Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first multi-folding smartphone, marking a major milestone in the foldable device category. With competition rising from Chinese brands and an anticipated entry from Apple, Samsung is aiming to solidify its leadership in this premium and fast-evolving segment.
Galaxy Z TriFold: Samsung’s Most Ambitious Foldable Yet
The Galaxy Z TriFold is priced at 3.59 million won (about 2,440 dollars) and unfolds into a 253.1 millimetre (10-inch) display. The device uses three panels, giving it a display nearly 25 percent larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
According to Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and head of Samsung’s Korea Sales & Marketing Office, the TriFold is designed for customers who specifically seek advanced foldable innovation rather than for driving mass-market volume. Lim said he expects the foldable market to continue expanding, with the TriFold potentially acting as a catalyst for stronger growth in the premium segment.
Premium Features and Global Rollout
Samsung has equipped the TriFold with its largest battery among flagship models and support for super-fast charging, allowing the phone to reach 50 percent in 30 minutes. The company noted that memory chips and other component costs have been rising sharply, making pricing a challenging decision.
Production of the device takes place in South Korea. The TriFold will be available domestically starting December 12, with launches planned in China, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates before year-end. A U.S. launch is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, said that while Samsung has matured its Galaxy Z Fold series over seven generations, the TriFold may still encounter issues around completeness. For now, Samsung is expected to take a measured approach to volumes while testing market response, Reuters news report said.
Rising Competition from Huawei and Apple
The foldable smartphone market is set for more intense competition. China’s Huawei introduced the industry’s first three-way folding phone in September, while Apple is widely expected to launch its first foldable device next year.
Despite the rising number of players, high prices and production limitations mean foldables remain a niche category. Counterpoint Research estimates that foldable phones will account for less than 2 percent of global smartphone shipments this year and remain under 3 percent by 2027.
Samsung’s Market Share Surges Ahead of Rivals
Samsung’s launch timing continues to influence its market performance. Counterpoint data shows Samsung’s shipment share in the foldable segment surged to 64 percent in the third quarter, up sharply from 9 percent in the previous quarter. The firm expects the foldable smartphone market to grow 14 percent in 2025, followed by annual growth in the 30 percent range in 2026 and 2027 as Apple prepares to enter the category.
Outlook
With the Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung is pushing the boundaries of foldable design to maintain its leadership in a market that is still in its early stages. While volumes may stay limited in the short term, the TriFold signals Samsung’s commitment to shaping the future of high-end mobile devices.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
