SEOUL (Reuters) – Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, signaling the company’s push to consolidate its position in the foldable device segment, where competition is expected to intensify in the coming years.
The Galaxy Z TriFold features a triple-panel folding display that expands into a 10-inch (253.1 mm) screen, nearly 25% larger than Samsung’s latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Priced at approximately 3.59 million won ($2,440.17), the device is positioned as a premium offering for users specifically seeking cutting-edge foldable technology rather than as a mass-market model.
“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, Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President and head of the Korea Sales & Marketing Office.
The TriFold is produced in South Korea and will be available domestically from December 12, with subsequent launches planned in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE within 2025. The United States release is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
The device boasts Samsung’s largest battery among its flagship models, supporting super-fast charging that reaches 50% in just 30 minutes, addressing one of the primary concerns of foldable device users. Rising component and memory chip costs have contributed to the high price point, Lim noted.
Market Context and Competition
While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has evolved through seven generations, the TriFold represents a first-generation multi-fold design, intended more as a showcase of technology than a volume-driving product. Analysts caution that issues such as durability and design completeness may influence early market reception.
The foldable smartphone market is expected to remain a niche segment, representing less than 2% of total smartphones in 2025 and projected to grow to under 3% by 2027, according to Counterpoint Research. Despite its niche status, Samsung has recently increased its foldable market share to 64% in Q3, up from 9% in the previous quarter.
Competition is heating up: Huawei launched a three-way foldable phone in September 2025, and Apple is expected to enter the segment next year. Industry analysts predict that high costs and production limitations will prevent foldables from dominating the market in the near term, although growth is expected to accelerate, with annual increases in the 30% range projected for 2026 and 2027.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z TriFold reflects Samsung’s ambition to remain a leader in the innovative foldable segment, catering to early adopters and tech enthusiasts. With rising competition and evolving consumer demand, the TriFold’s success will depend on its durability, performance, and market reception as foldable smartphones gradually carve out a niche within the broader mobile industry.
