TLDR
- Samsung debuts Galaxy Z TriFold with three folding panels and 10-inch screen, priced at $2,449 in South Korea
- South Korean release starts December 12, with U.S. launch following in early 2026
- Huawei’s competing trifold already available in China, while Apple prepares 2026 foldable launch
- Samsung positions device as technology showcase rather than mass-market product
- Global foldable market remains small but expected to triple growth rate when Apple enters segment
Samsung Electronics introduced its Galaxy Z TriFold on Monday, marking the company’s debut in triple-screen smartphones. The device carries a $2,449 price tag for South Korean buyers when sales begin December 12.
Two hinges fold inward to create a 10-inch screen, nearly matching an iPad’s display size. The resolution reaches 2160 x 1584 pixels. Folded thickness measures 12.9mm, compared to 12.1mm for the Z Fold6 and 8.9mm for the newer Z Fold7.
Users can operate three applications simultaneously across the vertical panels. The phone supports desktop functionality without external screens. Samsung packed in its biggest foldable battery yet, with charging speeds reaching 50% capacity in half an hour.
China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates receive the TriFold before 2025 ends. U.S. customers can expect availability during Q1 2026, though American pricing hasn’t been disclosed. The device ships only in black with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Limited Production Strategy
Samsung executive Alex Lim confirmed the TriFold targets enthusiasts specifically wanting foldable technology. The company doesn’t anticipate high-volume sales given the specialized market.
Counterpoint Research’s Liz Lee characterizes the launch as a controlled test. Samsung gathers data on hinge durability, software optimization, and user preferences before expanding production. The approach prioritizes learning over immediate sales numbers.
Co-CEO TM Roh highlighted years of engineering work culminating in the TriFold. The phone attempts to merge portability with professional-grade features in one package.
Competitive Landscape Shifts
Samsung pioneered commercial foldables with its 2019 launch. The category attracted Chinese manufacturers who matched or undercut Samsung on price while innovating form factors.
Huawei’s second trifold device hit Chinese stores in September, measuring 12.8mm folded. Huawei uses Z-fold geometry that leaves screen portions exposed. Samsung’s design keeps the main display protected when closed.
Honor began selling foldables internationally throughout 2024. The Huawei spinoff, created in 2020 to sidestep sanctions, competes directly in Samsung’s traditional strongholds.
Apple’s rumored 2026 foldable looms over the market. Samsung’s TriFold arrives well before that expected entry, establishing technical credentials in multi-screen devices.
Water resistance extends to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes under the IP48 rating. Dust protection remains minimal, consistent with Samsung’s recent foldable lineup.
Growth Projections
Foldables capture less than 2% of worldwide smartphone sales in 2025, per Counterpoint Research. That share edges toward 3% by 2027. Annual growth sits at 14% for 2025, then jumps to approximately 30% in 2026 and 2027 as Apple launches its foldable.
Bulky dimensions and premium pricing create adoption hurdles. The TriFold’s cost reflects the complexity of multiple folding screens and precision hinges.
Samsung’s Korean-listed shares surged over 90% year-to-date. Third-quarter earnings benefited from semiconductor demand, especially high-bandwidth memory chips for AI workloads. A $310 billion domestic investment package aims to strengthen the company’s AI chip position.
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