Samsung has officially entered the high-stakes tri-fold smartphone arena in China, one of the world's most competitive mobile markets. The Galaxy Z TriFold, which debuted in South Korea earlier in December 2025, is now available for pre-order in the region, setting up a direct clash with Huawei's recently launched Mate XTs. This move signals Samsung's commitment to pushing the boundaries of foldable form factors beyond the now-familiar book-style and flip designs, aiming to redefine productivity and portability for premium users.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold enters the Chinese market with a premium price tag that squarely targets the ultra-high-end segment. It is offered in two configurations: a 16GB RAM with 512GB storage model priced at CNY 19,999 (approximately USD 2,830), and a top-tier 16GB+1TB variant for CNY 21,999 (approximately USD 3,110). This pricing strategy places it in direct competition with Huawei's Mate XTs, which starts at a slightly lower CNY 17,999 for its base model but matches Samsung's pricing for the equivalent 512GB and 1TB storage options. The battle for dominance in the nascent tri-fold category is heating up, with both tech giants betting on consumers' willingness to pay a significant premium for groundbreaking screen real estate and multitasking capabilities.
China Market Pricing & Competition
| Device | Configurations & Price (CNY) | Key Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold | 16+512GB: CNY 19,999 ( |
Huawei Mate XTs |
| Huawei Mate XTs | 16+256GB: CNY 17,999 (~$2,550) 16+512GB: CNY 19,999 16+1TB: CNY 21,999 | Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold |
Design and Display Engineering
At the heart of the Galaxy Z TriFold is a sophisticated inward-folding design that protects the primary display when closed. Samsung has engineered a unique dual-rail hinge system, branded as the Armor FlexHinge, to manage the complex weight distribution and mechanical stress across three panels. This allows the device to fold smoothly and maintain a remarkably slim profile, with its thinnest point measuring just 3.9mm. When fully unfolded, users are presented with a expansive 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a QXGA resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid interactions. The screen is bright enough for most conditions, with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. For use in its folded state or for quick glances, a 6.5-inch outer cover screen boasts an impressive 2,600 nits of peak brightness, ensuring visibility even in harsh sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display (Unfolded) | 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QXGA+, 120Hz, 1600 nits peak |
| Display (Cover) | 6.5-inch, 2600 nits peak |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM/Storage | 16GB + 512GB / 16GB + 1TB |
| Rear Camera | 200MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 10MP (inner & outer) |
| Battery & Charging | 5,600mAh (tri-cell), 45W wired fast charging |
| OS | One UI 8 (Android 16) |
| Satellite Comms (China) | Tiantong satellite calling |
| Notable Feature | Standalone Samsung DeX on device |
| Folded Thickness | ~12mm |
| Weight | ~309g |
Performance and Core Specifications
Powering the experience is the custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy, Qualcomm's flagship chipset designed to handle intensive multitasking and the graphical demands of the large, high-resolution display. A substantial 5,600mAh battery, split into a three-cell system for better weight distribution and thermal management, provides the necessary endurance. It supports 45W wired fast charging for quick top-ups. The camera system is headlined by a 200-megapixel main sensor, supported by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens, catering to versatile photography needs. Both the inner and outer displays house 10-megapixel front-facing cameras.
Software, AI, and Unique Features
The device runs on One UI 8 based on Android 16, integrating Samsung's suite of Galaxy AI features for enhanced photo editing, translation, and productivity. A standout software feature is a new, standalone version of Samsung DeX. This allows users to transform the 10-inch display into a PC-like desktop interface without needing to connect to an external monitor, supporting multiple virtual desktops and windows for a true laptop replacement experience. Notably, for the Chinese market, Samsung has integrated Tiantong satellite connectivity, enabling emergency calls and messaging in areas without traditional cellular coverage, a feature increasingly demanded by premium users in the region.
Supply Chain and Component Innovation
A key enabler of the TriFold's design is its touch and fingerprint technology, supplied by Chinese firm Goodix (Huiding Technology). The company provided a highly customized touch solution capable of handling the challenges of a multi-fold, ultra-thin flexible display. This includes algorithms for intelligent shape-switching to prevent accidental touches in different folded states and maintaining consistent touch responsiveness. Goodix also supplied an ultra-narrow 1.65mm capacitive side-mounted fingerprint sensor that fits seamlessly into the device's slim frame, offering reliable biometric security whether the phone is folded or unfolded.
Conclusion and Market Outlook
The launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold in China marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of foldable phones. By introducing a tri-fold form factor, Samsung is not just iterating on existing designs but attempting to create a new category that bridges the gap between smartphones and tablets more effectively than ever before. Its success will depend on convincing consumers that the substantial price is justified by unparalleled gains in productivity and a robust, premium hardware experience. With Huawei as a formidable local competitor, the Chinese market will serve as a critical testing ground for this ambitious vision of mobile computing's future.