Samsung Reveals Its First Folding Phone, Which Will Arrive in South Korea on December 12
The Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung’s first multi-folding smartphone, will go on sale in South Korea on December 12.
The Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung Electronics’ first multi-folding smartphone, was introduced as the South Korean tech behemoth looks to solidify its place in the cutthroat and ever changing foldable phone market. The introduction coincides with growing interest from Chinese competitors and the expectation that Apple will join the market the following year.
At about 3.59 million won ($2,440), the Galaxy Z TriFold is almost 25% bigger than Samsung’s most recent Galaxy Z Fold 7 and has a three-panel design that unfolds into a 10-inch (253.1 mm) display. With the largest battery in Samsung’s flagship foldable lineup, the gadget can charge incredibly quickly—it can reach 50% in just 30 minutes.
Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and head of Samsung Korea Sales & Marketing, stated, “I think 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.” He emphasized that rather than trying to increase sales, the device targets particular consumers looking for a multi-foldable phone.
On December 12, the TriFold will be put on sale in South Korea. China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates will follow. The first quarter of next year is anticipated to see a US launch. Lim pointed out that choosing a price has become difficult due to rising memory chip and component costs.
Rather than being a volume-driving flagship, analysts view the TriFold mostly as a demonstration of Samsung’s technological prowess. It’s difficult to envision Samsung pushing high volumes at this point because the trifold is a first-generation device and the first time a trifold design is being commercialized, according to Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities. The key to market acceptability will be design refinement and durability.
The foldable market is becoming more competitive. Apple is anticipated to introduce its first foldable phone next year, while Huawei debuted its first three-way folding phone last September. Despite growing interest, Counterpoint Research projects that foldable smartphones will make up fewer than 2% of all smartphone sales this year and less than 3% by 2027, making them a niche market.
Due to changes in the market and the timing of product launches, Samsung’s foldable market share increased from 9% in the first quarter to 64% in the third quarter. According to Counterpoint, as more rivals enter the market, foldable smartphones will expand by 14% this year and by 30% annually in 2026 and 2027.
The Galaxy Z TriFold demonstrates Samsung’s goal to spearhead innovation in foldable technology by fusing state-of-the-art design with premium features and being ready for heightened rivalry from international rivals.
