Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold has problems, and it’s telling us to steer clear of the foldable iPhone

Galaxy Z TriFold users have reported multiple inner display failures occurring within days to weeks of purchase. These include displays turning black or white and becoming unresponsive, ghost touches (phantom input registration), green flashing followed by display failure, and visible air bubbles under the display accompanied by popping sounds during folding. In one case, a user experienced complete display failure after just five days of use, while another reported issues after six weeks. The problems persist even after hard reboots, and affected users report treating their devices carefully without dropping them, suggesting potential manufacturing defects rather than user damage.

The Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung's first trifold device, introducing greater mechanical complexity with three display panels and two hinges compared to traditional dual-fold designs. Early-generation foldable devices historically experience reliability issues, as seen with Samsung's own Galaxy Z Fold series. The display failures on the Z TriFold—attributed to potential flex ribbon cable issues and mechanical stress on the complex hinge system—demonstrate that even established manufacturers struggle with durability in innovative form factors. These challenges suggest that Apple's entry into foldable technology would likely face similar engineering hurdles, as the fundamental physics of flexible displays and multi-hinge mechanisms present inherent design difficulties that cannot be easily overcome, regardless of manufacturer expertise.