Samsung's entry into the tri-fold smartphone market with the Galaxy Z TriFold represents a significant engineering challenge, balancing expansive screen real estate with a sleek, portable form factor. A key hurdle in this pursuit of thinness was integrating wireless charging without compromising the device's profile. New details have emerged about the custom solution Samsung employed, revealing the specific trade-offs and technological partnerships that made the TriFold's signature feature possible.
The Engineering Imperative Behind a Custom Charging Module
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold's defining characteristic is its remarkably slim profile when unfolded, measuring just 3.9mm. This ultra-thin design left no room for a standard wireless charging coil, which would have forced Samsung to either increase the device's thickness or reduce battery capacity. To solve this, Samsung turned to its long-time supplier, Witz—a company that originated from Samsung Electro-Mechanics. Witz developed a bespoke, ultra-thin wireless charging module specifically engineered for the TriFold's unique structure. This partnership was essential to maintaining the phone's sleek aesthetic while still providing the convenience of cord-free power.
Key Specifications: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
- Form Factor: Tri-fold smartphone
- Thickness: 12.9mm (folded), 3.9mm (unfolded)
- Wireless Charging: 15W (Qi standard)
- Certification: Qi2 Ready (requires magnetic case for full functionality)
- Wired Charging: 45W
- Reverse Wireless Charging: 4.5W
- Battery: 5,600mAh (three-cell)
- Charging Module Supplier: Witz (custom, ultra-thin design)
- Initial Markets: South Korea, China
- US Availability: Expected Q1 2026
Specifications and Performance of the Wireless Charging System
The custom Witz module enables the Galaxy Z TriFold to support 15W wireless charging based on the Wireless Power Consortium's (WPC) Qi standard. This places it on par with the charging speed of Samsung's current flagship foldables, like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, it falls short of the faster 25W Qi2.2 speeds that are beginning to appear in the market. The phone is equipped with a substantial 5,600mAh battery, split across three cells, and supports 45W wired charging. It also includes 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing users to top up accessories like earbuds directly from the phone.
Wireless Charging Comparison
| Device | Wireless Charging Speed | Standard | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold | 15W | Qi (Qi2 Ready) | Custom thin module; no built-in magnets |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | 15W | Qi | Current flagship foldable |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Rumored) | 25W | Qi2.2 | Next-gen flagship (unreleased) |
| Pixel 10 Series | 15W+ | Qi2 | Full built-in magnet implementation |
Understanding the "Qi2 Ready" Certification and Its Limitations
A notable point in the TriFold's marketing is its "Qi2 Ready" certification. This indicates the phone's hardware is compatible with the newer Qi2 standard, which incorporates magnets for perfect accessory alignment. Crucially, the TriFold itself lacks built-in magnets. To use magnetic Qi2 chargers or accessories like wallets, users must purchase a separate "Qi2 Ready" case that contains the necessary magnetic ring. This design choice was likely another concession to the phone's thinness, allowing Samsung to offer future-ready compatibility without adding internal components that could impact the form factor.
Market Context and Availability
The Galaxy Z TriFold is Samsung's first foray into the tri-fold segment, arriving as the third such device on the global market after two models from Huawei. It distinguishes itself with a different folding mechanism and the inclusion of two displays. Initially launched in South Korea and China, the device is confirmed for a US release, expected in the first quarter of 2026. This strategic rollout positions Samsung to compete directly in a nascent but high-profile category of foldable smartphones.
The Trade-Off: Thinness Versus Cutting-Edge Charging Speed
The TriFold's story highlights a central tension in modern smartphone design: the pursuit of extreme thinness often comes at the cost of adopting the very latest component technology. By opting for a custom 15W Qi solution instead of a faster, potentially thicker Qi2.2 module, Samsung prioritized the TriFold's svelte unfolded profile. This decision underscores that for this first-generation tri-fold, the physical design and user experience of a remarkably thin device were the primary engineering goals, with wireless charging speed being a secondary, though still competent, consideration.