First look at the Samsung Galaxy Trifold: A futuristic phone that still has a crease
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, India Today got to experience the new Galaxy Trifold, a futuristic three-panel foldable. Here’s a detailed first look at its design, display, performance, camera, battery and why it’s not launching in India.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has always been a base for experiments and concepts. While some of the technologies showcased at the event gave us a glimpse of the future of technology, one such technology at Samsung’s booth ushered in a new era for foldables. Showcased at Samsung’s exclusive First Look Arena, the Samsung Galaxy Trifold attracted a lot of attention for all the right reasons.
I spent a lot of time with the device – folding it, unfolding it, and watching it transform from a thick device that reminded me of communicator phones from the 2000s to one that looked closer to a compact tablet. As for the phones of 2026, the Trifold quietly hints that ultra-premium mobile computing is on the way.
This is not a full review; This is a first look based on the few hours we got during hands-on experience with the device at CES. Think of it as an early glimpse of a device that aims to redefine multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.
design
The defining feature of the Galaxy Trifold is, of course, its three-panel folding mechanism. Unlike the book-style foldables we’re used to, this device folds twice, creating a slab when closed and a wide, almost tablet-like canvas when fully opened. The closing mechanism is smooth. However, if you close the wrong panel first, the phone vibrates indicating to close it correctly. This is a safety feature to avoid damage.
The engineering feels solid in the hand. The hinges work with a certain assurance, which we’ve already seen demonstrated well on the Z Fold 7. There’s a clear sense that Samsung wants to show confidence: this is not a prototype, but a product built to be opened and closed hundreds of times a day.
When opened the weight distribution is surprisingly balanced. Despite multiple hinge points and a weight of 309 grams, the phone does not feel too heavy. When folded, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket, although it is thicker than a traditional flagship. That’s almost as thick as Samsung’s first foldable launched in 2019.
The metal frame, flat edges and structured alignment of the panels give it a premium look. However, one drawback that takes away the beauty of the device is the visible crease. I’m surprised that despite achieving ‘creaseless’ display technology, Samsung decided to leave it on the trifold.
Overall, it’s a good design, but I would have given it extra points if Samsung had managed to remove the crease.
Display
Samsung’s expertise in display technology is the foundation of the TriFold. The device features a 10-inch flexible AMOLED panel that offers high resolution, vibrant colors, and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
When fully opened, you are greeted by a wide canvas ideal for multitasking. Two apps side by side still leave room for a third floating window, making the interface feel closer to a lightweight tablet than a phone. For content consumption, the immersive effect is immediate. Videos are spread out in near-tablet aspect ratio, although playing games on such a large screen can be a bit of a hassle.
When the display is on, crease visibility is minimal and, more importantly, not distracting. You only notice it when actively looking for it. Under normal use, it feels consistent, fluid, and bright enough to handle the harsh lighting outside.
The external 6.5-inch display retains the full functionality of the smartphone. Notifications, quick replies and camera previews are all accessible without opening the device, making Trifold practical for quick interactions. It’s almost like using a regular phone.
Display
Under the hood, the Galaxy Trifold is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of high-speed storage. The focus here is not just on raw speed, but on consistent performance across multiple active apps.
During my practice, app switching felt fast. Triple-screen multitasking, video playback and live demos ran smoothly. The larger display encourages heavier workloads like video editing, browsing multiple tabs or even light creative work. You can also press the Bluetooth keyboard and work on your daily documents.
Samsung is expected to offer its top-tier software and security update program with this device. However, there is no word yet on whether it is developing optimized applications for larger displays. Stay tuned for more details on that.
camera
The Galaxy Trifold has a flagship camera system. Official specifications point to a high-resolution primary sensor, supported by ultra-wide and telephoto lenses with advanced image processing. It is possible that it may be using the same cameras as the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
What changes the experience is how the camera integrates with the form factor. I am comfortable using the inner display camera in a single folding system, but triple-fold phones make it difficult. Yes, the large open screen makes for a powerful viewfinder but not hand-friendly. Framing shots can be a challenge if you’re trying to use the rear camera with the canvas open. Users have to be careful about this.
Flex Mode allows the phone to partially fold and stand, turning it into its own mini tripod for capturing video. For creators, this opens up new possibilities, but it doesn’t hurt their wallet.
It’s a bit surprising that Samsung is sticking to a 10MP camera for selfies. Although I didn’t get a chance to test it, this camera’s low megapixel count may be detrimental to the overall camera experience.
Battery
Powering such a large display raises questions about stamina. Has Samsung taken care of that concern? Information on Samsung’s official platforms points to a dual-cell battery system that is optimized for a triple-panel screen and a high-performance chipset.
On paper, you’re getting a 5600mAh battery, which may seem underpowered for such a large phone. The design suggests focusing on intelligent power management rather than just capacity numbers.
While long-term battery life will only become evident in real-world testing, the initial impression is that Samsung has tackled the challenge systematically.
what it feels like to use it
Beyond the specifications, the Galaxy Trifold leaves a strong impression. It’s a device that blurs the lines between tablets and phones. The appeal for tech enthusiasts lies in practicality. What can it be used for? Many things like reading, gaming, editing and multitasking feel more natural when space is no longer a constraint. Plus, the Trifold is a premium, exclusive product. This is a statement from Samsung aimed at early adopters and clearly not for everyone.
Why is it not coming to India?
One of the most talked about aspects of the phone at the CES booth was availability. Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Trifold will not launch in India, at least in the initial phase.
There are many possible reasons for this. First is the cost. A device with such complex engineering, multiple hinges and a huge flexible display will inevitably cost a lot. The Indian market, while increasingly premium, remains extremely price-sensitive. Samsung also indicated that it requires a minimum demand for the device in India to be at least 6 digits.
Second is market preparation. Foldables are still a small segment in India, and triple-fold devices are an even more niche category. Samsung said it prefers to test demand in smaller markets with higher adoption rates before expanding globally.
Finally, a product of such high complexity requires specialized servicing infrastructure and ensuring continuous support across India can be a challenge.
concluding words
The Samsung Galaxy Trifold feels less like a concept and more like a glimpse of the next phase of mobile evolution. Its design is ambitious, its display is impressive, and performance is as expected from a true flagship. However, it is also clear that this is a device for a select audience.
The few hours I spent with the devices made me believe that a triple-folding phone could find a place in the sea of foldables we have today.
For now, the Galaxy Trifold stands as a tech showcase. It also shows us what’s possible when form factor boundaries are pushed and engineering is allowed to take the lead. It may not be coming to the Indian market in the near future, but it definitely indicates the future direction of premium smartphones.
