The Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold has officially stolen the spotlight at CES 2026, marking the transition of tri-fold technology from concept to commercial reality. While the device saw a limited release in South Korea very late last year, its showcase at the Wynn Las Vegas 'First Look' event served as its grand global debut, setting the tone for the mobile industry in 2026.
From a photographer’s perspective, the device’s standout appeal is its dual role as a lightweight (309g) portable monitor and a mobile editing suite. To give you an idea how large this is, the 10" (25.4cm) screen size is slightly smaller than a standard 11" (27.9cm) iPad.
Measuring a mere 3.9mm when unfolded (12.9mm folded), it also houses a 200MP camera that delivers impressive detail; however, given the physical constraints of its small sensor, it clearly relies on a tonne of computational photography wizardry to achieve these results.
The reveal at CES
Samsung framed the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold as the ultimate phone-tablet hybrid. During the CES keynote, TM Roh, President of Samsung's Mobile Experience, described the device as a solution to the "longest-standing challenge" in mobile – balancing true portability with a screen large enough for serious productivity.
The most talked-about moment at the booth was the demonstration of the dual-rail hinge system. Unlike the standard Z Fold, this device features two hinges that allow the three panels to fold into a 'Z' shape. To assist users with the new form factor, the phone even includes haptic sensors that vibrate to alert you if you’re attempting to fold the panels in the wrong order.
Tri-fold? How durable is it?
Everyone knows how after bending a metal coat hanger rapidly 30 times, the metal will just snap. And in folding phones - this is the obvious weak-point that continues to bug this design.
However, the new Galaxy Z Tri-Fold has reportedly been folded 200,000 times (by Samsung) and survived. To 'dispute' this, some independent reviewers have reportedly only having done 144,000 folds until it started to fail. If you want to watch someone being 'very mean' to this phone – check out this clip by Jerryrigeverything on YouTube.
To put the durability into perspective: opening the device 25 times a day for five years totals fewer than 50,000 folds. Considering the average consumer typically holds onto a phone for three to four years, the hinge mechanism is over-engineered to outlast the device's standard lifespan.
Crucially, the device features an external 6.5 inch cover screen that functions like a standard flagship smartphone, offering 2,600 nits of peak brightness for outdoor visibility. As this screen is used for standard day-to-day tasks, it means the tri-fold display is reserved for when you truly need the extra real estate.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy Z Tri-Fold is expected to launch in the US in Q1 2026. While official US pricing is still being finalised, it is expected to retail for approximately $2,500 USD (approx AU$4,500 with GST). It is currently available in select markets including South Korea, Singapore, and the UAE.
You can read more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold on the Samsung website.
