Samsung Electronics has taken another innovation in the foldable smartphone race with the unveiling of its first multi-folding device, the Galaxy Z TriFold.
The launch, announced in Seoul, signals the South Korean tech giant’s determination to maintain its lead in a market that is attracting aggressive competition from Chinese rivals and heightened anticipation of Apple’s entry next year.
The Galaxy Z TriFold, priced at about 3.59 million won ($2,440), introduces a three-panel design that unfolds into a 10-inch display—roughly 25 percent larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
It also carries the largest battery in Samsung’s foldable lineup and supports super-fast charging, capable of reaching 50 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.
Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and head of Samsung Korea Sales & Marketing, described the TriFold as a catalyst for growth in the foldable segment.
He stressed that the device is not intended to drive mass-market sales but rather to appeal to a niche audience seeking a multi-foldable phone.
“I believe the foldable market will continue to grow, and the TriFold in particular could act as a catalyst that drives more explosive growth in key parts of the segment,” Lim said.
The TriFold will debut in South Korea on December 12 before rolling out to China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.
A US launch is expected in the first quarter of 2026. Lim acknowledged that rising costs for memory chips and components made pricing a difficult decision, but insisted the device reflects Samsung’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design and engineering.
Industry analysts view the TriFold as more of a showcase of Samsung’s technological prowess than a volume-driving flagship. Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, noted that durability and design refinement will be critical for market acceptance.
“The trifold is a first-generation product, and it’s the first time a trifold design is being commercialised, so it’s hard to see Samsung pushing large volumes at this stage,” he explained.
Intensifying Competition in the Trifold
Competition in the foldable segment is intensifying. Huawei introduced its own three-way folding phone last September, while Apple is widely expected to launch its first foldable device next year.
Despite the buzz, foldables remain a niche category, projected to account for less than 2 percent of global smartphone sales in 2025 and under 3 percent by 2027, according to Counterpoint Research.
Samsung’s dominance in the segment is nonetheless striking. Its foldable market share surged to 64 percent in the third quarter, up from just 9 percent in the previous quarter, underscoring the impact of product launch cycles and consumer demand.
Counterpoint forecasts foldable smartphone shipments will grow 14 percent this year, with annual growth accelerating into the 30 percent range by 2026 and 2027 as more competitors enter the fray.
The Galaxy Z TriFold, with its ambitious design and premium specifications, encapsulates Samsung’s strategy of leading innovation in foldable devices.
While the company may not expect blockbuster sales from this first-generation model, it is positioning itself to set the pace in a market that is poised for rapid evolution.
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