Samsung’s New Monster Galaxy Z Trifold released officially.
1. The Game Changer: 4:3 Aspect Ratio
The biggest complaint with the Z Fold series has always been the aspect ratio. When you open a standard Fold, it’s a weird square (roughly 10:9). But the Z Trifold? It opens up to a massive 10.2-inch screen with a 4:3 ratio.
The Good: This is basically an iPad screen that fits in your pocket. Watching videos feels cinematic without massive black bars, and browsing the web feels like using a desktop. It’s no longer a “big phone”; it is legitimately a “foldable tablet.”
The Build: When unfolded, it is shockingly thin—about 3.9mm to 4.2mm. It feels premium and futuristic. Plus, the cover screen finally has that anti-reflective (AR) coating we saw on the S24 Ultra, making it super clear even under the Seoul sun.
2. The Trade-offs: Weight and “The Gap”
Of course, folding a phone twice comes with physical costs.
The Bad: It weighs about 309g (actually closer to 320g with a case). For context, an iPhone Pro Max is heavy, but this is like carrying a brick. You cannot use this with one hand when folded.
The Hinge: There are two different hinges. While the engineering is impressive, when you fold it 90 degrees, there’s a visible gap in the larger hinge. Living in a dusty city? That’s a potential hazard zone for debris.
Ergonomics: When you rotate it, the cameras sometimes get in the way of your grip, and the button placement can get confusing depending on the orientation.
3. Z Trifold vs. Z Fold 7: The Showdown
For my friends back in the States wondering if they should wait for this or just grab the Z Fold 7, here is the breakdown:
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Galaxy Z Trifold |
| Inner Screen | 7.6 inches (Boxy ratio) | 10.2 inches (4:3 Tablet ratio) |
| Weight | ~239g | ~320g (Heavy!) |
| Portability | Standard Phone feel | Chunky, noticeable in pocket |
| Price (KR) | ~2.1 Million KRW | 3.59 Million KRW |
| Price (Est. USD) | ~$1,600 USD | ~$2,700 USD |
Verdict: If you want a phone that opens up, stick with the Fold 7. But if you want to replace your tablet and laptop and don’t mind carrying a heavier device, the Trifold is in a league of its own.
4. Samsung DeX: The Secret Weapon
This is where the Trifold justifies its price tag. On the Fold 7, DeX is cool but cramped. On the Trifold’s 10-inch screen, Tablet-version DeX is a beast.
- PC Experience: You don’t need an external monitor. You can pop open 3+ windows, have a taskbar, and essentially run a Windows-like environment right on the device.
- Productivity: Pair this with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and you genuinely do not need a laptop for coffee shop work sessions.
- Concern: With a high-performance chip (Snapdragon 8 Elite) and a 5,600mAh battery powering that huge screen, I am a little worried about heat and battery life during long DeX sessions. We’ll need more testing there.
5. Release Date & Availability
Korea: Launched December 12, 2025. It is currently sold out online and limited quantities are in offline stores like Samsung Gangnam and department stores.
North America: Samsung usually staggers these experimental releases. Based on previous trends, I expect a US announcement or limited release around early 2026 (likely January or February), possibly alongside the Galaxy S26 Unpacked event.
Final Thoughts
At 3.59 million KRW (approx. $2,700 USD), this device is absurdly expensive. It costs more than a MacBook Pro. However, it is the first time I’ve felt that a foldable phone isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a valid 3-in-1 device (Phone, Tablet, PC).
If you are an early adopter in the US, start saving up now. For everyone else, maybe wait for Gen 2 when they shave off some weight. But man, seeing it in person? It’s definitely a flex.
