Highlights
- Samsung introduces the Galaxy Z TriFold with three folding panels and a 10-inch inner display.
- The device launches in South Korea on Dec. 12 and reaches the US in early 2026.
- Positioned as a pilot model as foldable competition heats up.
Samsung unveils its first tri-fold smartphone
Samsung launches its first multi-folding smartphone on Monday as it works to defend its position in a fast-shifting foldable market dominated by rising Chinese competitors.
The long-anticipated Galaxy Z TriFold goes on sale in South Korea on December 12, with releases planned in China, Taiwan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The phone reaches the US during the first quarter of 2026, with details to follow. Samsung offers the device in black with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage at 3,594,000 Korean won (about $2,449).
A three-panel design aimed at proving engineering strength
The TriFold uses two inward-folding hinges to open into a 10-inch display with a 2160 x 1584 resolution. When folded, it measures 12.9 mm thick, slightly more than the Galaxy Z Fold6 and thicker than the Fold7.
Counterpoint Research associate director Liz Lee says Samsung is not focused on volume with this model. Instead, the company uses it to test durability, hinge design and software behavior before a broader rollout.
“With competitive dynamics expected to shift in 2026, especially with Apple preparing to enter the foldable category, Samsung is positioning this device as a multi-fold pilot to reinforce its technology leadership,” Lee says.
Software and productivity features take center stage
The phone runs three apps vertically side by side and offers a desktop-style mode without an external display. Samsung also equips the model with its largest foldable battery to date and supports super-fast charging that reaches 50% in 30 minutes.
TM Roh, Samsung Electronics co-CEO and head of the Device eXperience division, says the TriFold reflects years of work aimed at combining portability, performance and productivity.
A growing field of rivals
Samsung introduced its first foldable in 2019, but the market remains relatively niche as competitors continue to make gains. Huawei released its second-generation trifold in September for the Chinese market, measuring 12.8 mm when folded. Brands like Honor are also expanding their foldable lines internationally after separating from Huawei in 2020.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is rated IP48, offering water resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes but limited dust protection.
