Samsung debuts first tri-fold phone at premium price

WEB DESK: Samsung has officially launched its first triple-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold, positioning it as a high-end special edition device well beyond the reach of the average consumer. Priced at USD2,443, it will be available for sale starting December 12, more than double the cost of Apple’s latest iPhone 17.

When fully unfolded, the device offers a 10-inch screen, which Samsung says provides enhanced convenience for work and creative tasks. The phone is available only in black, weighs 309 grams, and folds down to a thickness of less than 0.2 inches.

Samsung is not the first to introduce tri-fold technology. Chinese tech giant Huawei launched a similar device last year, also at a significantly high price point.

In a slowing global smartphone market, companies are increasingly relying on innovative designs to stand out. The Galaxy Z Tri-Fold includes generative AI features that provide real-time assistance during screen-sharing and camera use.

Samsung acknowledged that the phone is not intended for mass-market sales but is aimed at a niche segment of buyers. Kim Sea-un, Executive Vice President of the company, described it as a “special edition.”

The launch comes amid industry reports suggesting that Apple could overtake Samsung as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer in the coming years. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple is projected to hold 19.4% of the global market share in 2025, compared to Samsung’s expected 18.7percent. Meanwhile, rumors continue to circulate that Apple may launch its own folding iPhone as early as next year.