Samsung Electronics has introduced its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, marking a decisive step in a market that is forecast to accelerate despite persistent pricing and production hurdles. The debut comes as Chinese competitors scale up their offerings and Apple prepares its long-anticipated entry into the foldable category.
Priced at 3.59 million won ($2,440), the TriFold expands into a 253.1 mm (10-inch) display—roughly 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7—thanks to a triple-panel design that extends Samsung’s technical lead. The company positions the device as a technology-driven flagship for early adopters rather than a mass-market driver.
Market Outlook and Strategic Positioning
Alex Lim, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics, said the TriFold could become a catalyst for accelerated growth in the foldable segment, though it is tailored to consumers who specifically seek advanced form factors. The phone includes Samsung’s largest flagship-class battery and supports rapid charging that reaches 50% in just 30 minutes.
Rising component prices—particularly memory chips—continue to pressure margins, forcing manufacturers to balance innovation with affordability. For now, analysts maintain that foldables will stay a niche segment due to high retail prices and limited scaling options.
Key market insights:
- Foldables represent under 2% of global smartphone shipments in 2024.
- Market share is projected to rise to below 3% by 2027.
- Foldable shipments are expected to grow 14% in 2024.
- Growth may surge into the 30% range in 2026–2027 as Apple joins the category.
Competition Intensifies Across Asia and the U.S.
The TriFold will be available in South Korea on December 12, followed by releases in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE within the year. A U.S. launch is anticipated in early 2025. While Samsung captured 64% of global foldable shipments in the third quarter—up sharply from 9% the previous quarter—analysts warn that first-generation triple-fold designs may face durability and refinement challenges.
Ryu Young-ho of NH Investment & Securities notes that unlike Samsung’s seven-generation Fold series with streamlined cost structures, the TriFold is still at an early stage, making market response critical. Meanwhile, Huawei launched the industry’s first triple-fold handset in September, and Apple is preparing to unveil its debut foldable next year, setting the stage for intensified competition.
Industry pressures shaping adoption:
- First-generation trifold durability concerns
- High-end pricing limits mass-market penetration
- Production complexity restricts volume scaling
As the global race for foldable innovation accelerates, Samsung’s TriFold underscores the company’s strategy: lead with engineering, expand cautiously, and shape the next era of premium mobile devices.
