NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has added a rare high-end smartphone to his growing collection of luxury gadgets after purchasing the limited-edition Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold.
The flashy politician and businessman revealed that he acquired unit number 119 out of only 500 devices manufactured globally, making the phone one of the rarest consumer smartphones currently in circulation.
Sonko showcased the premium device publicly, noting that the smartphone is estimated to cost about Sh609,000 in Kenya, placing it among the most expensive mobile devices available in the region.
A rare collector’s smartphone
The exclusive handset is produced by South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics and is considered a collector’s item due to its extremely limited production run and futuristic design.
Reports indicate that only a small number of units were released globally as part of an early premium batch targeting technology enthusiasts and high-end consumers.
Owning device 119/500 places Sonko among a select group of buyers worldwide who managed to secure the rare smartphone.
The acquisition quickly sparked conversations among technology enthusiasts and social media users in Kenya, with many discussing both the device’s cutting-edge design and its hefty price tag.
First triple-fold smartphone
The Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung’s first triple-folding smartphone, introducing a new approach to foldable device technology.
Unlike conventional smartphones that feature a single screen, the device includes three display panels connected by a dual-hinge mechanism, allowing it to fold inward twice.
When closed, the phone functions like a normal handset with a 6.5-inch cover display.
However, when fully unfolded, the device expands into a 10-inch main screen, roughly the size of a small tablet, enabling multitasking, media streaming, photo editing, and document work.
High-end performance features
Under the hood, the smartphone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor developed by Qualcomm, one of the most powerful chips currently used in flagship smartphones.
The device comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, designed to support heavy multitasking and large file storage.
Its camera system also ranks among the most advanced seen in foldable devices, featuring a 200-megapixel main camera, supported by a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP telephoto camera.
Additional front-facing cameras support selfies and high-quality video calls.
Battery and AI capabilities
To support the large display and powerful hardware, the TriFold includes a 5,600 mAh battery distributed across its three panels to balance power usage.
The phone supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, enabling it to power other compatible devices.
Running on Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, the smartphone also features several AI-powered tools, including live translation, writing assistance and advanced photo editing capabilities.
Samsung has also reinforced the device with a titanium hinge structure and strengthened glass, designed to enhance durability despite the complex folding mechanism.
Luxury lifestyle spotlight
Sonko, who has long been known for his flamboyant lifestyle and affinity for luxury items, said the phone’s uniqueness and advanced technology motivated the purchase.
With only 500 units reportedly available worldwide, the TriFold is increasingly viewed not just as a smartphone but also as a status gadget representing cutting-edge innovation and exclusivity.