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When I was in a band, performing on stage in front of hundreds of people fundamentally changed my relationship with music. It turned it into work. Instead of getting lost in the experience of a concert, I got hung up on the mechanics of playing the music and putting on a show. I lost the excitement a little bit. 

Today, I review phones. I have reviewed every flagship phone launched in the U.S. for the past five years (and many others before that), and it's fair to say it has changed my relationship with phones, making it harder to get excited.

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, which I got to try at CES 2026, makes me excited.

Book-style foldables have been great up until this point, don't get me wrong. There is a reason I don't walk onto a trade show floor with anything other than a foldable. It's great to be able to see more information at once as you try to navigate the streets of Las Vegas, or the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES. But previously foldables have always felt like half-tablets. They were never really big enough to give you that full tablet experience. The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is definitely big enough.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups

This is a phone that fits in your pocket and expands into a full 10-inch display with a roughly 4:3 aspect ratio. That's large enough that it begins to feel like a computer screen, which is just remarkable. You can finally sit down with a phone, bust out a foldable keyboard such as my favored Protoarc XK01 TP Foldable Bluetooth keyboard, and just get some work done. Another key selling point of the Galaxy Z TriFold, beyond the additional screen space, is the fact that DeX can run on the device, giving you a full windowed interface. It's like walking around with a small laptop in your pocket.

How thick is the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold?

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the phone is extremely thick, though, right? Well, that depends on how you look at it. The Z TriFold is 12.9mm thick when fully closed. That's a lot compared to the 8.9mm Z Fold 7, but still less than the 13.4mm Z Fold 5, which is just two generations old. Users managed that just fine, and there are still people walking around today with the Z Fold 5 in their pocket. So really, the Z TriFold isn't that thick.

Just like the Z Fold 7, the Z TriFold's cover screen measures 6.5 inches. It's very comfortable to use when closed, being wide enough to type on with ease, which isn't something that could be said for any Samsung Galaxy Z Fold prior to 2025. The Z TriFold also uses the same camera setup as the Z Fold 7, including a 200-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and 10-megapixel telephoto lens. You can read our full review of the Z Fold 7 to get a sense as to what the camera experience will be like. 

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold runs on the same Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor featured in the Z Fold 7. Qualcomm has since announced a new generation of mobile processor in September — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — but few phones in the U.S. are using it today. The Z TriFold is available with 16GB of RAM along with 512 GB or 1TB of storage. We don't yet know what pricing will look like in the U.S., but it's fair to say it will be north of $2,000 and likely in the neighborhood of $2,500 or higher. Innovation comes at a price.

The Galaxy Z TriFold transforms from phone to workstation 

As far as using the Galaxy Z TriFold is concerned, there is one pain point that seems unavoidable for Samsung, even if some other manufacturers have managed it thus far. 

Other phones which fold like the Z TriFold give you choices. For example, the Huawei Mate XT allows you to use it closed, with one screen open, or with all the screens open, and the operating system dynamically adjusts with how you're using the phone. In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold gives you two options — open and closed — and that's it. Depending on your use case, the U-shaped closure of the phone might also not be ideal. 

I'm actually okay with this design decision. I use my foldables while they're closed most of the time, and consider protecting the Z TriFold's delicate inner screen a higher priority.

Credit: Adam Doud

Personally, I see the Galaxy Z TriFold as a phone that expands into a workstation. I'm good with that. 

Others might want that square screen that a current foldable gives you, but that isn't possible here. If you try to open just one screen, nothing happens until you open both. Then, if you try to close the wrong screen first, the phone buzzes and warns you that you're closing it incorrectly. That's a good safety feature, but it also emphasizes that the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is not for the same audience as single-fold phones.

As for using the phone, like most foldables, it takes a bit of an adjustment period to get used to holding it and using it on the screen. The most startling thing about the Z TriFold is how thin and light it is when unfurled. At its thinnest when unfolded it is 3.9 millimeters thick. That is not a typo. It’s ridiculous how thin this phone is.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: Lollipop Star is a speaker that plays music through your teeth. Yes, really.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is thick when folded, measuring the same as the Z Fold 5, however it has a very usable cover screen that's a comparable width to the X Fold 7. This is still a tad too narrow for my taste, but it’s light years better than Samsung foldables prior to the Fold 6.

As for usability, I'd need a full review period to adequately figure out how the Galaxy Z TriFold integrates into my workflow. Still, the extra screen space is amazing and I can fully buy into using this phone as a sort of mini laptop. The one bummer is that the phone case with the stand is not included in the box, though I’m pleased to report that, at least in overseas models (the only ones currently available), a charger is included. So, that’s a pleasant surprise.

Samsung DeX on the device is really solid. I did not have the opportunity to pair a mouse and keyboard to the device, which in my mind will be the real "killer app" here. But the expansive canvas that you get will make this very close to a laptop experience. What’s more, Samsung gives you the ability to have up to four desktop layouts and switch between them in the multitasking interface. You can have both a productivity layout and a gaming layout, for example.

There are some oddities that I noticed during my time with Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. Notably, the ability to continue what you were doing from the small screen to the larger one and vice versa is missing. I asked Samsung about that and am awaiting further details— stay tuned for our full review.

Another strange quirk is that Samsung’s own news app would not resize or move into a side-by-side mode because it wouldn’t change the aspect ratio. This seems like a weird miss considering this is Samsung’s app on Samsung’s phone. Not a great look.

Even so, these were the only potential issues I identified during my brief time with the Z TriFold. I desperately want to take this phone out for a spin to find out what it’s capable of, and explore everything that a 90-minute hands on experience won’t reveal. 

Put simply, I am genuinely excited to use the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, and you should be too.

There isn’t a better way for entertainment enthusiasts like me to kick off the year than with the return of television’s best white-knuckle medical drama, dare I say ever. Get ready for more intense, fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action, because The Pitt is finally back for another insanely chaotic, emotional shift.

SAVE $300: As of Jan. 7, get the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,799. That's a discount of 17%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold $1,499 at Amazon
$1,799 Save $300   Get Deal

New year, new you. If that also extends to your smartphone, it might be time to go ahead and upgrade. Luckily, we've found one that's on sale for a significant discount. And if you're an Android user or plan to become one, you'll want to pounce on this deal.

As of Jan. 7, get the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,799. That's a discount of 17%.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel 9 is back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $300 right now

This unlocked smartphone is Google's version of the folding device. It boasts the largest and brightest screen of the Pixel lineup at eight inches, and is built to utilize Google's Gemini AI features. It features a high-strength hinge that Google claims will give you up to 10 years of folding, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that protects the screen.

It has the Google Tensor G5 processor on board, with an improved TPU and CPU, and a 24-hour battery life with support from Qi2 wireless Pixelsnap magnetic charging. And with its high-quality camera array, you can manage some seriously impressive photos.

Mashable's Alex Perry took the Pixel 10 Pro Fold for a spin and praised its "bigger battery and a stronger chip powering it" in comparison to last year's model. Perry also appreciated its "solid performance".

If it's time for a big smartphone upgrade, it might be time to go ahead and lock in this deal.

Who needs more tools? I know I do. DeWALT is one of the most popular tool brands on the market, particularly among professionals, largely due to its constant introduction of exciting new products. Near the end of the year, DeWALT announced a slew of new tools and accessories were on the way for 2026, and here are a few worth waiting for.

SAVE $144: The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $575, down from the list price of $719. That's a 20% discount and the best price we've seen since 2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo $575 at Amazon
$719 Save $144   Get Deal

For months now, it's been a struggle to get hold of a DJI drone. The brand that makes content-creator approved drones, mics, and portable power stations, has run into issues with getting product into the U.S., but it's not totally impossible. You can still find models at Amazon from trustworthy third-party sellers. That's the case today but with an added bonus of coming with a great discount.

As of Jan. 7, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale for $575 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $719. That works out to a savings of $144 from a 20% discount. It's also the best price we've seen since 2024.

The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is a great model for both experienced drone fliers and beginners. It comes in at under 249 grams which make it safe to fly without a license in most areas, not to mention making it easy to pack along on adventures.

SEE ALSO: Gear up for winter with the DJI Power 2000 portable power station while it's $500 off

DJI added other great features to the Mini 3 like the ability to transmit video from over six miles away and wind resistance for gusts that measure up to 23 miles per hour. And all of this comes while recording in 4K.

Beginner-friendly attributes include easy one-tap take off and landing, plus a return to home function. You can also take advantage of easy edits, a map that indicates no-fly areas, and a library of beginner tutorials.

The combo includes the DJI Mini 3, three DJI Intelligent Flight batteries, a DJI RC, three spare propellers, a shoulder bag for easy transport, and plenty more. Before this sale price vanishes, get the comprehensive DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo for $575 at Amazon. You'll be on your way to capturing epic footage in no time.

SAVE $20: As of Jan. 7, the Nothing CMF Headphone Pro is down to just $79 at Amazon as a Lightning deal. That's 20% off the $99 list price and matches the best price ever for the noise-cancelling headphones.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Headphone Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal

If you're in the market for new noise-cancelling headphones, the Nothing CMF Headphone Pro should be on your radar — especially if you're looking to save some cash.

As of Jan. 7, the CMF Headphone Pro noise-cancelling headphones are down to only $79 at Amazon as a Lightning deal. That's 20% off the usual $99 list price and matches the best-ever price from the holiday season. Lightning deals disappear once all units have been claimed or the deal timer runs out — whichever comes first. So you'll want to add it to your cart ASAP if you want to get the discount.

While we haven't had a chance to test the CMF Headphone Pro, released just a few months ago, we truly adored the British brand's other 2025 releases — like the retro-inspired flagship headphones and the CMF Watch 3 Pro. Why would the Headphone Pro be any different? Like other products from the CMF line (Nothing's budget brand), they have top-notch specs at an absurdly low price point. The CMF Headphone Pro noise-cancelling headphones feature a mighty impressive 100-hour battery life (50 with ANC turned on), up to 40db of adaptive noise cancellation, spatial audio, custom EQ, intuitive on-ear controls, and comfy interchangeable ear cushions.

Typically, specs such as these would cost you well over $100. At only $79, the CMF Headphone Pro wireless cans are honestly a steal. They come in two shades of gray and a fun light green.

SAVE 14%: As of Jan. 7, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) for $299, down from $349, at Amazon. That's a 14% discount or $50 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50   Get Deal

If you missed out on the holiday tech sales, Amazon is keeping the momentum going with a solid discount on Apple's newest entry-level tablet.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Air M3 review: The smallest of upgrades

As of Jan. 7, the 11-inch Apple iPad (A16 chip, 128GB, WiFi) is on sale for $299 at Amazon. That's a $50 discount off its $349 list price. While we saw it hit $274 during Black Friday, this is the best price we've tracked since the calendar turned to 2026.

Apple announced this 11th-generation model in March 2025 as a pretty substantial "freshening up" for the base iPad. It uses the A16 Bionic chip, which Apple says is roughly 30 percent faster than the A14 found in the previous generation. The most practical change, though, is the storage boost. Apple finally killed off the 64GB base model and started this one at 128GB. That alone makes it a much easier recommendation since you won't have to spend your life deleting old photos just to download a movie for a flight.

You'll also get an 11-inch Liquid Retina display and a 12MP front camera that's already positioned on the landscape edge. It still uses Touch ID on the top button and charges via USB-C, so it’ll work with the cables you probably already have lying around.

SAVE 36%: As of Jan. 7, you can get the Star Wars: Unlimited TCG Spark of Rebellion Booster Display (24 Booster Packs) for $76.10, down from $119.76. That's a 36% discount, or $43.66 in savings.

Star Wars: Unlimited TCG Spark of Rebellion Booster Display (24 Booster Packs) $76.10 at Amazon
$119.76 Save $43.66   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re still trying to fill the holes in your first-edition collection or just want to feel the rush from cracking open a fresh pack, this is your chance to grab a box without paying the usual "out of print" tax.

As of Jan. 7, the Star Wars: Unlimited TCG Spark of Rebellion Booster Display (24 Packs) is on sale for $76.10 at Amazon. That's a 36% discount off the $119.76 list price. For context, the current market value for this display is $80.97, so you're snagging it for about $5 under the going rate.

SEE ALSO: Star Wars goes quiet. How long will the Dark Times last?

Each of the 24 booster packs comes with 16 cards, including a guaranteed foil and a leader card. If the Force is actually on your side, you might even pull a Showcase variant — some of which, like the Leia Organa or Emperor Palpatine cards, have been known to trade for hundreds of dollars.

Since this is the first set in the Unlimited series, supply has been notoriously spotty since it launched. Finding a sealed display box for under $80 is a solid win, especially since prices have been known to creep back up toward the $100 mark whenever stock gets thin.

Affordable three-row plug-in hybrids are still relatively uncommon, but one Japanese PHEV stands out by bringing a compelling mix of efficiency, practicality, and refinement that rivals many luxury-brand alternatives. While premium SUVs often command high price tags for comparable features and technology, this model manages to offer three-row versatility and electrified driving without stretching your budget.

During a recent visit to Stack Exchange's Unix and Linux section, I came across an interesting question from a user who wanted desktop widgets on their Zorin OS desktop. The question caught my attention because the user had uploaded an image of his desktop and the look he wanted after adding desktop widgets. The customization bug got me, and I started experimenting with different ways to add desktop widgets to my Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS desktop.

CES has always been about showcasing big ideas, but Roborock is getting quite “meta” with its “The Greatest Meeting the Greatest” theme for CES 2026.

SAVE $500: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $799, down from the list price of $1,299. That's a 38% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 portable power station $799 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $500   Get Deal

The world of content creation is pretty great. From our couch, we can now join people on a cruise that goes around the world, step into a grocery store in Sweden, or watch incredible drone footage of winter skiing. If you happen to be one of these content creators, you know the struggle of keeping everything powered up, but there's a simple solution in a portable power station. If you're looking for a model that's great for creators, check out this Amazon deal.

As of Jan. 7, the DJI Power 2000 portable power station is on sale for $799 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $1,299. That's a 38% discount that takes $500 off the usual price.

If you're a fan of DJI drones, you'll love the two SDC ports on the Power 2000. In addition, it comes with four AC ports, four USB-A, and four USB-C options (140W max) for recharging everything you'll need to create content. In total, the DJI Power 2000 offers up 2,048Wh of battery life with long-lasting LiFePO4 battery cells.

SEE ALSO: Get ready for the big chill with the Bluetti Pioneer Na(Sodium) portable power station while it's $500 off

DJI mentions this is also a great model for using at home during power outages. You'll be able to recharge a phone, tablet, and a 2100W oven all at the same time with the DJI Power 2000. Other scenarios include keeping the WiFi router on for over 150 hours, or the refrigerator cooling for 40 hours.

Another major benefit of the DJI Power 2000 is its expansion ability. The station can connect with up to 10 DJI expansion batteries, which would offer a grand total of 22,528Wh. In real-life terms, DJI says that can power a whole house for four to six days.

Before you head off on the next content creation project, upgrade to the DJI Power 2000 to ensure your tech can stay charged up. Today's sale price at Amazon means you can save $500 on the station that will also be great at home during power outages.

The GPU market includes GPUs of all shapes, sizes, and price points. The cheapest ones can range from pretty good to actual trash, though.

There are many misconceptions about Linux, and some I've believed myself. Long ago, I stuck with Windows because I misjudged Linux. Now, I wish to clear up some misunderstandings; here are 6 things that people often get wrong.

Are you debating getting a smaller 3D printer to save some money? I made that choice nearly two years ago, and I’m just now recovering from it. Here’s my first-hand experience advice on how to make sure you don’t repeat my mistake and buy the wrong size 3D printer.

The New Year is here, and with it comes a bevy of new Paramount+ originals to stream. As it stands, January looks to be full of psychological thrillers, a jaw-dropping true crime docuseries, and a Canadian edition of an MTV reality show phenomenon. This month also sees the return of School Spirits and the highly anticipated premiere of the Star Trek spinoff, Starfleet Academy.

Frameworks change fast, but core skills persist and pay off in every stack. Before you reach for that framework, whether it’s familiar or untested, consider the strengths of building your own solution first.

How does your music taste? Or, perhaps, how does your lollipop sound?

These have just become legit questions as one company just launched a lollipop at CES 2026 that doubles as a loudspeaker.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups

Called the Lollipop Star and created by a company called Lava Tech Brands (the company is based in the U.S., but the lollipops are made in China), this unusual combo isn't the type of speaker you buy once and use for years. Instead, they're affordable, quick, sweet bites that play a tune while you eat them.

At nine bucks a piece, these are going to be hard to say no to. Credit: Lava Brand

The company said it's teamed up with global pop icons for the music, and that each Lollipop Star, priced at $8.99, will carry its own beat, flavor and vibe. Examples include a peach-flavored lollipop that plays music from Ice Spice, or a blueberry-flavored one that plays Akon.

So how does it work? Lollipop Star uses bone conduction tech to deliver the sound, with the electronics hidden in the stick. As you bite down on the lollipop, vibrations travel from your jaw to your inner ear. You probably shouldn't expect too much in terms of sound quality, but at nine bucks a piece, it won't break the bank, either. It's the type of product that makes it near impossible to say no to once your kids first encounter it.

Featured Video For You Motorola is entering the wearable AI game

Lollipop Star isn't available yet, but it should launch after CES. If you're interested, you can head on to the company's website and join the waitlist to get updates about the product.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

As phone screens have gotten more unwieldy, we’ve been forced to rely more on gestures for navigation. While some gestures are obvious, there are others that aren’t as well-known. One lesser-known Android gesture, in particular, has become essential in my daily life.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is on sale for $98.68 at Amazon. That's below market value compared to TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Store Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box $98.68 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $66.02   Get Deal

We're usually content with finding trading cards at close to market value on Amazon, so we're extremely pleased to see something considerably below what the market is willing to pay. It doesn't happen regularly, so we feel the need to make some noise about the fact that the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is under $100 at Amazon.

As of Jan. 7, the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is on sale for $98.68 at Amazon. That's over $60 off and close to the lowest-ever price at the retailer. It's also lower than the market value we're seeing over on TCGplayer, which is really something. Amazon doesn't usually compete with the market, so collectors should take note.

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The Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box includes 30 play boosters that each contain 14 cards plus a single Token or Art card. Of the 14 cards in each play booster, one will be a shining Traditional Foil card, 1-4 will be "Rare" or better, and you could even pull a Special Guest Mythic Rare. That's not likely, but you could get lucky.

Pick up the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box for below market value at Amazon.