Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) reinforced its focus on innovation with the launch of Galaxy Z TriFold, the company’s first multi-folding smartphone. This new product will help Samsung compete in a category where Chinese competitors are gaining traction.
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Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z TriFold Smartphone
The Galaxy Z TriFold unfolds into a 10-inch display via three panels and is nearly 25% larger than Samsung’s latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The new product will be sold in the domestic market from December 12. It will be rolled out in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within this year. Additionally, the U.S. launch is expected in Q1 2026.
While the price of the product in the U.S. market is not yet revealed, it will cost about 3.59 million won ($2,440) in South Korea. According to Reuters, Alex Lim, Samsung Electronics executive vice president and head of the Korea Sales and Marketing Office, said that the Galaxy Z TriFold is targeting customers who specifically desire a foldable phone. The company doesn’t expect this new product to be a volume driver as it caters to a niche market.
Rivalry in the foldable smartphone market is intensifying. In September 2024, China’s Huawei Technologies launched the first three-way folding smartphone. Unlike Huawei’s Z-shaped folding pattern, which exposes a portion of the large screen when folded, Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold features an “in-folding” design that protects the large screen. Meanwhile, iPhone maker Apple (AAPL) is expected to release its first foldable smartphone in 2026.
Experts contend that the bulky size and high prices of foldable phones could impact their wide adoption. According to Counterpoint Research, foldable phones are expected to account for less than 2% of the overall smartphone market in 2025. This share is projected to increase to just under 3% in 2027. The research firm expects the foldable smartphone market to grow by 14% in 2025, followed by annual growth in the 30% range in 2026 and 2027 as Apple forays into the segment.
Samsung Stock Sees Strong YTD Gains
Samsung’s South Korea-listed shares have rallied more than 90% year-to-date. The company reported solid third-quarter results, driven by its chip business. Notably, Samsung is experiencing strong demand for its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips due to the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom. The company recently announced a $310 billion domestic investment to bolster its AI dominance.