Samsung Launches First Tri-Fold Smartphone As Pressure Builds From Chinese Rivals

Samsung has officially introduced its first tri-fold smartphone, stepping into a new phase of foldable design as competition from Chinese manufacturers continues to grow.

The device, named the Galaxy Z TriFold, was unveiled in Seoul during a media event on Tuesday. It marks Samsung’s first move beyond traditional foldable formats and comes at a time when rivals are rapidly narrowing the gap in both design and engineering.

A Three-Panel Design That Expands Into A Tablet-Sized Screen

The Galaxy Z TriFold uses two inward-folding hinges to connect three display panels. When fully opened, the device reveals a 10-inch inner screen, pushing it closer to tablet territory than a standard smartphone.

Samsung says the layout is built for multitasking. Users can run three apps at once in a vertical split, allowing activities such as video calls, document editing and web browsing to happen side by side. This wider screen format also suits uses that prioritise convenience, including mobile casino play, where casino games are typically accessed via a web browser or dedicated app on Android or Apple devices. The company has also built a desktop-style interface directly into the device, removing the need for an external monitor.

Despite the added screen space, the TriFold remains portable when folded. At 12.9 millimetres thick, it is slightly bulkier than Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold models, but remains competitive for a first-generation multi-fold device.

Release Dates And Premium Pricing Confirm Limited Rollout

Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy Z TriFold will go on sale in South Korea on 12 December. Additional launches are planned for China, Taiwan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates in the weeks that follow.

The device is expected to reach the United States in early 2026, although Samsung has not shared a firm launch date. The company has also not confirmed whether the Galaxy Z TriFold will be released in the UK, leaving its availability in the market unclear for now.

For the initial rollout, Samsung is offering a single configuration in black with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. In South Korea, the handset is priced at 3,594,000 won, placing it among the most expensive smartphones the company has released and reinforcing its position as a limited, showcase device rather than a mainstream launch.

Focus On Battery Capacity And Fast Charging

Battery performance has been a central part of the TriFold’s design. Samsung says the phone includes its largest battery to date in a foldable device, aimed at supporting long work sessions on the expanded display.

Fast charging is also included, with the battery reaching 50 per cent in around 30 minutes. This is intended to offset concerns around power consumption on a device built for multitasking.

Like Samsung’s other recent foldables, the TriFold carries an IP48 rating. This allows for water resistance up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, though protection against dust remains limited due to the complexity of the folding hinges.

A Strategic Test Ahead Of Major Market Shifts

Industry analysts view the Galaxy Z TriFold as a strategic experiment rather than a volume product. Samsung is expected to ship the device in limited numbers, focusing on gathering real-world data rather than driving large sales.

The company is using the launch to test hinge durability, screen performance and software stability in everyday use. Feedback from early users will likely shape future multi-fold devices.

This cautious approach comes as the foldable market prepares for significant changes. Apple is widely expected to enter the segment in the coming years, a move that could reshape consumer interest and competitive dynamics.

Chinese Manufacturers Continue To Apply Pressure

Samsung’s announcement follows a series of foldable launches from Chinese brands. Huawei recently revealed its second-generation tri-fold phone for the domestic market, with a folded thickness similar to Samsung’s new device.

Other manufacturers, including Honor, have also expanded their foldable offerings internationally. These brands have gained attention for slimmer designs and aggressive pricing, challenging Samsung’s long-held leadership.

Honor, which separated from Huawei in 2020, has grown rapidly outside China and continues to target global markets with premium foldable hardware.

Samsung Signals Its Next Phase In Foldable Development

Samsung executives say the Galaxy Z TriFold reflects years of work on flexible displays and hinge engineering. The aim, they say, is to balance portability, performance and productivity within a single device.

While it remains uncertain whether tri-fold phones will appeal to mainstream buyers, Samsung’s latest launch sends a clear message. The company intends to lead the next phase of foldable innovation rather than follow it.

As competition intensifies and new entrants prepare to join the market, the Galaxy Z TriFold stands as both a technical statement and a glimpse into the future of mobile design.