Key Points
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold lowers the cover screen’s resolution during app transitions.
- The change results in lower‑resolution screenshots captured on the outer display.
- The issue is linked to the “Continue apps on main screen” software setting.
- The resolution temporarily drops from 2,520 × 1,080 to 1,918 × 822 pixels.
- Analysts say the quirk highlights Android’s ongoing challenges with multi‑screen form factors.
Galaxy Z TriFold’s Screen Transition Feature Causes Screenshot Quirk
Samsung’s ambitious Galaxy Z TriFold is drawing attention for an unexpected display behavior: screenshots captured on the cover screen may appear noticeably lower in quality. The issue stems from how the device manages transitions between its compact 6.5‑inch outer display and expansive 10‑inch inner panel.
The quirk surfaced during in‑depth software testing and appears when users switch an app from the smaller cover screen to the larger foldable display.
Why the Resolution Drops During App Switching
Managing apps across two drastically different screen sizes is a technical challenge for Android. Without intervention, apps may reload or glitch when shifting between displays.
To prevent this, Samsung introduced a software option called “Continue apps on main screen.” When enabled, the device temporarily reduces the cover screen’s resolution to ensure a smoother transition.
- Native resolution: 2,520 × 1,080
- Adjusted resolution during transition: 1,918 × 822
This adjustment helps maintain app stability but directly affects screenshot quality.
How the Issue Impacts Users
Because the cover display’s resolution is lowered during transitions, any screenshot taken at that moment is saved at the reduced 1,918 × 822 resolution. While Samsung’s ProScaler upscaling technology helps preserve on‑screen clarity, the raw screenshot file remains lower in detail.
This behavior appears unique to the TriFold due to its extreme difference in screen size and pixel density. Samsung’s Z Fold models, which feature more closely matched displays, do not exhibit the same issue.
Industry analysts say the TriFold’s behavior underscores a broader challenge: Android still lacks native optimization for devices with multiple, dramatically different screens.
A Trade-Off for Smoother Multitasking
The screenshot resolution drop is ultimately a compromise. Samsung prioritizes seamless app continuity across its innovative tri‑folding design, even if it means sacrificing screenshot fidelity in certain scenarios.
As foldable and multi‑screen devices continue to evolve, experts expect Google to refine Android’s support for these emerging form factors.
What Happens Next?
Samsung has not announced any software changes, but future updates may refine how the TriFold handles resolution scaling. For now, users seeking full‑resolution screenshots may need to capture them on the main display instead of the cover screen.
