Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z TriFold at CES 2026, Reshaping Foldable Landscape

Samsung officially introduced its latest device, the Galaxy Z TriFold, during its 'The First Look' press conference in Las Vegas on January 4, 2026, coinciding with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. This launch underscores Samsung's 2026 vision to be the user's companion for AI life, with the triple-fold phone innovation as a central focus. The TriFold design establishes a significant differentiation from competing foldable devices, which generally employ a single-fold (Z-fold) style, signaling an evolution within the premium device category.

The device integrates two hinges, enabling a transformation from a 6.5-inch cover screen to a fully opened 10-inch main display. While the opened main screen measures 3.9mm in thickness, the dual-fold structure results in a substantial device weight of 309 grams and a folded thickness of 12.9mm, with two visible creases on the panel. Early reviewers have assessed the visual experience on the open 10-inch display, which surpasses the size of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and even the iPad Mini, as delivering a true tablet experience within a mobile phone form factor.

Internally, the Galaxy Z TriFold is powered by the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy computing platform. This chipset, a customized variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, features second-generation Oryon CPU cores and a redesigned Adreno 830 GPU, with the main core reaching speeds up to 4.47 GHz, providing tailored performance advantages for the Samsung ecosystem. Furthermore, the device is equipped with a 200-megapixel main camera system and houses a three-cell, 5,600 mAh battery, marking the largest battery capacity ever integrated into a Galaxy foldable device.

In a departure from recent industry trends that omit power accessories, Samsung included a 45W super-fast charger along with a protective case in the box. Market interest in this premium form factor was evident in South Korea, where pre-sales began on December 12, 2025, with the entire stock reportedly selling out within minutes. The official launch in the United States is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, with speculation placing the retail price around $2,500.

Productivity capabilities are significantly enhanced through software optimization, allowing users to run three applications simultaneously on the large screen, complemented by a local DeX experience designed to emulate a personal computing workflow. The standalone DeX feature on this device reportedly supports up to four virtual desktops, with each desktop capable of running five applications concurrently, solidifying its position as a robust mobile workstation. The global introduction of the Galaxy Z TriFold at CES 2026 directly increases competitive pressure on rivals, particularly concerning rumors surrounding Apple's anticipated 'iPhone Fold' launch.

More broadly, the global foldable phone market is demonstrating strong growth momentum. Reports from Counterpoint Research forecast a global shipment surge of up to 46% in 2026, largely driven by Apple's entry into the segment. IDC projects foldable phone market growth at 30% year-over-year in 2026, signaling a turning point following general stagnation in the overall smartphone market. Samsung Display is positioned as a primary beneficiary of this trend, with its global foldable panel market share projected to reach 57% by 2026, leveraging its expertise in flexible screen manufacturing.