Samsung Launches Three-Panel TriFold Phone to dominate Apple and Huawei

Samsung Electronics unveiled its first multi-folding smartphone on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen its position in a segment where competition is rapidly growing.

The new Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung’s push to defend its lead as Chinese rivals gain ground. Analysts, however, say that despite technological advances, high prices and complex production challenges will keep foldable devices a niche category for now.

A Larger and More Advanced Foldable

The TriFold is priced at 3.59 million won ($2,440). It unfolds into a 253.1-millimetre (10-inch) display using three panels, making it nearly 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Samsung executive vice president Alex Lim said the company expects the foldable market to keep expanding and sees the TriFold as a potential catalyst for further growth. Still, he added that the device targets customers who specifically want advanced foldable features, rather than serving as a mass-market product.

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Global Rollout and Key Features

The TriFold, manufactured in South Korea, will go on sale domestically on December 12 and launch in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE before the end of the year. A U.S. rollout is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

The device includes Samsung’s largest flagship battery and supports super-fast charging that reaches 50% in 30 minutes. Lim noted that rising memory chip and component costs made pricing particularly challenging.

Growing Competition in the Foldable Market

Analysts caution that the TriFold will likely serve more as a technology showcase than a high-volume seller. Ryu Young-ho of NH Investment & Securities noted that, unlike Samsung’s seven-generation Fold series with lower costs and enhanced durability, the first-generation trifold design may still face issues that need real-world feedback.

Samsung faces mounting competition from Huawei, which released the industry’s first three-way folding phone in September, and Apple, expected to enter the foldable market next year.

Market Outlook and Growth Forecasts

Despite growing interest, foldables are projected to make up less than 2% of the smartphone market in 2025 and remain under 3% by 2027, according to Counterpoint Research.

Samsung’s share of the foldable market surged to 64% in Q3, up sharply from 9% the previous quarter, highlighting how launch cycles can dramatically shift market share. Counterpoint expects the foldable market to grow 14% in 2025, and expand in the 30% range in 2026 and 2027 as Apple joins the segment.