Introduction
Samsung has introduced the $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold in the United States, the first tri‑folding phone on the market. At the same price you could buy the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra and the 11‑inch Galaxy Tab S11, still leaving you with over $1,000 in cash. This article breaks down the specs, strengths, and trade‑offs of each option to help you decide which purchase makes the most sense.
Galaxy Z TriFold: All‑in‑One Convenience
The Z TriFold aims to replace both a smartphone and a tablet. When folded it acts as a 6.5‑inch AMOLED phone; unfolded it reveals a 10.1‑inch tablet‑sized screen.
- Display: 6.5" (2520×1080) cover screen + 10.1" (2160×1584) inner screen, both 120 Hz AMOLED
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage
- Cameras: 200 MP main, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 10 MP 3× telephoto
- Battery: 5,600 mAh, IP48 rating
- Key advantage: One device that switches between phone and tablet form factors, ideal for travelers and minimalists.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Flagship Smartphone
The S25 Ultra is Samsung’s top‑tier slab phone, offering higher resolution, better durability, and an advanced camera suite.
- Display: 6.9" AMOLED, 3120×1440, 120 Hz, Gorilla Armor 2
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, up to 12 GB RAM, 1 TB storage
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, IP68 rating
- Cameras: 200 MP primary, 50 MP ultra‑wide, 10 MP 3× telephoto, 50 MP 5× periscope, 12 MP front
- Extras: Built‑in S Pen for note‑taking and creativity
Galaxy Tab S11: Dedicated Tablet
The Tab S11 provides a larger, crease‑free display and a massive battery, making it a more comfortable tablet than a folded phone.
- Display: 11" AMOLED, 2560×1600, 120 Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, up to 12 GB RAM, 1 TB storage
- Battery: 8,400 mAh, IP68 rating
- Cameras: 13 MP rear, 12 MP front
- Extras: S Pen support, robust build for long‑term tablet use
Value Comparison
At $2,899 you get a single device with two form factors, but you also inherit the compromises of foldable hardware: potential durability concerns, a smaller tablet screen, and a lower‑capacity battery compared to a dedicated tablet.
Buying the S25 Ultra ($1,049.99) plus the Tab S11 ($699.99) totals $1,749.98, leaving roughly $1,150 for accessories, warranties, or savings. This combo delivers:
- Higher‑resolution phone display and superior durability
- More powerful camera system with additional periscope lens
- Larger tablet screen with longer battery life
- Separate devices that can be used simultaneously (e.g., calls on phone while working on tablet)
Recommendation
If you value a single, portable device that can morph from phone to tablet and are willing to pay a premium for that convenience, the Galaxy Z TriFold is the choice.
For most users seeking the best overall performance, camera quality, and tablet experience without the trade‑offs of folding mechanisms, the Galaxy S25 Ultra paired with the Galaxy Tab S11 offers superior value and flexibility.