Just moments after its official release, the Galaxy Z TriFold sold out across major Samsung stores, marking an explosive debut. However, while the phone's innovative design has drawn praise, it’s the staggering repair costs - especially for the foldable screens - that have taken center stage.

A breakthrough foldable design, but with high risks

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Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung’s first triple-fold phone. Photo: Androidcentral

Unveiled last month, the Galaxy Z TriFold is Samsung’s boldest foldable project yet. Unlike the familiar bi-fold Z Fold series, the TriFold opens out in three segments, expanding into a display size nearly equivalent to a tablet. It’s a daring experiment that points to a new direction for future smartphones.

Yet, this very complexity has sparked concern. Foldable smartphones are already more fragile than traditional models. Add more hinges, and the risk of mechanical failure triples.

So the pressing question after launch was simple: If it breaks, how much will it cost to fix?

According to a recent report from South Korea, replacing the outer screen (cover display) of the Galaxy Z TriFold will cost between 137,000 and 226,000 won, or roughly $90 to $150 USD.

This price point is relatively in line with the outer screen replacement costs of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, suggesting Samsung is keeping smaller, more exposed parts reasonably priced - given how prone they are to daily wear and scratches.

However, the real shock lies in the cost of the main, inner screen - the heart of the Galaxy Z TriFold’s cutting-edge design.

The report states that replacing the triple-fold inner display could range from 1,657,500 to 1,834,500 won, or approximately $1,120 to $1,240 USD, depending on the extent of damage.

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Replacing the Galaxy Z TriFold’s screen is more expensive than buying a Galaxy S25 Ultra. Photo: Gizmochina

Repair costs exceed a new flagship phone

To truly understand how expensive this is, consider this: the Galaxy S25 Ultra - Samsung’s latest top-tier flagship - currently retails for around 1,673,100 won in South Korea, or about $1,130 USD.

In other words, in the worst-case scenario, replacing the inner screen of a Galaxy Z TriFold could cost as much - or even more - than purchasing an entirely new Galaxy S25 Ultra.

This puts users in a tough spot: repair their damaged phone or simply buy a new one?

The report also reveals that Samsung is tightly controlling the supply of the Galaxy Z TriFold. Each major Samsung store in South Korea reportedly received only 15 to 30 units, with just around 700 units available nationwide.

Samsung is said to be targeting sales of 2,500 to 5,000 units of the Galaxy Z TriFold in early 2026. These limited figures make it clear that this isn’t a mass-market device. Instead, it’s more of a small-scale pilot project to test market reactions and refine the technology.

It’s important to note that all repair cost estimates and supply figures mentioned come from an unverified blog, not an official Samsung statement.

Therefore, final pricing could change once Samsung releases official details or expands to international markets.

Still, even as unofficial estimates, these numbers reflect a familiar truth in the world of foldables: the more groundbreaking the technology, the more expensive the repairs.

The Galaxy Z TriFold represents a bold vision for smartphones - one where phones, tablets, and multifunctional devices merge into a single form.

Yet that vision, for now, is reserved for early adopters willing to face high risks, higher costs, and significant trade-offs.

With repair costs rivaling those of flagship phones, the Galaxy Z TriFold demands not only a deep pocket at purchase, but also extreme care in daily use. The future is here - but fixing the future doesn’t come cheap.

Hai Phong