Samsung Introduces Galaxy Z TriFold, Its First Multi-Folding Smartphone

Samsung Electronics has officially debuted the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first multi-folding smartphone, signalling a major advancement in the company’s strategy to stay competitive in the fast-evolving foldable device market. With global competition expected to intensify in 2026, Samsung is positioning the TriFold as a high-end innovation aimed at consumers seeking cutting-edge technology.

During the launch event on Tuesday, Samsung stated that the Galaxy Z TriFold is tailored for users who desire advanced foldable capabilities—not for mass adoption. The release is widely seen as Samsung’s answer to rising pressure from Chinese competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi, both of which have ramped up their foldable phone production.

Premium Pricing and an Expanded Display Experience

The Galaxy Z TriFold will retail at N3.5 million ($2,440.17) and features three foldable panels that unfold into a 253.1 mm (10-inch) display. This makes it nearly 25% bigger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and positions it among the most expansive foldable displays on the market.

Samsung also confirmed that the device supports superfast charging, allowing it to reach 50% battery in 30 minutes, and includes the largest battery ever placed in a Samsung flagship smartphone.

Samsung Expects TriFold to Accelerate Market Expansion

Alex Lim, Executive Vice President and Head of Samsung’s Korea Sales & Marketing Office, expressed optimism about the device’s impact on the foldable market.

“The foldable market will continue to grow, and the TriFold could be a catalyst for even faster expansion,” he said.

Lim acknowledged that rising prices for components—especially memory chips, made determining the retail price particularly challenging.

Rollout Begins December 12 Across Key Global Markets

Manufactured in South Korea, the Galaxy Z TriFold will be available domestically from December 12. Samsung will then release the device in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE before the end of the year.

Foldable Market Forecast: Growth Amid High Costs

Insights from Counterpoint Research indicate that foldable smartphones will account for under 2% of global smartphone sales this year, and under 3% by 2027. Despite these modest numbers, the segment is expected to grow 14% in 2025, followed by over 30% annual growth in 2026 and 2027.

Samsung regained strong dominance in Q3, boosting its share of the foldable market from 9% to 64%, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in advanced smartphone innovation.

Competition Intensifies as Huawei and Apple Advance in Foldables

The race is heating up. Huawei launched the world’s first TriFold smartphone in September 2024, and Apple is gearing up to enter the foldable category with its first model expected in 2026. These moves intensify pressure on Samsung to maintain its technological lead.

However, analysts warn that high production costs may restrict large-scale manufacturing, as the complex design of foldable devices remains expensive for many smartphone makers.