Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, aiming to strengthen its position in a segment where competition is rapidly intensifying.
The newly introduced Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung’s push to maintain leadership in the foldable smartphone market, even as Chinese rivals accelerate innovation. Analysts, however, note that despite technological progress, foldable phones are likely to remain a niche category due to high prices and production complexities.
Priced at 3.59 million won (US$2,440), the Galaxy Z TriFold unfolds into a 10-inch (253.1 mm) display using three connected panels—making it nearly 25% larger than the company’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 7.
“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,” said Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Korea Sales & Marketing Office. He added that the device is aimed at customers who specifically desire the multi-fold form factor rather than as a mass-market volume driver.
The device—manufactured in South Korea—will be available domestically on December 12, followed by launches in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE before the end of the year. A U.S. release is expected as early as the first quarter of 2026.
Samsung says the TriFold features the largest battery in its flagship lineup and supports super-fast charging, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes. Lim noted that pricing was a “difficult decision” amid sharply rising memory chip and component costs.
Competition from Huawei and Apple
Industry analysts view the Galaxy Z TriFold as more of a technology showcase than a high-volume product.
“The trifold is a first-generation product, and it’s the first time such a design is being commercialised, so it’s hard to see Samsung pushing large volumes at this stage,” said Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line has progressed through seven generations with reduced costs and improved durability, Ryu noted that the TriFold could still face challenges related to completeness and durability, making early market reactions crucial.
Competition is expected to intensify. China’s Huawei launched the industry’s first three-way folding phone in September, while Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable device next year. Despite this momentum, analysts say high prices and manufacturing constraints will continue to limit mainstream adoption.
According to Counterpoint Research, foldables will represent less than 2% of global smartphone shipments in 2025 and under 3% by 2027. Samsung’s share of the foldable market surged to 64% in Q3, up sharply from 9% in the previous quarter, highlighting how launch cycles can rapidly shift market dynamics.
Counterpoint forecasts the foldable sector will grow 14% in 2025, with annual growth projected to accelerate to the 30% range in 2026 and 2027, driven largely by Apple’s anticipated entry into the category.
