I woke up in high spirits this morning. I planned on reserving a phone I’ve been excited about since I heard it was officially coming to the US.
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold isn’t practical, and it’s not a device for everyone — but I still can’t wait to get my hands on one.
Unfortunately, like many others this morning, I’m going to have to wait a little longer.
Unexpectedly, Samsung sold out of Galaxy Z TriFolds within minutes. Every Samsung Experience Store I called in the area was out, reporting lines before the stores opened.
No one at either store I called would quote numbers, and I’m assuming there weren’t many in stock.
Still, I’m surprised, as I thought the high cost would keep almost everyone away.
I will pick one up as soon as I can, and here’s why I think plenty of others will, too.
I’d rather have a bag full of gadgets than one $2,900 Galaxy Z TriFold
Here’s what I’d buy instead
I’m curious to see if the Galaxy Z TriFold can handle my daily carry
It needs to replace everything
I contend there’s a way to make sense of the Galaxy Z TriFold’s $2,900 price tag. It requires re-wiring the way we think about smartphones.
My typical EDC is a couple of smartphones, my ThinkPad or MacBook Air, and an E-ink tablet. That absolutely must change.
When I get a Galaxy Z TriFold, my EDC will consist of the TriFold, a portable Bluetooth keyboard and mouse — that’s it.
I want to see if it can effectively replace my laptop and tablet, since that’s what’s required to reach $2,900 in value.
Let’s say I typically carry a Galaxy S25 Ultra in my pocket. That’s $1,300. Then another $1,200 for the laptop, and $400 for the tablet. It’s close, but it makes sense.
Then it’s a question of how much value you place on convenience. A device that can capably replace all three that fits in your pocket is always going to carry a premium.
If you’re constantly on the move, work remotely, or travel frequently, a portable one-stop shop suddenly becomes more appealing. I plan on testing that out.
The Galaxy Z TriFold isn’t really a first-gen product
Samsung has plenty of hinge experience
I’m more comfortable picking up (or attempting to) a Galaxy Z TriFold on day one than I was with the original Galaxy Z Fold six years ago.
Sure, the TriFold will technically count as a first-gen product, with plenty of unknowns. However, Samsung’s not going into this without experience.
The company has become good with its hinges, and I’ve appreciated the durability improvements with each generation.
My Galaxy Z Fold 7 is both thin and sturdy, and I’ve had no complaints. I expect similar performance from the Galaxy Z TriFold, even with the extra hinge.
Samsung claims the TriFold is rated for 200,000 folds, but that doesn’t tell you how it will hold up in the real world.
I don’t plan to treat my Galaxy Z TriFold the way I do my Z Fold 7. The latter I barely put in peril. I unfold it when stationary or when I know I have a secure grip, and it’s rarely left unfolded out on a table or desk.
That’s going to change with the TriFold. It’s going to be on stands and upright, so I can make full use of its 10-inch display.
There’s more room for mistakes and accidents, and the TriFold will have to endure more to survive daily use.
I’m just glad Samsung is innovating
I’m here to support anything different
I can’t complain about Samsung’s stagnation with devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, then turn around and complain about the Galaxy Z TriFold.
I’m nothing if not consistent, and I applaud the company bringing something different to the US market.
It’s expensive and impractical for most, but no one is forcing anyone to buy it.
I’m all for different products to fill niche markets, and the Galaxy Z TriFold will be perfect for a unique set of customers.
As with the Galaxy S25 Edge, I have no problem with a product that drives advances in other products.
The Galaxy Z TriFold may never come down in price, and I don’t know if Samsung will keep releasing them, but bigger screen, folding portables are coming.
Larger folding devices will be a way to carry our desktop environments with us without lugging around bulky laptops and tablets, and I’m eager to see what the Galaxy Z TriFold can do.
More people interested is a good sign
I never thought it would be an issue to buy a $2,900 phone, but a mix of curiosity and limited supply seems to have bested me today.
I do plan on picking up a Galaxy Z TriFold, and even if it’s not the final form of larger folding devices, it’s definitely a step into the future.
