Left to right: Galaxy Z TriFold, Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The Galaxy Z TriFold measures 6.27 by 2.95 by 0.51 inches (HWD) when closed, 6.27 by 8.43 by 0.15-0.17 inches when opened, and weighs 10.9 ounces. Each of its three panels is a different thickness: the left side (without any buttons) measures 0.15 inches, the right side (with buttons) is 0.16 inches, and the center panel is 0.17 inches. The varying thicknesses are so slight that my hands didn’t notice them during day-to-day usage.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is much thinner at 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, and 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (6.04 by 2.68 by 0.48 inches folded, 6.04 by 5.22 by 0.22 inches open) is just 0.03 inches thinner than the TriFold—showing what Samsung can do in two years.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
In hand, the TriFold feels like a standard, high-end Samsung product that happens to be a brick. The bottom-most panel juts out further than the top two panels, making it easier to open compared with the Z Fold 7.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
When closed, the TriFold’s heft is fully apparent. When opened, though, the weight balance shifts and the TriFold feels like an incredibly light tablet. For comparison, the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro weighs 1.29 pounds, and the 11-inch Apple iPad Air is 1.01 pounds. A 10-inch screen at just 0.68 pounds makes the TriFold seem barely there when you’re holding it.
The hinges feel sturdy and snap open (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The TriFold features a titanium hinge housing and Samsung’s Advanced Armor Aluminum frame. The hinges feel sturdy and snap open; the TriFold does not support Flex View (which holds the device open at various angles) like other Samsung foldables.
Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 protects the outer screen, while the back uses a ceramic-glass fiber-reinforced polymer. The TriFold is rated IP48 to withstand particles larger than 1mm and can be submerged in water. I dropped the TriFold into water multiple times, and it worked afterward without issue.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
When open, the left-most side features a SIM tray, while the right-most side houses a volume rocker and a power button/fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor worked reliably even when holding the device in various orientations.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The phone can be folded only one way: Fold in the left panel first, then the right panel. Try to close the right panel first, and the phone vibrates to alert you that you’re doing it wrong. After a few times, it became second nature.
The TriFold comes in Crafted Black, which resembles carbon fiber. It’s a sharp, serious look.
