Samsung presents the first three-part foldable cell phone | Companies

The launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung’s attempt to strengthen its position in a segment where Chinese rivals are making inroads, even as analysts say rising prices and production challenges mean foldable devices will likely remain a niche category for now.

This model is priced at around $2,440.17 and can open up to a 253.1 mm (10-inch) display, using three panels, which is approximately 25% larger than Samsung’s latest foldable model, the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

“I believe the foldable device market will continue to grow and that TriFold, in particular, can serve as a catalyst to drive stronger growth in key parts of this segment,” said Alex Lim, executive vice president of Samsung Electronics and head of the Korea Sales and Marketing Office.

Lim said the new foldable device is specifically aimed at customers who want it, rather than a device to increase sales volume.

The TriFold, which is produced in South Korea, will go on sale locally from December 12, and will be launched in China, Singapore, Taiwan and the UAE later this year. It is scheduled to be launched in the United States in the first quarter of next year.

The device contains Samsung’s largest battery in its flagship models and supports ultra-fast charging. According to the company, the phone is charged 50% within 30 minutes.

Lim said the costs of memory chips and other components have risen sharply, making pricing a “difficult decision.”

Analysts said the TriFold would likely be a showcase for new technology rather than a flagship model intended to boost sales.

“The tri-fold phone is a first-generation product, and this is the first time a tri-fold design has been commercialized, so it’s hard to imagine Samsung making significant volumes at this stage,” said Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.

He noted that while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line has matured over seven generations with lower-cost bodies, “the tri-fold design may still have safety or durability issues,” making it important to evaluate how the market will react first.

Competition in the foldable smartphone market is expected to become tougher. Chinese company Huawei launched the industry’s first tri-fold phone last September. Apple expects to launch its first foldable device next year.

However, analysts say high prices and restrictions on mass production are likely to slow the sector’s growth.

According to Counterpoint Research, foldable phones are expected to make up less than 2% of the total smartphone market this year and less than 3% by 2027.

Samsung’s share of the foldable device market jumped to 64% in the third quarter, up from 9% in the previous quarter, according to Counterpoint, illustrating how market share can fluctuate depending on the timing of product launches.