At the CES 2026 fair in Las Vegas, Samsung presented the Galaxy Z TriFold, a phone that folds in two places and tries to fit a screen the size of a tablet in a pocket. The tablet has a 10-inch diagonal screen that folds like a brochure, which is a significant step forward compared to existing Fold models. The idea is clear: to offer a device that adapts to the current need, from a phone to a work tool.
In its fully open state, the Galaxy Z TriFold looks impressively thin and modern, but when folded it becomes bulky and unwieldy for everyday use. Despite this, Samsung does not see this model as a mass product, but as a strategic experiment to test how ready users are to accept radically new formats of mobile devices. The price has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be higher than the already expensive Galaxy Z Fold 7 model.
Galaxy Z TriFold: an ambitious vision of the future with realistic limitations
The focus of the Galaxy Z TriFold phone is primarily on productivity. The interface allows working with multiple applications simultaneously, in windows similar to a desktop environment, with support for a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. In that role, the TriFold can serve as an ultralight laptop replacement in certain scenarios. In addition, the integration of Google Gemini Assistant allows working with multiple applications through contextual questions, which facilitates multitasking.
CNNCompared to the early generations of flip phones, Samsung has visibly improved the quality. The cameras are at the level of the Galaxy S25 Ultra model, and the folds on the screen are present, but not too noticeable in everyday use. However, the question remains how much is the real need for an even bigger screen, given that the existing Fold models already offer similar advantages in terms of work and productivity.
Flip phones still make up a small part of the market, and the high price further limits their availability. However, Samsung is clearly counting on a long-term strategy. With an increasing number of manufacturers entering the segment and Apple gearing up for its first flip phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold is a message that the form of smartphones is still not final.
Samsung may not conquer the market with this model, but it clearly shows the direction in which it sees the future of mobile devices. If nothing else, TriFold proves that the evolution of smartphones is actually a process that is still ongoing, writes CNN.