Samsung is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, but its latest unveiling has set the tech world abuzz. The South Korean giant officially announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, a revolutionary foldable smartphone featuring two folds and three usable panels. This bold move comes hot on the heels of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 releases, but the TriFold is already stealing the spotlight with its ambitious design and impressive capabilities.
The Galaxy Z TriFold’s most striking feature is its expansive internal display. When unfolded, users are greeted by a 10-inch QXGA Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen—comparable in size to a Galaxy Tab. Fold it down, and the device transforms into a more pocket-friendly 6.5-inch phone, thanks to its FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen. Both displays boast a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or multitasking.
Under the hood, Samsung hasn’t skimped on power. The TriFold is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, 16GB of RAM, and options for either 512GB or 1TB of storage. Camera enthusiasts will find plenty to like: the rear setup includes a 12 MP ultra-wide, a whopping 200 MP wide-angle, and a 10 MP telephoto lens. On the front, there are two 10 MP selfie cameras—one on the cover and one on the main screen—catering to both quick snaps and high-quality video calls.
Battery life is always a concern with large displays, but Samsung has packed a 5,600 mAh three-cell battery into the TriFold. According to Mashable, this is a notable 1,200 mAh increase over the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with each battery cell cleverly tucked into a different segment of the device. Still, some early reviewers have expressed concerns about how the 10-inch screen might impact battery longevity during heavy use.
Physically, the TriFold is a bit heftier than its predecessors. Folded, it measures 159.2 x 75.0 x 12.9mm and weighs in at 309 grams. That makes it about a third thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which sits at 8.9mm when closed. Whether this added thickness is a dealbreaker will likely depend on individual preferences—some users may happily trade a slimmer profile for the versatility of a pocket-sized tablet.
The innovation doesn’t come cheap. Samsung has priced the Galaxy Z TriFold at 3,594,000 won, which translates to roughly $2,450 to $2,500—significantly higher than the $1,999.99 price tag of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The TriFold made its debut in South Korea on December 12, 2025, and the initial batch sold out within minutes. The next wave is set for December 17, but with demand far outstripping supply, Samsung is expected to ration units for the foreseeable future. The device will roll out next in China, Taiwan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and eventually land in the United States, likely in the first quarter of 2026.
“So, honestly, I don’t think the Trifold is this experimental quirky phone option. I actually think that this phone has immediately become the definitive Samsung foldable. You will have to handle it with care and you’ll definitely have to pay for the privilege,” said tech YouTuber Mrwhosetheboss, capturing the excitement and caution many early adopters feel. On Reddit, one user called it “the true tablet killer,” while another was thrilled to see Samsung leading the way in foldable innovation and speculated about when Apple might join the fray. There’s genuine excitement about the prospect of carrying a 10-inch tablet in your pocket, but also some skepticism about the device’s durability and how it will hold up over time.
Durability is a recurring concern, especially since Samsung is offering a 50 percent discount on the first screen repair—a move that some interpret as a tacit acknowledgment of potential fragility. Others have voiced worries about the battery, questioning whether the 5,600 mAh capacity will be enough to power such a large display for a full day’s use. Still, with so few units in the wild, comprehensive long-term reviews are yet to surface.
While hardware takes center stage, Samsung is also making significant strides on the software front. The company recently wrapped up the rollout of One UI 8 and is now turning its attention to One UI 8.5, which is based on Android 16 QPR2. As of December 29, 2025, internal testing of One UI 8.5 is underway for dozens of Galaxy devices, including the latest S, A, Z, M, F, and Tab S series models, according to SammyGuru.
The stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. For now, the public beta is limited to the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in select regions such as India, Korea, Germany, Poland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. While the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 FE are excluded from the beta, it’s anticipated that more devices—including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7—will join the program in the near future.
The list of devices with confirmed One UI 8.5 test builds is extensive. The S series lineup spans from the Galaxy S21 through the upcoming S26 variants. The A series includes models from the A17 LTE/5G up to the A57, while the Z series covers the Galaxy Z Fold 5 through Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 5 through Z Flip 7 FE. Several M and F series devices, as well as the Galaxy Tab S9, S10, and S11 families, are also in the mix. This broad testing phase signals Samsung’s commitment to keeping its diverse device portfolio up to date with the latest software enhancements.
However, participation in the beta program remains limited. According to SammyGuru, “Currently, only the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are eligible for the One UI 8.5 beta program.” The stable rollout is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, and users are encouraged to check for updates as new builds are spotted.
For Samsung, the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold and the upcoming One UI 8.5 software update represent a dual-pronged strategy: pushing the envelope in both hardware and software innovation. The TriFold’s rapid sellout in South Korea and overwhelmingly positive early impressions suggest that there’s a real appetite for devices that blur the line between phone and tablet. Meanwhile, the broad internal testing of One UI 8.5 underscores Samsung’s efforts to provide a unified, cutting-edge experience across its ecosystem.
As the tech world waits for the TriFold’s wider release and the official debut of One UI 8.5, one thing is clear: Samsung is betting big on the future of foldables and seamless software integration. Whether consumers will embrace these innovations for the long haul remains to be seen, but for now, the company has certainly captured the world’s attention.
