- Samsung launches Galaxy Z TriFold, its first multi-folding smartphone, priced at 3.59 million won ($2,440)
- Device features a 10-inch triple-panel display, nearly 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Samsung’s foldable market share jumped to 64% in Q3 2025, highlighting volatility and opportunity in the segment
Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, on Tuesday as it aims to strengthen its position in a segment of the smartphone market poised for intensified competition.
The TriFold represents Samsung’s effort to maintain its lead in a market where Chinese competitors have been gaining traction. Analysts caution, however, that high pricing and production challenges mean foldable devices are likely to remain a niche product for the time being.
Priced at approximately 3.59 million won ($2,440), the TriFold unfolds into a 253.1 mm (10-inch) display using three panels, making it nearly 25% larger than Samsung’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 for 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. Lim added that the device is designed for customers who specifically seek this type of phone rather than as a volume driver.
The TriFold, manufactured in South Korea, will launch domestically on December 12 and expand to China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE before the end of 2025. A U.S. release is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
The device features Samsung’s largest battery among its flagship phones and supports super-fast charging, reaching 50% capacity in just 30 minutes. Lim noted that rising costs for memory chips and other components made pricing decisions challenging.
Competition and Market Outlook
Analysts suggest the TriFold is likely to serve as a technology showcase rather than a mass-market driver.
“The TriFold is a first-generation product and the first commercial trifold design, so it’s unlikely Samsung will push large volumes initially,” said Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities. He added that while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line has matured over seven generations with lower costs, the TriFold may still face challenges regarding durability and completeness, making market reception critical.
Competition in the foldable segment is heating up. China’s Huawei launched the first three-way folding phone last September, while Apple is expected to enter the foldable market next year. Despite growing interest, analysts say high prices and production limitations will likely keep the segment small.
Foldable phones are projected to account for less than 2% of total smartphone sales in 2025, rising to under 3% by 2027, according to Counterpoint Research. Samsung’s foldable market share surged to 64% in Q3 2025, up from 9% in the previous quarter, highlighting the volatility of market share around new product launches.
Counterpoint forecasts the foldable smartphone market to grow 14% this year, followed by annual growth of around 30% in 2026 and 2027 as Apple enters the segment.
