Samsung Introduces First TriFold Smartphone
- Samsung has unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, aiming to strengthen its position in the foldable device market.
- The phone features a three-panel design that expands into a 10-inch display, making it larger than the company’s previous foldable models.
- Analysts caution that while the device showcases new technology, high costs and production challenges may limit its mainstream adoption.
Launch and Features
The Galaxy Z TriFold was announced on Tuesday as Samsung’s latest effort to compete in the growing foldable segment. Priced at about 3.59 million won ($2,440), the device unfolds into a 253.1 millimetre (10-inch) screen, nearly 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It includes Samsung’s largest battery among flagship models and supports fast charging that reaches 50% capacity in 30 minutes. Production takes place in South Korea, with domestic sales beginning December 12 and international rollouts planned for China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE before year-end.
Market Position and Challenges
Samsung executives described the TriFold as a product aimed at customers who specifically want advanced foldable technology rather than a mass-market device. Rising component costs, particularly for memory chips, have made pricing decisions difficult. Analysts suggest the TriFold is more of a showcase for innovation than a volume-driving flagship. Concerns remain about durability and completeness, as the design is being commercialized for the first time.
Competition and Market Outlook
Huawei introduced a three-way folding phone last September, and Apple is expected to release its first foldable device next year. Despite these developments, foldable phones are projected to remain a niche category, accounting for less than 2% of the smartphone market in 2025 and under 3% by 2027. Samsung’s share of foldable shipments rose sharply to 64% in the third quarter, up from 9% in the previous quarter, highlighting how launches can shift market dynamics. Counterpoint Research forecasts 14% growth in the foldable market this year, with annual growth in the 30% range expected by 2026 and 2027 as Apple enters the segment.
Foldable smartphones remain a small fraction of the global market, but they represent one of the few areas of hardware innovation in recent years. Samsung has refined its Galaxy Z Fold line over seven generations, gradually lowering costs and improving reliability. The TriFold marks a new step in design complexity, with three panels instead of two, potentially setting the stage for future advancements. Industry observers note that while adoption may be slow, foldables could eventually influence broader trends in mobile device design, particularly as consumer interest in larger, more versatile displays continues to grow.
