Galaxy Z TriFold Lost Mainstay Features Z Flip And Z Fold, Flex Mode Not Supported

Samsung finally released the Galaxy Z TriFold (photo: x @hkyamane)

JAKARTA - Samsung has finally released Galaxy Z TriFold, the company's first foldable double-screen device with a 10-inch main screen span that can be folded twice. However, amid enthusiasm for this new form factor, important findings emerged that actually made some fans of the Galaxy Fold and Flip series feel lost.

SuperSaf YouTuber, who has tried the device in person, confirmed that Galaxy Z TriFold does not support Flex Mode, a feature that has been the hallmark of Samsung's folding phone series for years.

Flex Mode allows users to fold part of the device screen to perform a number of activities without holding a cellphone, such as watching videos hands-free, taking photos and videos without tripod, and making video calls with a form factor resembling a mini laptop.

This feature first appeared in the first generation Galaxy Z Flip in 2020 and has since become a major added value in Samsung's foldable lineup. Without Flex Mode, Galaxy Z TriFold users must rely on kickstand cases or other ways to enforce the device when taking photos, recording videos, or watching content.

SuperSaf also shows that the Galaxy Z TriFold cannot be used when it is only folded once. At that position, the visible screen panel appears blur and is non-responsive. Samsung seems to choose to disable the screen in the first fold position, likely because the resulting screen size is similar to the 6.5-inch outer screen which is longer durable and is designed as the main secondary display.

This decision raises comparisons with the Huawei Mate XT, a closest competitor offering one in-folding hinge and one out-folding. The XT Mate allows users to take advantage of the screen normally when the device is partially folded, resulting in a functional 7.9-inch screen.

In addition, Mate XT continues to support Flex Mode thanks to the cover screen design that can act as a support. However, Huawei's approach also poses a risk: Some screens are always open to the outside, which is feared to affect long-term resilience.

Despite losing some important features, the Galaxy Z TriFold remains one of the most exciting launches of the year. The device carries a 10-inch display that can be stored in the pocket, a 6.5-inch cover screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 5,600mAh battery, 45W cable charging, 15W wireless charging, and the same camera configuration as the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Samsung will launch the first Galaxy Z TriFold in Korea, then following in China, Singapore, the UAE, and the United States. Official prices for the US market have not been announced, but these devices are priced at around US$2,445 (Rp40 million) in Korea.