Samsung Electronics has officially introduced the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first-ever multi-folding smartphone, marking a major step in its effort to stay ahead in the intensifying global foldable device race. With competition expected to surge in 2026, the TriFold is positioned as a premium innovation designed for a niche but growing market segment.
Unveiled on Tuesday, Samsung emphasized that the Galaxy Z TriFold is designed for customers who specifically want advanced foldable technology rather than for mass-market production. The strategy is seen as a direct response to pressure from Chinese brands, including Xiaomi and Huawei, which have accelerated their foldable phone offerings.
Premium Price and Larger Display
The Galaxy Z TriFold is priced at N3.5 million ($2,440.17) and features three folding panels that expand into a 253.1 mm (10-inch) display, making it nearly 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung’s latest flagship foldable.
Samsung said the device supports superfast charging, powering the smartphone to 50% in just 30 minutes, and houses the largest battery ever used in a Samsung flagship
Samsung: TriFold Could Drive Market Growth
Commenting on the launch, Alex Lim, Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President and Head of the Korea Sales & Marketing Office, said the new device could accelerate the growth of the foldable segment.
“I believe the foldable market will continue to grow, and the TriFold in particular could act as a catalyst that drives more explosive growth in key parts of the segment,” he noted.
Lim added that component costs, especially memory chips, have risen sharply, making pricing a difficult but necessary decision for the company.
Global Rollout Begins December 12
The Galaxy Z TriFold, produced in South Korea, will be available domestically starting 12 December. Samsung plans to roll it out to China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE before the end of the year.
Foldable Market Outlook: Growth With Challenges
Market forecasts from Counterpoint Research show that foldable phones will account for less than 2% of total smartphone shipments in 2025, rising to under 3% by 2027. Despite this small share, the segment is projected to grow 14% in 2025, with annual growth expected to exceed 30% in 2026 and 2027.
Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market re-emerged strongly in the third quarter, with its market share jumping to 64%, up from 9% in the previous quarter, highlighting the company’s competitive edge and renewed push toward innovation.
Rising Competition: Huawei and Apple Enter the Foldable Race
Competition is already heating up. Huawei introduced the world’s first TriFold smartphone in September 2024, ahead of Samsung’s new launch. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to release its own foldable device in 2026, further intensifying the rivalry among global tech giants.
However, analysts caution that high production costs could slow down widespread adoption, as manufacturers may hesitate to scale up mass production due to the complex engineering and expensive components required.
