Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
In between the humongous TVs, hypnotic slot machines, and whiffs of smoke and alcohol at CES, I slipped into a private showroom this weekend to go hands-on with the elusive Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold.
While the foldable hadn't officially launched in the US, there was little left to the imagination in terms of its specs, design, and capabilities. Customers in South Korea got their units weeks ago.
Also: CES 2026 news: Live updates on TVs, smart glasses, robots, and more we've seen so far
But one thing did catch me by surprise. For a split moment, as I fidgeted with the various crevices, buttons, and hinges of the TriFold, I felt a sense of nostalgia. Specifically, back in 2019, when the very first Galaxy Fold was released. It was far from being a lavish or refined handset, with its bulky design and oddly-sized cover screen.
But to enthusiasts, using a phone that could unfold into something bigger felt like the Holy Grail of devices, as my colleague Matt Miller once elegantly put it. Using the TriFold was a similar, though much more confidence-inducing experience.
Gone were the creeks and mysterious sounds of internal components. Instead, I was met with a handset that felt sturdy, thoughtfully put together, and yet still familiar to use.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Most importantly, seeing what once unfolded into a square now transforming into a wider rectangle made it very clear to me that this is truly the endgame for foldables. The wider 4:3 aspect ratio and 10-inch AMOLED screen make browsing in split-screen mode, watching movies and videos, and just general interactions feel more intentional.
... continue reading