Samsung unveils its first multi-folding phone as competition set to heat up
The launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold marks Samsung’s bid to reinforce its footing in a segment where Chinese rivals have been gaining ground
Samsung Electronics unveiled on Tuesday its first multi-folding smartphone in a bid to strengthen its position in a sector of the handset market where competition is expected to intensify.
The launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold marks Samsung’s bid to reinforce its footing in a segment where Chinese rivals have been gaining ground, even as analysts said the high price and production challenges meant foldable devices were likely to remain a niche category for now.
The model, priced at about 3.59 million won (US$2,440), unfolds into a 10-inch display, using three panels and it is nearly 25 per cent larger than Samsung’s latest foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7 model.
“I believe the foldable market will continue to grow, and the TriFold in particular could act as a catalyst that drives more explosive growth in key parts of the segment,” said Alex Lim, Samsung Electronics executive vice-president and head of the Korea Sales and Marketing Office.
Lim said the new foldable device was intended for customers who specifically wanted it, rather than as a volume driver.
The TriFold, produced in South Korea, will go on sale domestically on December 12 and be rolled out in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates within this year. The US launch is expected as early as the first quarter of next year.
