The landscape of foldable smartphones is evolving beyond the simple book-style design. Following Huawei's pioneering efforts, Samsung has officially thrown its hat into the tri-fold ring with the Galaxy Z TriFold. This new device represents a significant engineering challenge, aiming to deliver a tablet-sized screen that folds down to a pocketable form factor. With a starting price of CNY 17,290, it positions itself as a premium productivity and entertainment device, setting the stage for a direct showdown with Huawei's established tri-fold offerings. This article delves into the specifications, design philosophy, and market implications of Samsung's latest ambitious foldable.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display (Internal) | 10.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1600 nits peak |
| Display (External) | 6.5-inch, 2600 nits peak |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 16GB RAM, 512GB / 1TB storage |
| Battery & Charging | 5600mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Rear Camera | 200MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto (2x optical) |
| Front Camera | 10MP (cover) + 10MP (inner) |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | Thinnest point: 3.9mm |
| Weight | 309 grams |
| Folding Mechanism | Dual inward fold |
| Key Software Feature | Standalone Samsung DeX on device |
| Launch Price (South Korea) | KRW 3,590,400 (~CNY 17,290) |
| Initial Release Date | December 12, 2025 (South Korea) |
| Chinese Release | Expected before end of December 2025 |
Samsung Unveils Its First Tri-Fold Smartphone
Samsung has formally announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, marking its entry into the multi-foldable smartphone market. The device is scheduled to launch first in South Korea on December 12, 2025, with a Chinese release expected before the end of the month. This strategic rollout highlights the importance of the Asian market for cutting-edge mobile technology. The company has expressed strong confidence in this new form factor, stating in its press release that the design was "long overdue" and embodies "engineering mastery" optimized for the unique demands of multiple folds.
Engineering a Dual Inward Fold
The Galaxy Z TriFold's most defining characteristic is its dual inward-folding hinge mechanism. This design philosophy prioritizes the protection of the primary flexible display by enclosing it within the device when folded. Samsung has engineered the hinge for precise operation, incorporating alerts and haptic feedback to guide users if they attempt to fold it incorrectly. When fully closed, the phone presents a conventional 6.5-inch external cover screen for everyday tasks. In its fully unfolded state, the device reveals a expansive 10-inch main display, creating a screen area equivalent to three 6.5-inch smartphones side-by-side.
Samsung Z TriFold vs. Huawei Mate XTs: Core Differences
- Folding Direction: Samsung uses an inward fold to protect the main screen; Huawei's Mate XTs uses an outward, Z-shaped fold.
- Software Ecosystem: The Z TriFold runs Android 16 with full Google services; the Mate XTs runs HarmonyOS 5.1 without native Google apps outside China.
- Stylus Support: The Huawei Mate XTs supports the M-Pen 3 stylus; the Samsung Z TriFold does not have official stylus support.
- Charging Speed: Huawei offers faster charging (66W wired, 50W wireless) compared to Samsung's 45W wired, 15W wireless.
- Desktop Mode: Samsung's DeX works on the device's own screen; Huawei's desktop mode requires an external display for projection.
Display Technology and Form Factor
Samsung has equipped the Z TriFold with high-performance displays tailored for its unique structure. The internal 10-inch panel is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen supporting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. To withstand the stresses of a double fold, Samsung has added a reinforced coating to the shock-absorbing display layer. The external 6.5-inch cover screen boasts an even higher peak brightness of 2600 nits. Physically, the device is an exercise in managing thickness and weight; it measures between 3.9mm and 4.2mm at various points when unfolded and weighs 309 grams, making it a substantial yet portable device.
Performance and Core Specifications
At its heart, the Galaxy Z TriFold is powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, built on an advanced 3nm process. It is paired with a generous 16GB of RAM and offers storage options of 512GB or 1TB. Powering the system is a 5600mAh battery, which supports 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. This hardware configuration is designed to handle intensive multitasking and the demands of driving a large, high-resolution display, positioning the TriFold as a true flagship device in terms of raw performance.
Camera System and Imaging
The imaging system on the Z TriFold is housed in a vertical camera module on the rear, similar in design to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It features a triple-camera array led by a 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 wide-angle main sensor, complemented by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, the device includes two 10-megapixel cameras: one on the cover screen and one on the inner display. This setup provides versatility for both photography and videoconferencing in various device modes.
Software and Productivity Features
The software experience is built around this novel hardware. The large 10-inch canvas enables true multi-window productivity, allowing users to run three different applications simultaneously with resizable windows. A key software advantage is the inclusion of a standalone version of Samsung DeX, which transforms the device's own large screen into a desktop-like interface without needing an external monitor. This, combined with full Google Mobile Services and Android 16, offers a seamless and familiar ecosystem for global users seeking a mobile productivity powerhouse.
Market Position and Direct Competition
The launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold sets up a fascinating head-to-head competition with Huawei's Mate XTs series, which has already iterated on the tri-fold concept. The two companies have adopted fundamentally different approaches: Samsung uses an inward fold for display protection, while Huawei's Mate XTs utilizes an outward-folding "Z" shape that keeps the main screen partially exposed. This core difference in folding philosophy, along with variations in software ecosystems—Samsung's Android vs. Huawei's HarmonyOS—and specific feature sets like stylus support on Huawei, will be critical factors for consumers deciding between these two technological marvels.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold carries a premium price tag, starting at KRW 3,590,400 in South Korea, which translates to approximately CNY 17,290. This positions it firmly in the high-end segment of the smartphone market. Its imminent release in China later in December 2025 will see it compete directly in a market where Huawei has a strong foothold and where consumer appetite for innovative foldable technology is particularly high. The success of the Z TriFold will be a key test of whether Samsung's inward-folding, software-integrated approach can win over enthusiasts and professionals looking for the next evolution in mobile computing.