Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

In case you missed it, Samsung finally announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, and it’s coming to Singapore. While it’s not the first commercially available tri-fold phone here, the Galaxy Z TriFold still packs a unique design that transforms from a compact handset into a tablet-like display.

Samsung gave us an early experience with the Galaxy Z TriFold (before it hits retail shelves on 19 December 2025), where we tried the features designed for its form factor.

Since our previous article already covered the core specs and components, our demo focuses on real-world usage.

Surprisingly normal-sized for a three-panel phone

We start with the folded state first.

The Galaxy Z TriFold (12.9mm) was barely thicker than a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (12.1mm). Despite that, holding the Galaxy Z TriFold in one hand was still relatively easy, and its sleek design kept it from feeling bulky.

Also, while it weighs a whopping 309g, the phone doesn’t feel like it would get in the way during use. However, it makes itself known once it's in your pants pockets.

Also pleasant was the 6.5-inch Cover Screen, which Samsung ensured that it looked and felt like using a conventional smartphone. It’s sharp, and still clocks 1-120Hz refresh rate, which meant it was competent at handling high-framerate video content.

The hinges ensured that Galaxy Z TriFold’s unfolding felt deliberate, and it’s made more intuitive with a satisfying click when you have its tablet-like display out. We’re also confident of its durability, since it uses the same hinge materials found on the Galaxy Z Fold7.

Once unfolded, the Galaxy Z TriFold opens up to a 10-inch Main Screen (4:3 aspect ratio) that’s almost tablet-like.

What stood out was how ultra-thin it became, but it somehow doesn't feel as heavy as a true tablet. The phone’s mass was well balanced and evenly distributed to minimise any lopsidedness.

Unfortunately, the creases on the Main Display were obvious (now there are two!), but it goes away once you start having content playing in earnest.

Folding the phone back to its compact mode requires some effort. The tactile feedback from the hinges as you start folding was much appreciated, and Samsung even included an alert if you folded the rear camera panel inward first.

Then again, the Galaxy Z TriFold’s folding was fairly intuitive, since the correct folding method is very similar to a peanut-flavoured min jiang kueh (pan-fried flour cake)’s fold.

Standalone DeX and multi-app, or just one big app

We tested the Galaxy Z TriFold’s Samsung DeX Mode, and it was truly standalone. You could unfold it into its tablet form and treat the device as a display where you run multiple desktop-like instances of up to five apps each. Samsung DeX also includes Wireless DeX, so you can also wirelessly cast the contents to a compatible screen or monitor.

With the Galaxy Z TriFold’s display real estate offered, we could pin three apps simultaneously. It can also run a fourth app, but as a movable pop-up window; not a full edge-to-edge display.

The Galaxy AI and Gemini Live experiences were also similar to past Samsung premium devices.

We tested the 200MP main camera, and it was excellent as expected.

But how would it fare in the long term?

Given time constraints and that ours was a pre-production, non-retail unit, the items we could confidently try were limited.

We also noticed that the folded phone was slightly uneven in width. We hope Samsung will address this quickly, given that the device isn’t likely to be pennies to a dollar.

Also, a demo experience doesn’t guarantee how the device would fare long-term, but we can say our local Samsung counterpart recognises the importance of after-sales support and has a one-year warranty period that covers:

• Priority Service Queue at Samsung Experience Stores
• Support Hotline service at 1800-SAMSUNG
• Unlimited Repair Pickup and Delivery for main inner screen
• One-time inner screen replacement (subject to S$200 service fee)
• Complimentary Screen Protector replacement for inner screen
• One 50% discount on any out-of-warranty repairs

This is unique to the Singapore market, since the global promotion just packs in free trials for AI and limited-time 2TB cloud storage. Past Samsung foldables also didn’t provide much assurance without buying an extra warranty like Samsung Care+, so it’s clear that the local Samsung team is paying attention and making sure its potential users can at least enjoy the phone for some time.

Our hands-on analysis

We think the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold certainly scratches an itch most people wouldn’t think they’d have.

The idea of a lighter, more portable tablet that’s also a pocketable phone clearly shows non-tablet users why people would willingly spend on premium Android tablets. The larger display and multitasking cannot be overstated.

Those looking to carry fewer devices would also appreciate the added utility of a 10-inch display they can use anywhere, anytime.

Since this is Samsung’s maiden voyage into uncharted tri-fold territory, it’s unlikely that the phone will become mainstream in just one attempt.

However, Samsung has impressed some users with its previous foldable product, the Galaxy Z Fold7. It also has a long history of having Galaxy Tab S-series tablets, which is assuring, too. The upsized warranty also makes it a little easier to believe that Samsung isn’t just treating the foldable as a pet project and that it’s serious about the device (at least, until the next big thing comes along).

Users looking for a head-turning Christmas gift might find it in the Galaxy Z TriFold, for novelty’s sake. Since it’s being introduced outside of Samsung’s expected launch cycle, purchasing one will depend on their phone budget for the time ahead.

For our full assessment, stay tuned to our upcoming review.

In Singapore, the Galaxy Z TriFold begins retail on 19 December 2025.

Interested folks can register their interest between 3 and 10 December 2025, and a reminder to buy on Samsung’s online store will be sent out on 12 December 2025.