Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Review
| Price | $2,500 (512GB/16GB) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Display | Main: 10.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, 1600 nits); Cover: 6.5" Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz, 2600 nits, GG Ceramic 2) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 16GB RAM / 512GB or 1TB Storage (UFS 4.0) |
| Cameras | Rear: 200MP (OIS) + 10MP (3x Telephoto) + 12MP (Ultrawide) / Front: 10MP |
| Battery | 5600 mAh, 45W Wired, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless |
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold redefines the foldable phone experience with its innovative triple-folding design, transforming from a compact 6.5-inch device into an expansive 10.0-inch tablet. Powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and boasting a versatile 200MP camera system, it delivers unparalleled performance and photographic prowess. While its premium price and lack of S Pen support or a 3.5mm jack might be considerations, the TriFold stands as a bold statement in mobile innovation, blending productivity and portability seamlessly.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is a monumental leap in foldable technology, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. Its triple-folding mechanism is not just a gimmick; it genuinely offers a versatile form factor that caters to both smartphone portability and tablet-level productivity. While the $2,500 price tag places it firmly in the ultra-premium segment, the TriFold justifies much of its cost with groundbreaking design, top-tier performance, and a robust camera system. It's a device for early adopters and tech enthusiasts who demand the absolute latest in mobile innovation and are willing to invest in a truly transformative experience. For those seeking a device that seamlessly blends a phone and a tablet into one sleek package, the Galaxy Z TriFold is an undeniable contender, albeit one with a few minor compromises.
Design & Build
Samsung has once again showcased its engineering prowess with the Galaxy Z TriFold's revolutionary design. This device boasts a unique triple-folding mechanism, allowing it to transform from a pocketable 6.5-inch external display into an expansive 10.0-inch tablet. When folded, it measures 159.2mm (L) x 75mm (W) x 12.9mm (T) and weighs 309 grams, feeling substantial yet manageable. Unfolded, it stretches to 159.2mm (L) x 214.1mm (W) with a remarkably slim profile of 3.9-4.2mm. The build quality is premium, featuring an aluminum frame and a reinforced polymer back with glass and ceramic fibers, offering both durability and a sophisticated feel. Furthermore, the TriFold comes with an IP48 rating, providing excellent water resistance (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes) and decent dust protection, a welcome addition for a foldable device.
Display Quality
The Galaxy Z TriFold offers a dual-display experience that is nothing short of spectacular. The internal 10.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main screen is a visual feast, boasting a crisp 1584x2160 resolution and a fluid 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, dynamically adjusting from 1Hz to 120Hz for optimal power efficiency. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits and HDR support, content consumption is immersive, vibrant, and incredibly detailed. The external 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display is equally impressive, featuring a sharp 1080x2520 (+FHD) resolution and a staggering 2600 nits peak brightness, making it exceptionally legible even under direct sunlight. Protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and supporting 120Hz LTPO, this outer screen is not just a secondary panel but a fully capable, premium display for quick interactions.
Performance
Underpinning the Galaxy Z TriFold's advanced capabilities is the formidable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, fabricated on a cutting-edge 3nm process. This octa-core powerhouse is configured with two high-performance 4.47GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and six efficient 3.53GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores, ensuring blistering speed and seamless multitasking. Coupled with the Adreno 830 GPU, the device handles the most demanding games and graphics-intensive applications with ease, delivering a consistently smooth and responsive user experience. With 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and ultra-fast UFS 4.0 internal storage (available in 512GB or 1TB options), the TriFold is built for uncompromising performance, though the absence of expandable storage might be a minor drawback for some power users.
Camera System
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is equipped with a professional-grade camera system designed to capture stunning images and videos in almost any scenario. The rear setup features a powerful 200MP main sensor with an F/1.7 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and autofocus (AF), delivering exceptional detail and low-light performance. Complementing this is a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, OIS, and AF, perfect for capturing distant subjects with clarity, alongside a 12MP ultrawide lens with AF for expansive landscape shots. Video capabilities are equally impressive, supporting 8K recording at 30fps, 4K at up to 120fps, and advanced features like HDR10+ and 10-bit Log format. The 10MP front-facing camera, with its F/2.2 aperture, ensures high-quality selfies and video calls, supporting 4K recording at 30/60fps.
Battery Life
Powering the innovative Galaxy Z TriFold is a substantial 5600 mAh battery, designed to keep up with the demands of its dual-display, high-performance hardware. While the exact real-world endurance will vary with usage, this capacity should provide a full day of moderate to heavy use. The device supports 45W wired fast charging, capable of replenishing 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes, which is respectable but not class-leading compared to some competitors. Additionally, it offers convenient 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power up other compatible accessories, adding to its overall utility.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Revolutionary triple-folding Dynamic AMOLED display (up to 10.0 inches) with 120Hz LTPO and high brightness.
- ✓ Unrivaled performance from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
- ✓ Exceptional and versatile camera system with 200MP main sensor, 3x optical zoom, OIS, and 8K video.
- ✓ Robust IP48 water and dust resistance for added durability.
- ✓ Immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and 7 years of software updates.
Cons
- ✕ Premium price point of $2,500 makes it inaccessible for many.
- ✕ Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- ✕ No support for S Pen or any other stylus.
- ✕ No expandable storage via microSD card.
- ✕ 45W fast charging, while decent, is not the fastest compared to some rivals in its price segment.