Samsung Unveils Multi-Folding Smartphone Amid Market Competition
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Samsung Electronics has unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. This launch aims to strengthen the company's position in a segment of the phone market where competition is expected to intensify.
The Galaxy Z TriFold costs approximately USD 2,440.17. It unfolds to reveal a 253.1 millimetres display, utilising three panels. This display is nearly 25% larger than Samsung's latest foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7 model.
Alex Lim, Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President and head of the Korea Sales & Marketing Office, stated his belief that the foldable market will continue to grow. Lim said the TriFold could act as a catalyst for more explosive growth in key parts of the segment.
Lim noted that the new foldable device is intended for customers who specifically want it, rather than as a volume driver. He also mentioned that memory chips and other component costs have been rising sharply, making pricing a "difficult decision,".
The TriFold, produced in South Korea, will go on sale domestically on December 12. It will be rolled out in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates within this year. A US launch is expected as early as the first quarter of next year.
The device features Samsung's largest battery among its flagship models. It also supports super-fast charging, powering the phone to 50% in 30 minutes.
Analysts suggest the TriFold is more likely to be a showcase of new technology than a volume-driving flagship. Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, described the trifold as a first-generation product.
Ryu commented that it is the first time a trifold design is being commercialised, making it difficult to envision Samsung pushing large volumes at this stage. He added that while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line has matured over seven generations with lower cost structures, the trifold could still face issues around completeness or durability.
Assessing the market's initial response is important. Competition in the foldable smartphone market is set to increase, with China's Huawei launching a three-way folding phone last September. Apple is also expected to release its first foldable next year.
However, analysts indicate that high prices and limits to mass production are likely to hold back the sector. Counterpoint Research forecasts foldable phones will account for less than 2% of the total smartphone market this year. This share is predicted to be under 3% by 2027.
Samsung's shipment share of the foldable market surged to 64% in the third quarter, up from 9% in the previous quarter. Counterpoint noted this illustrates how market share can fluctuate depending on product launch timings.
The firm predicts the foldable smartphone market will grow 14% this year. Annual growth in the 30% range is expected in 2026 and 2027, as Apple prepares to enter the segment.
Samsung Electronics has unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold.
The device features a 253.1 millimetres display and is priced at approximately USD 2,440.17.
Sales are set to begin domestically in South Korea in Dec., followed by rollouts in several Asian and Middle Eastern markets this year.
Source: REUTERS
