Samsung Electronics has officially launched the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first multi-folding smartphone, signalling a major strategic push in the increasingly competitive foldable device market. The new device arrives at a time when Chinese rivals are scaling up innovation and global anticipation builds ahead of Apple’s expected foldable debut next year. For Samsung, the TriFold represents not just another product, but a defining moment that reasserts its leadership in foldable technology—a sector it pioneered and continues to dominate.
The Galaxy Z TriFold, priced at approximately 3.59 million won ($2,440), introduces a three-panel display architecture that unfolds into a wide 10-inch (253.1 mm) screen, making it almost 25% larger than the company’s recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 7. The larger screen positions the device as a hybrid between a smartphone and a tablet, offering users an immersive experience designed for gaming, productivity, streaming, and multitasking.
A Technological Milestone With Power and Efficiency
Samsung has equipped the TriFold with the largest battery ever used in its foldable lineup, addressing long-standing user concerns about power efficiency in multi-display devices. The device supports super-fast charging, reaching up to 50% power in just 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging foldables on the market.
According to Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and head of Samsung Korea Sales & Marketing, the Galaxy Z TriFold is not intended to be a mass-market bestseller. Instead, it is targeted at a specific class of consumers who demand a premium, multi-foldable experience and are willing to invest in cutting-edge innovation.
Lim explained, “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.” However, he acknowledged that achieving large-volume sales was not the immediate objective, given the early-stage nature of the technology and the cost of materials involved.
Global Rollout Strategy and Pricing Challenges
The Galaxy Z TriFold will first launch in South Korea on December 12, before expanding to major markets including China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. A United States release is expected in the first quarter of next year, marking Samsung’s ambition to embed the device across multiple regions with varying consumer preferences.
Lim noted that rising prices for memory chips, display components, and foldable hinges have made the pricing process difficult. These challenges stem from global supply-chain constraints and the inherently higher cost of manufacturing complex foldable screens compared to conventional smartphone displays.
Analysts: A Showcase of Samsung’s Capabilities, Not a Volume Driver
Industry analysts view the Galaxy Z TriFold as a powerful demonstration of Samsung’s technological leadership, though not necessarily a device that will sell in large numbers in its first generation.
According to Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, “The trifold is a first-generation product, and it’s the first time a trifold design is being commercialised, so it’s hard to see Samsung pushing large volumes at this stage.” He emphasised that durability, display longevity, and user-experience refinement will be decisive factors for long-term success.
A Market Growing Slowly but Strategically
Despite heightened media attention, foldable phones currently represent a small fraction of global smartphone sales. Research from Counterpoint shows that foldables are expected to make up less than 2% of total smartphone sales in 2024 and under 3% by 2027. However, within this narrow market, growth is robust. Counterpoint predicts foldable shipments will rise 14% this year, followed by 30% annual growth in 2026 and 2027 as more brands join the segment.
Competition is intensifying rapidly. Huawei introduced its first tri-folding phone in September last year, beating Samsung to the concept but not bringing it to global markets. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly set to launch its first foldable device next year, a move that could entirely reshape consumer expectations and market dynamics.
Samsung’s dominance remains strong. The company’s foldable market share surged to 64% in the third quarter, up from 9% in the previous quarter—a spike influenced by new model releases and shifting competitor strategies.
A Symbol of Samsung’s Innovation Ambition
The unveiling of the Galaxy Z TriFold aligns with Samsung’s long-term ambition to lead innovation in mobile hardware, particularly in form factor experimentation. With the TriFold, Samsung aims to:
- highlight its manufacturing and engineering capabilities;
- introduce a new product category that inspires future foldable concepts;
- and remain ahead of competitors in developing multi-panel devices.
The TriFold’s engineering—which incorporates three folding segments, multi-layered hinges, and reinforced flexible glass—marks a complex feat of hardware design. Samsung hopes that early adopters, tech enthusiasts, digital creators, and productivity-driven consumers will embrace the device.
The Future of Foldables
As global consumer habits evolve, brands are racing to combine portability with expanded screen real estate, enabling devices that adapt to diverse lifestyles. Foldables represent a critical experiment in this direction, offering flexibility without compromising performance.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is a technological step forward not only for Samsung but for the industry at large. While its sales volume may remain modest in the short term, its impact on innovation trends, user expectations, and competitor roadmaps is expected to be significant.
As the smartphone market enters a new phase defined by multi-fold designs, AI-enhanced experiences, and hybrid products that blur the line between devices, Samsung’s TriFold stands as a bold symbol of what the future may look like.
Follow Africa Live News
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/africalivenews
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/africalivenews
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
