Jenith
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There's virtually no doubt in my mind that Samsung will eventually release a tri-folding phone. In fact, according to a recent rumor, Samsung's first tri-folding device, the so-called Galaxy Z TriFold, may be released as early as the end of September.
As this alleged debut draws near, I've been wondering more and more what kind of mark the Galaxy Z TriFold could leave on Samsung's existing foldable phones. Will Samsung's tri-folding Galaxy device make the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold lineups obsolete? And if not, then what will come of these original form factors?
These questions have been swirling in my mind for some time now, and after careful consideration, I think I have reached a conclusion that's satisfying enough, at least for the time being. Here's my perspective.
Let's get the obvious out of the way. I think the Galaxy Z Flip series exists in its own niche, where it doesn't have to worry about other foldable form factors diminishing its success.
Unlike the Fold and future TriFold lineups, the Galaxy Z Flip doesn't fit the tablet role whatsoever. It's essentially a slab-type phone that can fold in half, equipped with a minimalist cover screen that offers a unique experience in its own right.
In short, despite having a hinge and a foldable display, the Galaxy Z Flip is nothing like the Fold/TriFold and doesn't occupy the same market niche as other foldable form factors.
No matter how the Galaxy Z TriFold turns out, there's little to no reason to worry about the Galaxy Z Flip's future. This foldable form factor is here to stay, even if it won't replace rigid phones anytime soon — or ever.
5 reasons why foldable phones won't replace rigid ones
Here's where things get tricky. The Galaxy Z Fold and Z TriFold will have more in common with each other than with any other mobile devices.
The beauty of the Galaxy Z Fold is that it can offer a phone-like experience while hiding a tablet-grade form factor in its foldable body. The Galaxy Z TriFold will fulfill the same purpose, except it will offer an even larger tablet-sized foldable screen.
Other traits the Z Fold and Z TriFold should share include:
In essence, the Galaxy Z TriFold will be an extended version of the Z Fold, featuring two hinges instead of one and a larger foldable screen on the inside. Based on leaks, the TriFold will be a wider Z Fold (when unfolded), featuring an additional hinge.
Given these similarities, it's very tempting to believe that the Galaxy Z TriFold will turn the Galaxy Z Fold obsolete as soon as it goes on sale. It's tempting to view the Z Fold as an inferior version and a precursor of the TriFold and conclude that anyone who aims for the phone-tablet experience will choose the TriFold over the Z Fold every time.
But here are a few reasons why I doubt that will always be the case.
Reason #1: Costs
The Galaxy Z TriFold will likely always cost more than the Z Fold. The larger foldable screen will be pricier to manufacture, and the dual-hinge mechanism will also add to the cost.
I believe that the Z Fold will probably always be viewed as a more cost-effective alternative to the TriFold.
Reason #2: Durability
With twice as many hinges as the Fold, the Z TriFold will be more prone to mechanical failure. No matter how much Samsung improves build quality, the TriFold will always have more potential points of failure than the Z Fold.
Furthermore, the Z Fold will always be cheaper to maintain and repair. It will be the safer choice.
Reason #3: Complexity
As impressive as the Galaxy Z TriFold will likely be, I believe that the simplicity of a single-hinge design has inherent value. The Galaxy Z TriFold will be more confusing to use than the Z Fold for both hardware and software-related reasons.
I suspect that the Galaxy Z TriFold will have a steeper learning curve than any other mobile device before it.
Not only will the dual-hinge design be more complex — for example, users will have to remember which side of the device to fold first — but the software experience and adaptable UI will also add more complexity.
The Galaxy Z Fold's straightforward design, compared to the Z TriFold, may always have its own advantages. Users who want a no-nonsense foldable phone without having to rewrite almost everything they know about using mobile devices will gravitate toward the single-hinge form factor.
Reason #4: Weight
No matter how much Samsung will advance mobile technology and design, the Galaxy Z TriFold will likely always be thicker and heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold. This may remain true for as long as these form factors exist.
In other words, even though both devices may fulfill the same purpose, I believe they will attract slightly different niche audiences.
After careful consideration, I am fairly sure that the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold won't kill the Z Fold or destroy its legacy. Of course, I could be wrong, as trying to predict the future is always tricky.
I do think that some Galaxy Z Fold users who have always wanted an even larger foldable screen and a foldable tablet will switch to the Galaxy Z TriFold. This could result in slightly fewer Z Fold sales. But at the end of the day, it won't be enough to render the Z Fold obsolete.
Of course, things may change if Samsung introduces rollable devices. Only time will tell how the mobile market will continue to evolve over the years and what impact rollable phones could have on the industry. But until that happens (if it does), I believe that all three foldable form factors — Flip, Fold, and TriFold — will complement rather than cannibalize each other.
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As this alleged debut draws near, I've been wondering more and more what kind of mark the Galaxy Z TriFold could leave on Samsung's existing foldable phones. Will Samsung's tri-folding Galaxy device make the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold lineups obsolete? And if not, then what will come of these original form factors?
These questions have been swirling in my mind for some time now, and after careful consideration, I think I have reached a conclusion that's satisfying enough, at least for the time being. Here's my perspective.
The Galaxy Z Flip has nothing to worry about
Let's get the obvious out of the way. I think the Galaxy Z Flip series exists in its own niche, where it doesn't have to worry about other foldable form factors diminishing its success.
Unlike the Fold and future TriFold lineups, the Galaxy Z Flip doesn't fit the tablet role whatsoever. It's essentially a slab-type phone that can fold in half, equipped with a minimalist cover screen that offers a unique experience in its own right.
In short, despite having a hinge and a foldable display, the Galaxy Z Flip is nothing like the Fold/TriFold and doesn't occupy the same market niche as other foldable form factors.
No matter how the Galaxy Z TriFold turns out, there's little to no reason to worry about the Galaxy Z Flip's future. This foldable form factor is here to stay, even if it won't replace rigid phones anytime soon — or ever.
5 reasons why foldable phones won't replace rigid ones
Things between Galaxy Z TriFold and Z Fold are more nuanced
Here's where things get tricky. The Galaxy Z Fold and Z TriFold will have more in common with each other than with any other mobile devices.
The beauty of the Galaxy Z Fold is that it can offer a phone-like experience while hiding a tablet-grade form factor in its foldable body. The Galaxy Z TriFold will fulfill the same purpose, except it will offer an even larger tablet-sized foldable screen.
Other traits the Z Fold and Z TriFold should share include:
- A generous cover display that can emulate a slab-type phone.
- Phone-tablet combo.
- Vertical hinges (unlike the Flip's horizontal hinge)
- Three rear-facing cameras, plus a selfie shooter embedded in the cover screen.
- High costs.
In essence, the Galaxy Z TriFold will be an extended version of the Z Fold, featuring two hinges instead of one and a larger foldable screen on the inside. Based on leaks, the TriFold will be a wider Z Fold (when unfolded), featuring an additional hinge.
Given these similarities, it's very tempting to believe that the Galaxy Z TriFold will turn the Galaxy Z Fold obsolete as soon as it goes on sale. It's tempting to view the Z Fold as an inferior version and a precursor of the TriFold and conclude that anyone who aims for the phone-tablet experience will choose the TriFold over the Z Fold every time.
But here are a few reasons why I doubt that will always be the case.
Reason #1: Costs
The Galaxy Z TriFold will likely always cost more than the Z Fold. The larger foldable screen will be pricier to manufacture, and the dual-hinge mechanism will also add to the cost.
I believe that the Z Fold will probably always be viewed as a more cost-effective alternative to the TriFold.
Reason #2: Durability
With twice as many hinges as the Fold, the Z TriFold will be more prone to mechanical failure. No matter how much Samsung improves build quality, the TriFold will always have more potential points of failure than the Z Fold.
Furthermore, the Z Fold will always be cheaper to maintain and repair. It will be the safer choice.
Reason #3: Complexity
As impressive as the Galaxy Z TriFold will likely be, I believe that the simplicity of a single-hinge design has inherent value. The Galaxy Z TriFold will be more confusing to use than the Z Fold for both hardware and software-related reasons.
I suspect that the Galaxy Z TriFold will have a steeper learning curve than any other mobile device before it.
Not only will the dual-hinge design be more complex — for example, users will have to remember which side of the device to fold first — but the software experience and adaptable UI will also add more complexity.
The Galaxy Z Fold's straightforward design, compared to the Z TriFold, may always have its own advantages. Users who want a no-nonsense foldable phone without having to rewrite almost everything they know about using mobile devices will gravitate toward the single-hinge form factor.
Reason #4: Weight
No matter how much Samsung will advance mobile technology and design, the Galaxy Z TriFold will likely always be thicker and heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold. This may remain true for as long as these form factors exist.
In other words, even though both devices may fulfill the same purpose, I believe they will attract slightly different niche audiences.
- The Galaxy Z Fold will remain a better choice for people who value the cover screen experience and a balanced form factor that aims to deliver the best of both worlds.
- Conversely, the Galaxy Z TriFold will be better suited for users who lean much more towards the tablet experience and won't be bothered by a weight and thickness. The TriFold will be better suited for users who want a foldable tablet first and a phone second.
Conclusion: All three foldable form factors will coexist
After careful consideration, I am fairly sure that the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold won't kill the Z Fold or destroy its legacy. Of course, I could be wrong, as trying to predict the future is always tricky.
I do think that some Galaxy Z Fold users who have always wanted an even larger foldable screen and a foldable tablet will switch to the Galaxy Z TriFold. This could result in slightly fewer Z Fold sales. But at the end of the day, it won't be enough to render the Z Fold obsolete.
Of course, things may change if Samsung introduces rollable devices. Only time will tell how the mobile market will continue to evolve over the years and what impact rollable phones could have on the industry. But until that happens (if it does), I believe that all three foldable form factors — Flip, Fold, and TriFold — will complement rather than cannibalize each other.
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