Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold | What We Know

Written By shane craig

Samsung is gearing up to take foldables to the next level with the Galaxy Z TriFold. Instead of the usual single hinge, this one’s got two—letting it open up into a much wider screen. It was quietly previewed in South Korea, but thanks to leaks, patents, and certifications, we’ve already got a solid idea of how it’s built, what it can do, and where it might be headed next.

Design

The Galaxy Z TriFold stands out for its multi-panel design, offering a dramatically larger screen experience when opened up.

  • Folding Mechanism: The device features two hinges, allowing it to fold into a compact form that encases the primary flexible display for protection. When opened, the inner screen is expected to measure approximately 10 inches. The fully folded device reveals a cover display that would be used for everyday tasks. Due to Samsung’s choice to go with a “g-style” folding mechanism, there are only two ways to use this device: fully opened or fully closed.

  • Cover Display: When fully folded, the outer display, or cover display, will be approximately 6.5 inches, allowing the device to be used like a normal smartphone for everyday tasks.

  • Thickness: Despite the triple-layer design, reports indicate the TriFold aims to be impressively thin. When fully unfolded, the device is reported to measure 4.2mm thick, matching the unfolded thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. When fully folded, the thickness is estimated to be between 12mm and 15mm, which would be thinner than several previous Z Fold models.

  • Aesthetics: Early images show the device's closed form has a camera bump and layout that appears nearly identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The folding mechanism, when viewed from the side, creates a unique "weird spiral shape" as the segments nest within each other.

Rumored Specs

The rumored hardware focuses on overcoming the battery challenges of a tri-fold design and continuing Samsung's push for high-end foldable features.

  • Battery: To power the massive 10-inch inner screen, a significant increase in battery capacity is expected. A patent suggests the TriFold will house three separate battery packs within its three segments, potentially pushing the total capacity to well over 5,000 mAh. This could use newer, denser battery technology to maintain a thin profile.

  • Cameras: The device is rumored to include a 200-megapixel primary sensor, a high-resolution feature that aligns with flagship expectations for the foldable line. Rumors have been sparse on the other sensors, but I would look to the Fold 7 for expectations.

  • S Pen Support: There is speculation that S Pen support will be a key feature. This could be achieved by using an active stylus that is powered itself, thus eliminating the need for a bulky, power-draining digitizer layer in the display.

Software things we've seen in One UI leaks

Leaks from One UI beta builds have provided hints about how Samsung is adapting its software for the three-segment folding display.

  • Samsung DeX on the Go: The most significant software leak confirms the ability to run Samsung DeX natively on the inner screen without needing to be plugged into an external monitor. This feature transforms the TriFold into a true portable desktop experience. DeX mode is shown to be activated by dragging a handle down from the top of the display.

  • Multi-Active Window and Multitasking: The massive display supports advanced multitasking, allowing users to run up to three applications simultaneously. Standard Samsung split-screen functionality, including the ability to easily reposition and manage these multiple apps, is preserved.

  • App Continuity: Apps opened on the smaller cover display seamlessly transfer and expand across the triple-folded inner screen once the device is fully unfolded.

  • Interface Carry-over: The home screen layout, including app icons and widgets, can be mirrored from the cover screen to the main inner screen. Basic features like the familiar taskbar and floating windows for elements like phone calls are also shown.

  • Camera App Upgrade: Animations confirm the camera application supports extreme zoom, displaying a secondary viewfinder that goes all the way up to 100x zoom, a feature that might suggest an upgraded telephoto camera system compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

First Real-World Glimpse: Behind the Glass

Although most information about the Galaxy Z TriFold has come from patents and software leaks, Samsung has now also offered a limited first look at a physical unit. The device was shown behind glass at the K Tech Showcase in South Korea, providing the first real-world images of the tri-fold mechanism, though attendees could not interact with the device. Units were displayed both fully open, revealing the approximately 10-inch inner screen and a hole-punch selfie camera and fully folded, showcasing the cover display on the exterior. Photos from the restricted viewing confirmed the rear design, showing a camera bump and layout that appears nearly identical to the existing Galaxy Z Fold 7. Top views revealed the folding mechanism, which creates a unique spiral as the segments nest within each other.

Global Release Rumors

Initially, it was rumored the Galaxy Z TriFold would be exclusive to South Korea and China, serving as a limited run test device. However, recent certifications strongly suggest a broader global launch is planned.

  • Certification Confirmation: The device has appeared on the Bluetooth SIG, a crucial step for global release. The listing includes five key variants, clearly implying a launch in major international markets:

    • SM-D6390 and SM-D639N: Targeted at China and South Korea.

    • SM-D639U and SM-D639U1: Aimed for the US market, representing carrier-locked and unlocked models respectively.

    • SM-D639B: Certified as the international variant, suggesting a broader rollout beyond the initially rumored Asian markets.

  • Other Markets: Reports further indicate that the TriFold is slated for release in the UAE, Taiwan and Singapore as part of its initial wider rollout.

That said, certification doesn’t guarantee immediate availability in all these regions. Samsung’s rollout strategy for this device could mirror the Z Fold Special Edition by starting with its home market and China first. The broader international variants may be part of a phased expansion, potentially arriving in select global markets sometime next year—depending on production, demand, and software readiness. So while the certifications are promising, the actual launch timeline outside Asia remains uncertain.

Hopefully things clear up soon as Samsung has repeatedly affirmed their goal of launching the TriFold before 2025 is over.

shane craig
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