Galaxy Z TriFold Won't Let You Fold It Wrong — Here's Why Ignoring It Is Risky

For years, foldable phones have been both a source of excitement and a nagging worry. That concern usually boils down to one thing: accidentally damaging the expensive device by folding it the wrong way.

However, a new era is dawning. Samsung is reportedly preparing a revolutionary triple-folding device, the Galaxy Z TriFold, engineered with a failsafe system.

Superior Device Protection

Samsung has formally launched its first device that bends twice, and for those who value toughness, this design is the finest dual-hinge solution available. Instead of folding into an 'S' shape, the Galaxy Z TriFold tucks its panels together, keeping the entire flexible display shielded when the phone is closed.

While this design provides outstanding safeguarding for the 10-inch flexible screen, it includes one significant limitation. Specifically, owners must learn the correct direction to shut the Galaxy Z TriFold. The handset will notify users immediately if they try to close it incorrectly.

Left-to-Right Movement and the Auto-Warning

Always move from left to right and heed the automatic warning system. The Galaxy Z TriFold features three panels hinged together. When operating the device like a slate and needing to compact it, the user should initially bend the left section inwards, then bring the right section to shield it.

Once this action is complete and the device is closed correctly, you can turn the phone over and begin interacting with the 6.5-inch outer display.

To reiterate, you must bring the left section inwards first when the flexible display is facing you and the outer screen is directed away. Crucially, the Galaxy Z TriFold cannot be secured by starting with the correct section. That right edge contains the camera unit, so that part must always be the last to move.

The Incorrect Closure

Should you perform the action incorrectly, Samsung states the Galaxy Z TriFold will warn you using visual messages and haptic feedback. However, the precise damage that could occur—or whether any occurs at all—when attempting to misalign the device remains a mystery.

'The folding mechanism has been precisely engineered for easy opening and closing, with an auto-alarm alerting the user of incorrect folding through a series of on-screen alerts and vibrations. Every detail is crafted with precision and purpose to deliver an intuitive, user-friendly experience,' the South Korean tech giant said in a blog post.

In the most serious scenario, one could force the flexible display against the camera unit, causing a mark on the panel or even a more serious defect. It remains uncertain whether the joining mechanisms themselves might be harmed by an improper closure.

Is the System Truly Foolproof?

Hopefully, Samsung considered every scenario and designed the Galaxy Z TriFold so that folding it the wrong way doesn't trigger an automatic critical failure. Those alarms are welcome, but a SamMobile report notes that they aren't the most foolproof solution.

Regardless of how effective the built-in safeguards prove to be, the Galaxy Z TriFold represents a significant engineering leap. Dismissing this triple-folding design means ignoring the future path of mobile technology.

Its protective folding mechanism alone makes it a pivotal device, and understanding its constraints is essential for anyone following the cutting edge.