Introduction: Smartphones Are Changing Again
The global smartphone market ships more than 1.2 billion devices every year, yet true innovation has slowed down.
Most phones today look and behave the same. Flat slabs. Similar screens. Predictable upgrades.
Foldable phones were meant to change that.
Since 2019, foldables have grown steadily, but they still make up less than 2% of global smartphone sales. The reason is simple. Early foldables felt like experiments, not replacements.
The Samsung tri-fold smartphone arrives with a different goal.
Instead of slightly improving a phone, it tries to merge three categories into one:
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Lightweight productivity device
With a 10-inch foldable display, dual-hinge system, and desktop-style software features, this device represents Samsung’s most ambitious step toward device convergence.
Design Philosophy: Normal First, Transform Later
When folded, the phone looks familiar.
The front display behaves like a standard premium smartphone.
This matters.
Many foldable’s feel awkward in daily use. This one does not.
You can unlock it, reply to messages, browse apps, and take calls without unfolding it at all.
The transformation happens only when you want it.
Unfolding the phone once reveals a larger screen.
Unfolding it fully creates a wide tablet-sized workspace.
The transition feels intentional, not dramatic.
Physical Design and Build Quality
Despite having three screen sections, the device is impressively thin.
- Fully unfolded thickness: ~3.9 mm
- Folded thickness: ~12.9 mm
- Weight: ~309 g
For comparison, many tablets are thicker than this phone when it is fully open.
The back panel uses a fiberglass-based composite.
It feels rigid and light, with a slightly textured surface.
Fingerprints are visible, but the material feels strong and premium.
Weight distribution is well managed.
Folded, it feels dense.
Unfolded, it feels balanced and comfortable to hold.
Tri-Fold Mechanism: Function Over Flash
The folding system is based on two inward-folding hinges.
The folding order is fixed:
- One panel folds inward
- The second panel closes over it
This protects the flexible display and reduces long-term stress on the hinges.
The panels are intentionally different in size.
This creates a controlled gap that prevents screen damage when folded.
The system prioritises durability over visual tricks.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is one of the biggest concerns with foldable devices.
This phone addresses it directly.
- IP48 rating
- Water resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
For a device with multiple hinges and a flexible screen, this rating is significant.
Hinge movement feels firm and controlled.
There is no looseness or instability.
Opening and closing the phone feels consistent over time.
Display: A True 10-Inch Mobile Screen
The inner display is a 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Key characteristics:
- High brightness
- Deep blacks
- Strong contrast
- Smooth motion
The most important detail is the aspect ratio.
Unlike square foldables, this display is rectangular.
That makes it better suited for:
- Videos
- Documents
- Web browsing
- Multitasking
Most video content fills more of the screen, reducing black bars and wasted space.
Multitasking and Productivity
The large display allows real multitasking, not symbolic multitasking.
You can:
- Run up to four apps simultaneously
- Resize windows freely
- Drag content between apps
This turns the phone into a flexible workspace.
A partially folded position can act as a stand.
This is useful for:
- Video meetings
- Watching content
- Hands-free recording
The device adapts to different usage styles without forcing one workflow.
Performance and Hardware
The phone runs on a flagship-grade processor paired with:
- 16 GB RAM
- High-speed internal storage
Performance feels stable and predictable.
- Apps open quickly
- Multitasking remains smooth
- Games run comfortably at high settings
The large screen also improves usability in games that benefit from wider visual coverage.
Desktop-Style Experience
The tri-fold design is complemented by desktop-style software support.
When connected to external accessories, the phone can behave like a lightweight computer.
You can:
- Edit documents
- Manage spreadsheets
- Work with multiple browser windows
- Handle presentations and emails
For users who travel or work remotely, this reduces the need to carry multiple devices.
Camera System
Despite its thin profile, the phone includes a flagship-level camera setup.
- High-resolution primary camera
- Telephoto lens for zoom
- Ultra-wide camera
Image quality is consistent and reliable.
Photos show:
- Natural colours
- Balanced exposure
- Good low-light performance
The large display makes framing and reviewing photos more precise.
Audio and Media Experience
The stereo speaker setup performs well for a device of this thickness.
Sound output is:
- Clear
- Loud enough for media
- Well balanced for dialogue
Combined with the large display, the phone offers a strong media consumption experience.
Battery and Charging
To support the large screen, the phone includes a 5600 mAh battery.
It supports:
- Fast wired charging
- Wireless charging
With mixed usage, the device can last a full working day.
Power efficiency improves when all display sections are not active at once.
Pricing and Market Position
This is not a mass-market smartphone.
Expected pricing places it in the ultra-premium segment, making it one of the most expensive smartphones available.
Production is limited.
Availability will be selective.
The device is clearly aimed at:
- Early adopters
- Professionals
- Power users
- Technology enthusiasts
Who Should Consider This Device?
The Samsung tri-fold smartphone is ideal for users who:
- Multitask heavily
- Consume a lot of content
- Work on the move
- Want one device instead of three
It is not designed for casual upgrades.
Conclusion: A Glimpse of What Comes Next
This phone is not about replacing today’s smartphones immediately.
It is about reshaping expectations.
A device that can shift between:
- Phone
- Tablet
- Desktop-style workspace
The Samsung tri-fold smartphone represents a clear direction for the future of mobile computing.
Quiet innovation.
Practical design.
And a form factor that finally makes large screens feel purposeful.
