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Samsung Galaxy Z Tri Fold Impressions: NOW It Makes Sense!

| 5 products mentioned
Watch on YouTube smartphone design foldable displays samsung galaxy tablet alternative multitasking hardware innovation product review

Marques Brownlee argues that the Samsung Galaxy Z Tri Fold finally makes the case for foldable smartphones, moving beyond the gimmick perception. Unlike traditional foldables that open once to a square screen, the tri-fold's rectangular 10-inch display when fully unfolded provides a genuinely useful tablet-like experience that justifies the form factor and premium price.

Key takeaways
  • The tri-fold's widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio when fully unfolded is dramatically better for videos, gaming, and web browsing compared to the square 8-inch screens of traditional folds.
  • Samsung DeX works standalone on the tri-fold without requiring an external monitor, enabling desktop-like multitasking with multiple windows and keyboard/mouse support.
  • At 309 grams and 3.9-4.2mm thin when opened, the device is lighter and thinner than most 10-inch tablets while still packing a usable 5,600mAh battery with 45-watt charging.
  • The interior display has dual creases from folding in two directions with different radii, creating a first-generation durability concern that requires long-term testing to assess.
  • Expected pricing of $2,500-$3,000 reflects the complexity of two screens and multiple hinges, but may be justified for users who genuinely need a pocket-sized tablet.
  • The device includes thoughtful design details like a longer bottom fold lip for easy opening, strong magnets, and a protective case in the box.

Recommendations (2)

Samsung Galaxy Z Tri Fold

"This is a device that's actually starting to make foldables make sense to me. For the right person who knows what they're getting into, this can be worth it."

Marques Brownlee · ▶ 0:22

Samsung DeX

"This just happens to be the only Samsung phone that they'll let you run Samsung DeX on its own, without being connected to a monitor."

Marques Brownlee · ▶ 6:45

Mentioned (3)

Huawei Mate XT
Huawei Mate XT "This is technically not the first trifold smartphone. This is the Huawei Mate XT that I made a vi..." ▶ 1:00
Snapdragon 8 Elite 4 Galaxy
Snapdragon 8 Elite 4 Galaxy "It's a Snapdragon 8 Elite 4 Galaxy inside. It's obviously only a year old, so still a really grea..." ▶ 1:54
Samsung Z Fold 7
Samsung Z Fold 7 "They're essentially the same ones as the ZFold 7. The cover display up front is also essentially ..." ▶ 2:12