Samsung Launches Galaxy Z TriFold Phone

Samsung Electronics has launched the Galaxy Z TriFold, its most ambitious foldable smartphone to date, featuring two folds and three screens that transform from a compact 6.5-inch phone into a 10-inch tablet-like device. Priced at around $2,500, the phone became available in South Korea this week and is slated for release in the United States soon, marking a bold push in a market segment that still represents less than 2 percent of global smartphone sales, according to research firm IDC.

The TriFold builds on Samsung's seven-year history in foldables, which began with its first major model in 2019. This tri-fold design, first explored by Huawei last year, allows users to fold the device like a wallet, splitting the screen into three sections for enhanced multitasking. When unfolded, it offers a wide aspect ratio ideal for video watching and productivity. The phone measures slim in most areas, comparable to some iPads, with sturdy hinges that provide resistance and a satisfying snap. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor in the power button, a feature necessitated by the folding display's limitations with in-screen biometrics.

However, early testing reveals several...