Samsung Electronics is opening a new chapter in the history of mobile devices with the unveiling of the Galaxy Z TriFold on Tuesday. This move is not just the launch of yet another gadget, but a clear attempt to defend the territory against growing pressure from Chinese competitors who are becoming increasingly bold in the premium segment. The Korean giant aims to strengthen its position as an innovation leader, even if market analysts remain sceptical about the mass potential of the new device category in the near future.
Priced at around 3.59 million won (close to US$2440), the smartphone offers an impressive 10-inch viewing space when unfolded, achieved through three panels. This is a screen almost a quarter larger than that of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Despite incorporating the largest battery in the brand’s flagship history and super-fast charging technology, experts suggest that the high price and manufacturing challenges will effectively lock this model into a market niche. Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, assesses straightforwardly that the TriFold is primarily a technology showcase rather than a product geared towards generating sales volume. Unlike the now mature seventh generation of standard ‘folders’, the TriFold is a first-generation product that may still be struggling with childhood issues such as the durability of the mechanisms.
The distribution strategy confirms the manufacturer’s cautious approach. The device will make its debut in its home market on 12 December, to hit China, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates later this year. Interestingly, the US launch is not scheduled until the first quarter of next year. Samsung needs to act fast, as Huawei unveiled its tri-fold solution back in September and the industry is speculating about Apple entering the segment next year.
According to Counterpoint Research, the foldable smartphone market is extremely volatile. Samsung’s share in this sector jumped from 9 per cent to 64 per cent in the third quarter, reflecting the cyclical nature of product launches. Despite this, ‘foldables’ still represent only a margin of the overall market – less than 2 per cent this year. A real acceleration and annual growth rates of 30 per cent are only forecast for 2026-2027, when the technology matures and Cupertino-based competitors finally enter the game.
