Samsung Introduces First Multi-Folding Smartphone to Boost Market Position
Samsung Enters New Phase of Foldable Innovation
Samsung Electronics introduced its first multi-folding smartphone on Tuesday as the company works to strengthen its standing in the rapidly growing foldable device market. The new Galaxy Z TriFold aims to counter increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers, even as analysts note that high prices and complex production keep foldables in a small niche.
TriFold Offers Larger Display and Premium Pricing
Samsung priced the device at 3.59 million won ($2,440). The TriFold unfolds into a 253.1 mm (10-inch) screen built from three connected panels, making it almost 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and head of Samsung Korea Sales & Marketing, said the company expects steady growth in the foldable segment. He believes the new TriFold could become a catalyst for faster expansion in certain parts of the market. However, he added that this model targets customers who specifically want a multi-folding device, not a mass-market audience.
Launch Schedule and Key Features
Samsung produced the TriFold in South Korea and will release it domestically on December 12. The company plans to expand sales to China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE later this year, while the U.S. launch is expected in early 2026.
The phone includes Samsung’s largest battery among its flagship series and supports super-fast charging that brings the device to 50% power in 30 minutes. Lim noted that rising memory chip and component costs made pricing one of the most difficult decisions for the product.
Analysts View TriFold as a Technology Showcase
Industry analysts say the TriFold serves more as a demonstration of Samsung’s engineering abilities than a high-volume product.
Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, said the device marks the first commercial release of a tri-fold design, making it unlikely to achieve major sales immediately. He added that while the Galaxy Z Fold series has matured over seven generations, the TriFold may still face issues with durability or overall refinement.
Competition Expected to Intensify
Competition in this space continues to grow. Huawei introduced the first three-way folding smartphone in September, and Apple is expected to launch its first foldable next year. Even so, analysts say high prices and limited production capacity will slow the sector’s wider adoption.
Counterpoint Research estimates that foldable phones will make up less than 2% of the smartphone market this year and remain under 3% by 2027. Despite this, Samsung’s share of foldable shipments jumped to 64% in the third quarter, up sharply from 9% in the previous quarter, showing how launch timing can heavily influence market share.
Counterpoint also forecasts 14% growth in foldable smartphone sales this year, with expansion rising to the 30% range in 2026 and 2027 as Apple prepares to enter the segment.
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