Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold: Expensive and Half-Baked

• Key Takeaways:

• Samsung’s first trifold, the Galaxy Z TriFold, starts at roughly $2,500.
• The device has two folds and two internal screens, available first in South Korea and coming to the US.
• Reviewers say it’s pricier than other foldables and shows usability and polish problems.

What the TriFold is

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold is the company’s first three-pane folding smartphone. It adds a second hinge and a second internal display to the foldable formula Samsung helped popularize in 2019.

Design and hardware

The TriFold uses two hinges to create three usable display panels when unfolded. Samsung says the design aims to bridge the gap between phones and small tablets, giving more screen area in a single device.

Physically, the design makes the TriFold more complex and thicker than single-fold phones. That extra complexity is part of why the device is both expensive and, according to early reviews, less refined in everyday use.

Price and availability

Pricing starts at about $2,500 — roughly the cost of two high-end smartphones. Samsung initially launched the TriFold in South Korea, with plans to bring it to the US market soon.

The price positions the TriFold above most mainstream foldables and raises questions about who the device is for: enthusiasts, early adopters, or professionals seeking extra screen real estate.

Usability concerns

Early hands-on reports highlight that adding a second fold introduces new usability trade-offs. The extra hinge complicates single-handed use and pocketability, and software needs to catch up to make three-pane workflows smooth.

Reviewers note that while the concept is compelling, execution feels unfinished: apps and multitasking don't always take full advantage of the unusual display layout, and the device carries the ergonomic compromises of its engineering.

Where it fits in Samsung’s lineup

Samsung released multiple folding phones in 2025, and the TriFold is its most ambitious step yet. It clearly targets a niche at the high end of the market rather than mainstream buyers.

If you value compact multi-window productivity and can absorb the $2,500 price, the TriFold is an intriguing forward-looking device — but for most users, current single-fold phones (like the Galaxy Z Fold line) remain the more practical choice.

Bottom line

The Galaxy Z TriFold shows what a trifold phone can be, but its steep price and rough edges make it a risky buy for anyone not specifically seeking the extra display space.