What to know about Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung's new smartphone that folds thrice
Just when you thought phone screens couldn’t get any bigger, Samsung’s new tri-fold smartphone takes things to the next level.
Samsung Electronics has debuted its newest technological innovation in South Korea on Dec. 2. Dubbed the "Galaxy Z TriFold," the smartphone is touted to have been built with the "most advanced foldable technologies."
It features a slim profile that ensures portability, and when unfolded twice, it reveals an immersive 10-inch display that elevates productivity and cinematic viewing.
Read on to learn more about what sets the Galaxy Z TriFold apart.
Unique multi-folding form factor
The phone's multi-folding form was made possible with the use of an inward-folding design to protect the main display.
Samsung engineered the folding mechanism for a seamless open-and-shut motion, and built in an automatic alert system that warns you with visuals and vibrations if it detects an improper fold.
The hinge structure allows the screen panels to meet securely with a minimal gap, enabling a thinner, more portable device. Aside from that, a reinforced overcoat has been added to the display layer for better resistance against shock.
When unfolded fully, Galaxy Z TriFold gives a 10-inch main screen, which is "perfect for getting lost in movies or shows."
And when you're watching live streams or just a regular video on YouTube, the phone enables users to watch a video and read the comments side-by-side.
Reduced screen creasing helps keep everything looking smooth and uninterrupted, and when you fold it shut, its slim build slips easily into a pocket.
Galaxy Z TriFold also has a bright display with up to 2600 nits on the cover display and 1600 nits on the main screen.
Samsung’s 'most versatile' AI phone
Recognizing that Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, the Galaxy Z TriFold harnesses its capabilities to deliver a user experience where daily tasks are both smarter and more intuitive. Its multimodal AI is designed to understand what users see, say, and do. For instance, users can speak contextual questions and get answers without having to switch between apps.
You can also use the camera to ask about what you are viewing to get real-time assistance and insights.
Moreover, through the wide display, users are given more room to multitask during their day. They can create across three different portrait-sized apps side-by-side without interruption, resize apps in multi-window to view the most important information clearly, or hold it in a vertical orientation when reviewing documents for improved focus.
"For example, an architect drafting design plans for a new home can use the large screen to operate three applications at the same time, to review blueprints, write a proposal, and calculate measurements in a single, multi-window workspace," Samsung explained.
If you receive an unexpected call, you can also answer it without disrupting your work.
When it's time to resume what you're doing, the Taskbar at the bottom right records your recently used apps and brings back the full setup back into view with a single tap.
Another highlight is that the Galaxy Z TriFold is the first mobile phone to have a standalone "Samsung DeX" available. This allows users to "set up a full working environment from virtually anywhere."
"By going to the Quick Settings panel and selecting DeX for Galaxy’s most advanced work setup, users can access up to four workspaces that can each run five apps simultaneously. From there, they can review and edit a meeting presentation in one workspace and then quickly navigate to another to chat with friends and shop online," Samsung said.
Other features
The smartphone measures just 3.9 mm at its thinnest point and is built with a 200 MP camera. It also boasts a 5,600 mAh three-cell battery system, which is "the biggest battery Samsung has ever had in a foldable phone." It can be charged up to 50% in around 30 minutes.
For now, the Galaxy Z TriFold will only be made available for purchase in Korea starting Dec. 12 for KRW 3,590,400 (P143,244). This will be followed by other markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE, and the U.S.