Imagine holding the future of smartphones in your hand—a device that folds not once, but twice. That’s exactly what I experienced when I got my hands on Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold at a Dubai store, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. But here’s where it gets controversial: while it’s not as versatile as Huawei’s Mate XT, its design choices might just win you over—and this is the part most people miss. Let me explain.
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Written by Prakhar Khanna, a digital nomad and tech enthusiast who’s written for ZDNET, Forbes, and more. When he’s not chasing deadlines, he’s chasing the perfect pizza slice. Follow his adventures @ParkyPrakhar or reach him at parkydoesstuff(at)gmail(dot)com.
Expertise: Mobile, Audio, Travel Tech
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the Galaxy Z TriFold before its launch. On paper, it seemed like Samsung was sacrificing functionality for durability, settling for a 2-in-1 foldable rather than a true all-in-one trifold like the Huawei Mate XT. But after spending just 20 minutes with it in Dubai, my doubts vanished. Here’s why.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is essentially a 10-inch tablet that folds down into a pocket-sized phone. Sounds simple, right? But Samsung’s design decisions set it apart from the competition. Take the hinges, for example. Unlike most foldables, the TriFold uses two hinges of different sizes. The right hinge, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, is slim and responsive, while the left hinge is wider to accommodate the thickness of the folded panels. This wider hinge feels like a spring, making unfolding the device almost effortless—a small detail that makes a big difference in usability.
But here’s the controversial part: the TriFold’s three-panel design includes a slightly wider right panel, creating a protruding edge when folded. This edge makes unfolding the phone incredibly intuitive, unlike the Huawei Mate XT or Galaxy Z Fold 7, which I often struggled to open. Is this a minor detail? Maybe. But it’s these thoughtful touches that elevate the user experience.
Samsung also introduced an auto-alarm feature that alerts you if you’re folding the device incorrectly. At first, I thought it was gimmicky, but in practice, it’s a smart addition that prevents accidental damage—a small but significant win for durability.
Now, let’s talk creases. Yes, the TriFold has two of them, but here’s the surprise: I couldn’t feel either crease when running my finger across the screen. Compare that to the Huawei Mate XT, where the creases are noticeable. Samsung clearly learned from its Galaxy Z Fold 7 redesign, applying those lessons to minimize the crease depth on the TriFold. Unless you’re viewing it from an extreme angle, the creases are virtually invisible—a huge plus for everyday use.
Samsung vs. Huawei: Which trifold design reigns supreme? This is where opinions will clash. Huawei’s Z-shaped design offers more flexibility, transforming into a smartphone, mini-tablet, and wide-screen tablet. Samsung, however, skips the mini-tablet mode entirely, limiting the TriFold to fully folded or fully unfolded states. Is this a dealbreaker? For some, yes. But Samsung’s trade-off prioritizes durability, protecting the inner screen when folded—a smart move for a $3,000 device.
Software-wise, the TriFold runs Android 16-based One UI 8, optimized for its massive screen. Multitasking is a dream, with three windows side by side and pop-up windows for added productivity. You can even create separate workspaces with just two taps. In contrast, the Mate XT’s UI feels dated, and installing the Google Play Store is a hassle. Here, Samsung clearly takes the lead.
One missed opportunity? Magnets. The TriFold lacks a built-in kickstand or MagSafe-like magnetic accessory support, making it tricky to use as a tablet. A magnetic stand would’ve been perfect for pairing with a keyboard and mouse, turning it into a 2-in-1 laptop. Instead, you’re left hunting for a bulky case with a kickstand—a shame for such a sleek device.
After my hands-on experience, I’m convinced the Galaxy Z TriFold is a promising step forward for foldables. Yes, it’s thicker when folded than I’d like, but Samsung’s design choices have me excited for the future. It might not be perfect, but it’s a device that could surprise even the skeptics.
Now, I want to hear from you: Is Samsung’s focus on durability worth sacrificing versatility? Would you trade a mini-tablet mode for a longer-lasting device? Let’s debate in the comments!
