Samsung unveils its Galaxy Z TriFold, a three-panel smartphone, as Chinese rivals advance and Apple prepares to enter the foldable market.
SEOUL: Samsung Electronics has unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold.
The launch aims to strengthen the company’s position in a competitive segment where Chinese rivals are gaining ground.
Priced at approximately 3.59 million won (RM8,800), the device unfolds into a 253.1mm (10-inch) display using three panels.
Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President Alex Lim said he believes the foldable market will continue to grow.
“The TriFold in particular could act as a catalyst that drives more explosive growth in key parts of the segment,” Lim stated.
He added that the new device is intended for customers who specifically want it, rather than as a volume driver.
The South Korean-produced TriFold will go on sale domestically on December 12.
It will be rolled out in China, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates within this year.
A US launch is expected as early as the first quarter of next year.
The device features Samsung’s largest battery in its flagship models.
It supports super-fast charging that powers the phone to 50% in 30 minutes.
Lim noted that memory chips and other component costs have been rising sharply.
He said this made pricing a “difficult decision” for the company.
Analysts view the TriFold more as a showcase of new technology than a volume-driving flagship.
“The trifold is a first-generation product, and it’s the first time a trifold design is being commercialised,” said NH Investment & Securities senior analyst Ryu Young-ho.
He noted it is hard to see Samsung pushing large volumes at this stage.
Ryu added that the trifold could still face issues around completeness or durability.
Competition in the foldable smartphone market is set to intensify.
China’s Huawei launched the industry’s first three-way folding phone last September.
Apple is also expected to release its first foldable device next year.
Analysts say high prices and limits to mass production are likely to hold back the sector.
Foldable phones are expected to account for less than 2% of the total smartphone market this year.
They will make up under 3% by 2027, according to Counterpoint Research.
Samsung’s shipment share of the foldable market jumped to 64% in the third quarter.
This was up from 9% in the previous quarter, Counterpoint said.
The firm forecasts the foldable smartphone market will grow 14% this year.
It expects annual growth in the 30% range in 2026 and 2027 as Apple enters the segment.
