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Samsung launches Galaxy Z TriFold with 10-inch tri-fold screen

Samsung
Samsung - Grand Warszawski / Shutterstock.com

Samsung Electronics announced the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first smartphone with a tri-fold screen, at an event held at Seul this Tuesday. The device, aimed at premium users, hits the South Korean market on December 12 for US$2,443, equivalent to around R$13,000 at the current price. The novelty stands out for its 10-inch internal screen, which expands from a portable format to an experience similar to a tablet, meeting demands for greater productivity on the go.

The Galaxy Z TriFold appears amid the expansion of the foldable segment, where the Samsung maintains leadership with a 64% share in the third quarter of 2025. it measures just 3.9mm at its thinnest point when unfolded. The company emphasizes improvements in durability, with titanium hinges and reinforced aluminum structure.

  • Main dimensions: 159.2 x 75 x 12.9 mm when closed.
  • Resistance: Certificação IP48 against dust and water.
  • Updates: Suporte to seven generations of Android, until 2032.

The Samsung strategy positions the TriFold as a test bed for future innovations, especially with the Apple expected to enter the foldable market in 2026.

Innovative multi-fold design

The Galaxy Z TriFold incorporates two hinges of different sizes, allowing for smooth opening in an inverted Z shape. Essa configuration protects the main screen by folding inwards, minimizing risk of damage during transport. The thickness varies between the panels: 4.2 mm on the central panel, 4.0 mm on one side and 3.9 mm on the other, which includes a physical SIM slot.

Internal testing of the Samsung indicates that the mechanism alerts the user through vibrations and notifications if folding is initiated incorrectly, such as closing one side before the other. The Crafted Black finish, exclusive to this model, uses carbon fibers for a premium, lightweight look.

Screen and multitasking features

The 6.5-inch external screen offers Full HD+ resolution with an adaptive refresh rate of 120 Hz, ideal for daily use like a conventional smartphone. When unfolded, the three 6.5-inch panels each form a 10-inch area with QXGA+ resolution and maximum brightness of 1,600 nits, optimized for outdoor environments.

One UI 8 software, based on Android 16, allows you to run three applications simultaneously in portrait mode or up to four workspaces in DeX. Essa functionality turns the device into a portable workstation, without the need for an external monitor, unlike previous models.

In native DeX mode, each space supports five independent apps, facilitating document edits or split-screen video calls. Integration with Galaxy AI includes tools like Generative Edit for photos and Writing Assist for text, plus a six-month free trial of Google AI Pro.

Optimized performance and battery

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor ensures fluidity in intense tasks, such as 4K video editing or high-resolution gaming. With 16 GB of unified RAM, the device manages multitasking without lag, and UFS 4.0 storage speeds up large file transfers.

The 5,600 mAh battery, distributed across three cells on the rear panels, represents the largest capacity in the Samsung foldables. Ela supports up to 17 hours of video playback with the screen wide open and charges 50% in 30 minutes via wire at 45W.

15W and reverse wireless charging are available, certified to QC 2.0 and AFC standards. In mixed use, autonomy varies depending on network and configurations, but laboratory tests point to a full day of moderate operation.

Camera and AI tools

The rear set maintains the configuration of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with a 200 MP main sensor (ISOCELL HP2), a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. Duas 10 MP front cameras serve the outer and inner screen, capturing high-definition selfies.

AI features elevate photography: Photo Assist suggests automatic adjustments, while Generative Edit removes or adds elements to images. Browsing Assist in Samsung Internet summarizes pages or translates content in real time, integrating with Gemini Live for multimodal interactions.

These tools process visual and voice commands, expanding usability in professional scenarios. The lack of support for S Pen, confirmed by Samsung, focuses on portability, but does not affect the focus on productivity via touch and gestures.

Price and global availability

The Galaxy Z TriFold starts sales at Coreia from Sul on December 12, priced at 3.594 million won (US$2,443). Configurações are limited to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, in a single black edition.

Expansion includes China, Taiwan, Cingapura and Emirados Árabes Unidos in December, with arrival in the US in the first quarter of 2026.

Samsung is offering a 50% discount on screen repairs for a limited time to mitigate durability concerns. Lojas selected in launch countries will make units available for in-person testing.

Competition in the premium segment

The Huawei led with the Mate XT in 2024, followed by the Mate XTs in 2025, both with close prices and a focus on the Chinese market. Diferentemente, the Samsung TriFold prioritizes full compatibility with Android apps and the Galaxy ecosystem.

While the Mate XT adopts external Z-fold, the internal TriFold design reduces creases on the screen and improves protection. Analistas of Counterpoint Research note that foldables represent 2.5% of the global market, with record shipments in the quarter ending in September.

The arrival of Apple in 2026, with a foldable iPhone in book format, may change dynamics, but Samsung uses the TriFold as a demonstration of advanced engineering. Fornecedores like LG Innotek saw shares rise 2.9% following the announcement.

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