Early skepticism surrounded the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, especially when stacked against the more adaptable Huawei Mate XT tri-fold phone. Huawei’s device promises three different form factors in one, setting high expectations for the next generation of foldable smartphones. But after going hands-on with Samsung’s new tri-fold, it’s clear the company made deliberate design decisions—focused on durability, usability, and long-term reliability—to deliver a premium wide-screen experience that still slips into your pocket.

Innovative Dual-Hinge Engineering for a Smooth, Intuitive Unfold

Samsung’s tri-fold features two purpose-built hinges that allow its large 10-inch display to fold gracefully.

• The right hinge is similar to the proven mechanism found in the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
• The left hinge is wider, designed to support the stacked panels when the device is shut.

This thoughtful engineering results in a spring-assisted unfold that feels responsive, stable, and high-end.

A particularly clever touch is the slightly wider right panel, which forms a subtle lip when the phone is folded. This makes the opening point easy to find—unlike the flush edges of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or the curved Honor Magic V5, which can be frustrating to open. Small but smart, this detail reinforces Samsung’s focus on ergonomic foldable phone design.

Durability Takes Priority: Samsung’s Strategic Trade-Off

Samsung and Huawei take two very different paths with their tri-fold concepts.

• The Huawei Mate XT’s Z-shaped fold allows for three modes: smartphone, mini-tablet (one section unfolded), and full tablet.
• The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold’s U-shaped fold supports only two modes: fully open or fully closed.

This means Samsung’s model lacks a mini-tablet mode, which some users may miss for reading or quick tasks.

However, Samsung’s approach delivers a major advantage: screen protection and long-term durability. The inner display stays fully enclosed when the device is shut—unlike the Mate XT’s always-exposed flexible screen. In the premium $3,000 foldable phone segment, this durability-first strategy may be more valuable to buyers seeking longevity over versatility.

Minimal Creases & Best-in-Class Foldable Software

Crease visibility is always a concern on folding screens. The Galaxy Z TriFold uses two folds, yet both are shockingly subtle. Thanks to hinge refinements inherited from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, crease visibility is minimal and only noticeable at severe viewing angles.

Where Samsung truly separates itself is in software. Powered by Android 16 with One UI 8, the TriFold offers one of the most polished multitasking experiences on any foldable device:

• Up to three simultaneous split-screen apps
• Multiple floating windows
• Quick creation of separate desktop-style workspaces

This transforms the device into a mobile productivity hub, offering a smoother, more functional experience than the Mate XT’s older interface and its messy Google Play workaround.

What’s Missing: Kickstand & Magnetic Accessory Support

The biggest limitation of the Galaxy Z TriFold isn’t in the folding mechanism—it’s the lack of built-in kickstand or magnetic accessory support, such as Qi2.2 or MagSafe-style rings. Without these, using the TriFold as a laptop substitute becomes less convenient unless you rely on bulky cases or external stands.

Samsung missed an opportunity here to boost the device’s productivity potential with simple magnetic integration.

Final Verdict: A Smart, Durable, and User-Centric Tri-Fold Phone

While a thinner folded profile and a dedicated mini-tablet mode would have made the Galaxy Z TriFold even more versatile, Samsung’s latest foldable shines where it counts. The combination of:

• Thoughtful ergonomic design
• Durability-first hinge engineering
• Excellent crease management
• Top-tier foldable software experience

makes the Galaxy Z TriFold one of the most compelling entries in today’s expanding tri-fold phone market. For users who value a robust large-screen device with premium Android performance, Samsung’s tri-fold stands strong as a forward-looking and well-balanced choice.