Convinced even before its launch that it was a must-have, Yamane traveled to Korea to purchase Samsung’s first multi-folding smartphone, Galaxy Z TriFold.

What led a veteran reviewer who has tested countless smartphones to call Galaxy Z TriFold “an entirely new kind of device”? Samsung Newsroom sat down with Yamane to hear his candid first impressions and hands-on experience.

Based in Hong Kong, Yamane has worked as a freelance journalist specializing in smartphones and telecommunications for more than two decades. Since about 2003, he has contributed to Japanese media outlets, produced industry reports and delivered lectures.

▲ Yasuhiro Yamane

What 1,800 Phones Reveal About Samsung

▲ Yamane introduces his collection of more than 1,800 mobile phones.

Q. How did you become an IT journalist and a “mobile phone researcher”? What led you to amass thousands of devices?

After working at a Japanese petrochemical company, I was assigned to Hong Kong as an expatriate, handling trade and sales. During that time, I encountered a wide range of mobile phones from around the world. The ease of swapping SIM cards made it possible to try new devices immediately and daily exposure soon sparked a deeper fascination. Rather than returning to Japan, I stayed in Hong Kong and began researching and covering mobile phones in earnest.

I rarely parted with devices I had previously used, even after buying new ones. When I came across interesting models at secondhand shops, I acquired them for research and documentation. Before long, my collection had grown to more than 1,800 phones.

I still remember the first Samsung product I ever bought — the SGH-E400, a flip phone released in 2003. With its distinctive, rounded design and red and champagne gold color options, the phone felt elegant — a design sensibility that was rare at a time when few rivals offered anything comparable.

Q. Do you have a favorite among your 1,800 phones?

▲ Serenata (model SGH-F310)

One standout is the Serenata, a premium music phone co-developed by Samsung and Bang & Olufsen in 2007. The sophisticated curved design, smooth sliding mechanism and sound quality — remarkable for a mobile phone — left a lasting impression. The level of craftsmanship was so high that even the alarm sounded pleasant. To this day, I consider it the most beautiful device in mobile phone history.

Q. What are the most important factors when choosing a mobile phone?

These days, even entry-level smartphones offer sufficient performance for everyday use. That’s why I value design just as much as performance, especially for a device I carry with me at all times. Given the nature of my work, experiencing new technologies is also essential.

For these reasons, I have primarily used Samsung smartphones. In recent years, Galaxy Z Fold series has been my main device.

From Purchase to First Impressions

Q. Why did you travel from Hong Kong to Korea to purchase Galaxy Z TriFold?

I believe Samsung’s foldable lineup stands out not only for its display technology but also for its foldable-optimized user interface. Features such as split-screen functionality and multitasking are exceptionally well executed.

When I heard that Samsung, a leader in the foldable market, was introducing a unique multi-folding form factor — Galaxy Z TriFold — I believed it would open up new possibilities unlike anything we had seen before. Eager to try it before anyone else, I traveled to Korea to purchase the device.

▲ Galaxy Z TriFold purchased in Korea by Yamane

Q. What were your first impressions of Galaxy Z TriFold?

From the moment I first held Galaxy Z TriFold, I was struck by the sense that it was “an entirely new kind of device” — one that breaks the boundary between a smartphone and a tablet. In terms of build quality and overall refinement, it felt to be on a completely different level from other smartphones.

Given Galaxy Z TriFold’s screen size — roughly equivalent to three bar-type smartphones combined — I was initially concerned about its weight and thickness. When unfolded, however, the device felt solid yet slim, lightweight and comfortable to hold. I couldn’t help but feel excited imagining the possibilities enabled by its expansive 10-inch (253-millimeter) display when fully unfolded.

Productivity Redefined by a Large Display

Q. How has your experience been using Galaxy Z TriFold? Do you have any tips for making the most of it?

The productivity and multitasking enabled by the 10-inch unfolded display are impressive. Even with two apps open at once, the screen feels spacious and comfortable. It is also well suited to running three apps simultaneously — such as checking email, navigating maps and reading PDF files.

▲ Yamane demonstrates the multi-window feature he frequently uses.

The device delivers a large display experience while still folding down into a portable smartphone. Thanks to a user interface optimized for its dual-fold structure, using Galaxy Z TriFold feels natural and intuitive.

One effective way to use it is to hold the device vertically, with video playing on the top half and social media or messaging apps on the bottom. Even in confined spaces such as a subway, this setup allows you to make efficient use of the large display without disturbing others. Paired with a Bluetooth keyboard, you can write articles while researching at the same time. Samsung DeX further extends the device’s productivity in a work environment.

Q. Who would you recommend Galaxy Z TriFold to?

I would especially recommend it to creators and business users who frequently multitask. For those who typically carry both a tablet and a laptop, Galaxy Z TriFold can handle most tasks on its own.

▲ Yamane regularly uses Galaxy Z TriFold for document-related tasks.

It is also appealing to users who enjoy a wide range of entertainment. Simply taking Galaxy Z TriFold out of your pocket and unfolding it reveals an immersive 10-inch viewing experience anywhere.

After returning to Japan, I showed the device to about 100 acquaintances — most of whom described it as “a completely new form factor” and expressed anticipation for its launch in Japan. I believe it is a device that allows anyone, anywhere, at any time to experience the true value of a large display.

A Glimpse of What’s Next

Q. As a mobile phone expert, what do you see as the symbolic significance of Galaxy Z TriFold’s launch?

Galaxy Z TriFold once again demonstrates Samsung’s comprehensive technological capabilities across both hardware and software. Through its slim yet durable folding technology, an interface optimized for a large display and a user-centric multitasking experience, the device points to what’s next in mobile innovation.

Q. How would you describe Galaxy Z TriFold in one sentence?

Galaxy Z TriFold is a smartphone that lets users experience future possibilities. By combining a smartphone and a tablet into one form, it offers appeal and potential that go beyond a simple “one plus one equals two” equation.

Q. What do you most look forward to from Samsung going forward?

Samsung has long driven innovation through technologies closely connected to everyday life. With Galaxy Z TriFold, I experienced just how enjoyable and comfortable a large, multi-folding display can be.

I look forward to smartphones and wearable devices that deliver broader functionality and richer display experiences. I plan to continue my work as a “mobile phone researcher,” as experiencing new form factors remains my greatest source of enjoyment. I’m excited to see how Samsung will surprise us next.

Galaxy Z TriFold features a 10-inch (253.1 mm) main screen that expands into a panoramic display for a cinematic viewing experience in vivid color and clarity. Multi-window lets users run three portrait-sized apps side by side, enabling endless versatility. Powered by Samsung DeX, the device transforms into a full working environment from virtually anywhere.

Lightweight and versatile, Galaxy Z TriFold opens limitless possibilities for everyday use and marks Samsung’s next step in mobile evolution. Watch the full unboxing video below to discover how Galaxy Z TriFold is redefining the foldable experience.

Built on a decade of foldable smartphone innovation, Galaxy Z TriFold demonstrates engineering mastery with its most advanced foldable technologies optimized for the unique demands of the form factor. This includes the enhanced robotic precision, craftsmanship and rigorous testing to deliver an innovative structure that performs reliably in daily life.

For example, two different-sized Armor FlexHinges — optimized for the multi-folding design — are assembled through advanced automated systems, while a specialized display attachment process and 3D laser scanning ensure the device’s surface quality and cinematic viewing experience on its 10-inch display.

Advanced inspection methods to achieve every small requirement, including high-speed CT scanning of the flexible printed circuit board verifies that it has been correctly manufactured according to the design ensuring accuracy and reliability before bonding it together with the display components.

For long-term reliability, Galaxy Z TriFold’s main display undergoes a 200,000-cycle multi-folding test — equivalent to folding the device approximately 100 times a day for five years — along with a series of scenario-based evaluations.

From manufacturing to everyday use, Galaxy Z TriFold is built to unfold new possibilities and elevate the user experience. Watch the full video below to witness the innovation and craftsmanship behind this groundbreaking device.

“Samsung’s relentless pursuit of new possibilities continues to shape the future of mobile experiences,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “Through years of innovation in foldable form factors, Galaxy Z TriFold solves one of the mobile industry’s longest-standing challenges — delivering the perfect balance between portability, premium performance and productivity all in one device. Galaxy Z TriFold now expands the boundaries of what’s possible for mobile work, creativity and connection.”­­

Shaping the Future With Decades of Mobile Expertise

Samsung has long led the mobile industry, pioneering new categories and experiences such as large screen devices, foldable form factors and the use of AI on a mobile device, with each of these innovations created with the user in mind. Backed by state-of-the-art R&D, end-to-end manufacturing and rigorous quality control, Galaxy Z TriFold showcases how Samsung continues to set new benchmarks for a phone that maximizes output while remaining portable.

In Samsung’s research and design process, innovation is driven by understanding how people use devices. The company’s decade-long experience in foldable category innovation inspired Galaxy Z TriFold’s unique multi-folding form factor, which uses an inward-folding design to protect the main display. The folding mechanism has been precisely engineered for easy opening and closing, with an auto-alarm alerting the user of incorrect folding through a series of on-screen alerts and vibrations. Every detail is crafted with precision and purpose to deliver an intuitive, user-friendly experience.

Measuring just 3.9 mm at its thinnest point,² Galaxy Z TriFold delivers flagship-level performance powered by the customized Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy,³ a 200 MP camera⁴ and the biggest battery Samsung has ever had in a foldable phone. The 5,600 mAh three-cell battery system⁵ has been placed in each of 3 panels of the device for balanced power delivery and all-day endurance. Combined with 45 W super-fast charging,⁶ Galaxy Z TriFold lets users stream, create and work without limits.

To balance the power of an ultra-quality device in a thin, portable frame, a re-optimization of the core foldable technology had been applied. Every part of the device was crafted with deep attention to structural innovation and product assurance:

• Samsung’s Most Advanced Hinges Yet: Drawing on its heritage in foldable phone innovation, Samsung refined the Armor FlexHinge to meet the unique demands of Galaxy Z TriFold. Two differently sized hinges with a dual-rail structure work in harmony, creating a smoother, more stable fold despite varying weight and components across the device. The hinge structure also allows the screen panels to meet securely with a minimal gap, enabling a thinner, more portable device.
• Restructured Foldable Display: Galaxy Z TriFold introduces new display technology made for the 10-inch screen that folds twice into a pocketable phone. A reinforced overcoat has been added to a shock-absorbing display layer for better resistance across the dual-folding device.
• Advanced Materials on the Exterior: The titanium hinge housing introduces a thin piece of metal that protects the folding mechanism and resists wear over time. The frame of the device is supported by Advanced Armor Aluminum,⁷ a high-strength alloy that adds rigidity without increasing bulk. The frame helps ensure that the screens don’t make contact with each other, and a ceramic-glass fiber-reinforced polymer back panel keeps the design thin yet resistant to cracks.
• High-Quality Inspection, on Each Device: Every unit goes through a series of strict quality checks to achieve every small requirement. For instance, CT scanning of the flexible printed circuit board verifies that it has been correctly manufactured according to the design, ensuring accuracy and reliability before bonding it together with the other internal display components. Laser scanning verifies that all internal components are mounted precisely at their intended height, securing surface quality.

Through design innovation, engineering excellence and high-quality standards, every device has been built to deliver the best user experience possible.

Samsung’s Most Versatile AI Phone, Powered by the Largest Screen

Productivity on Galaxy Z TriFold is heightened with powerful experiences, customized for the 10-inch display — the largest screen ever on a Galaxy phone. Like the users who inspired its dynamic design, Galaxy Z TriFold is powerful, versatile and ready for the modern AI era.

When Galaxy Z TriFold opens, the screen performs similarly to three 6.5-inch smartphones across the 10-inch display, giving users more room to multitask during their day. Users can use the screen with endless versatility — they can create across three different portrait-sized apps side-by-side without interruption, resize apps in multi-window to view the most important information clearly, or hold it in a vertical orientation when reviewing documents for improved focus. For example, an architect drafting design plans for a new home can use the large screen to operate three applications at the same time, to review blueprints, write a proposal, and calculate measurements in a single, multi-window workspace. If a call comes in unexpectedly, they can answer without disrupting their layout or losing their momentum. When it’s time to jump back into work, the Taskbar at the bottom right of the display instantly resurfaces recently used apps, bringing the full setup back into view with a single tap. Familiar apps and features, such as My Files and Samsung Health have also been optimized for a large screen, allowing users to organize and understand insights at a glance.

To match the powerful capabilities a screen of this size can provide, Galaxy Z TriFold is the first mobile phone to have standalone Samsung DeX⁸ available, meaning users can set up a full working environment from virtually anywhere. By going to the Quick Settings panel and selecting DeX for Galaxy’s most advanced work setup, users can access up to four workspaces that can each run five apps simultaneously. From there, they can review and edit a meeting presentation in one workspace and then quickly navigate to another to chat with friends and shop online. For even more productivity, users can add a secondary screen in Extended Mode, which enables a seamless dual-screen experience with an external monitor. Users can easily drag and drop apps across screens and work across both screens with desktop efficiency. Users can also add a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, instantly creating the ultimate portable workstation for complex projects or creative designs.

Every detail of Galaxy Z TriFold is designed for excellence — and with Galaxy AI,⁹ those capabilities elevate the device by making every feature more intuitive on a large screen. Features like Photo Assist, including Generative Edit and Sketch to Image, adapt to Galaxy AI flexibly with impressive scale, enabling users to capture and create with Samsung’s most versatile creative platform. Users can also easily compare before and after edits side by side. Browsing Assist can simplify how Samsung Internet is used as it can provide instant summaries or translations as needed.

Gemini Live on Galaxy Z TriFold is enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do. Users can seamlessly speak contextual questions and get answers without having to switch between apps for high level multitasking. The bigger screen provides design advice — when a user shows it a room, a shopping site and paint swatches, it will provide a custom recommendation. With screen or camera sharing on Gemini Live, users can simply ask questions about what they are viewing to get real-time assistance and insights — all on one device.

A Pocket-Sized, Cinematic Viewing Experience

Galaxy Z TriFold’s unique form factor unlocks not only increased possibilities for creating and working, but also provides a perfect canvas for high-quality viewing of photo and video content.

Designed for maximum viewing with greater portability, Galaxy Z TriFold’s expansive 10-inch main screen is perfect for getting lost in movies or shows. For an extended YouTube experience, users can now watch a video and read the comments side-by-side. Minimized creasing on the device keeps content seamless and uninterrupted, and once closed, its slim profile allows it to easily slide back into any pocket.

Drawing on Samsung’s expertise in visual display, the device provides silky-smooth visuals on a Dynamic 2X AMOLED¹⁰ cover screen with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Galaxy Z TriFold features a bright display both opened and closed, with up to 2600 nits on the cover display and 1600 nits on the main screen. With Vision Booster optimizing color and contrast in any lighting, every image and frame comes to life in vivid detail, creating a truly immersive experience.

Availability & Offers

Galaxy Z TriFold is expected to be available for purchase in Korea on Dec. 12, 2025, followed by other markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE and the U.S. At launch, Galaxy Z TriFold will be offered at select retail stores in respective launch countries for hands-on discovery of this exciting new device and in-store assistance. For more information, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, samsungmobilepress.com, or samsung.com.

Customers who purchase Galaxy Z TriFold can get a 6-month trial on Google AI Pro, with access to powerful features in the Gemini app like video generation powered by Veo3, plus 2TB of secure cloud storage.¹¹ To provide exceptional value to our esteemed Galaxy Z TriFold customers, Samsung is introducing an exclusive display repair benefit for Galaxy Z TriFold customers. As part of this program, every Galaxy Z TriFold purchaser will be eligible for a one-time 50 percent discount on display repair costs.

Specifications

1. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z TriFold’s Cover Screen size is 10.0 inches in a full rectangle and 9.9 inches accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎
2. Thickness measured from top to bottom of the device at the thinnest point, excluding the camera and the pre-installed protective film. Approximately 3.9 mm (screen with the SIM tray), 4.2 mm (center screen), 4.0 mm (screen with side button). ︎
3. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. ︎
4. Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel Sensor. The 2x distance is optical quality zoom. ︎
5. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 5437 mAh for Galaxy Z TriFold. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. ︎
6. Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 45 W Travel Adapter while it has 0 percent of power remaining, with all the services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. ︎
7. Frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel. ︎
8. Certain apps may not run or require a separate license (for purchase) on Samsung DeX. The following features require Android 16 or higher: launching Samsung DeX with drag and drop, Multi desktops and Extended mode. Samsung DeX wireless connection is supported with TVs that support Android smartphone screen mirroring (Miracast) only. There may be a difference in performance depending on TV’s specifications and Wi-Fi environment. Recommended to use Samsung Smart TVs launched after ’19. ︎
9. Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier. ︎
10. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on Galaxy Z TriFold based on Samsung internal testing for 100 percent Mobile Color Volume in the DCI-P3 Color range, which means your images aren’t washed out and you’ll get unbelievably vivid colors regardless of differing levels of brightness. ︎
11. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Terms apply. By subscribing, you agree to terms for Google One, AI Credits and offers. The offer ends on July 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time in the U.S. Please note that the deadline may vary by country. Only available for ages over 18. Unless canceled earlier, Google One will charge $19.99 per month after the trial ends (the prices are based on U.S. standards and may vary by country). Cancel anytime. Return of purchased device may result in cancellation of subscription. China, where Google services are not supported, is excluded. ︎