Samsung has revealed its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, in Seoul on Tuesday, aiming to reinforce its dominance in the global smartphone market.

The device is priced at about 3.59 million won (roughly $2,440). When fully unfolded, its three panels form a display of around 10 inches, nearly 25% larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President Alex Lim said the tri-fold targets a niche segment rather than mass sales, adding that the foldable market is expected to expand, with tri-fold technology potentially driving new momentum.

He also noted that rising component costs, including memory chips, made pricing a “difficult decision”.

The handset features the largest battery in Samsung’s flagship lineup along with super-fast charging, delivering 50% charge in 30 minutes.

Sales will begin in South Korea on 12 December, followed by launches within the year in China, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. A US release is expected in the first quarter of the next year.

Analysts view the tri-fold as a strong display of Samsung’s innovation but expect limited near-term sales due to high price and production costs.

Ryu Young-ho of NH Investment & Securities said it is a first-generation product and market response will depend on durability and overall quality.

Competition is intensifying, with Huawei having launched its own tri-fold phone last year, while reports suggest Apple may enter the foldable market next year.

According to Counterpoint Research, foldable phones are projected to account for less than 2% of the global smartphone market in 2025 and will remain below 3% even in 2027.

Samsung, however, posted a sharp rebound in the segment, with its global foldable shipment share rising from 9% to 64% in the third quarter, driven by product timing and market cycles.