for everyday users, but the trifold demonstrates serious innovation.

The Bottom Line

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Trifold marks a significant leap for foldable smartphones, finally delivering a product that convincingly doubles as both a phone and a tablet. While the $3,000 price tag keeps it out of reach for most, early impressions from Abrar Al-Heeti suggest it’s a practical, delightfully engineered device best suited for power users and early adopters who want maximum multitasking in their pocket. The mainstream may not be ready just yet, but the trifold may set the standard for future foldable innovation.

Follow Tech News Weekly for the latest firsthand reviews, expert commentary, and breaking tech trends every week.

Subscribe to Tech News Weekly:
https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly/episodes/423