In a bold move targeting the premium segment, Samsung Electronics has officially introduced its inaugural triple-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Launched on Tuesday, this special-edition device carries a staggering price tag that firmly positions it as a luxury item beyond the average consumer's budget.
A Premium Device with a Hefty Price
The Galaxy Z TriFold is scheduled to hit the market on December 12, with a cost set at $2,443. This makes it more than twice as expensive as Apple's latest flagship, the iPhone 17. Samsung has openly acknowledged that this model is not designed for mass-market sales, framing it instead as an exclusive, high-end innovation.
Kim Seong-eun, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics, described the phone as a "special edition" product. The device is offered exclusively in a black finish, weighs 309 grams, and at its thinnest point measures less than 0.2 inches. When fully unfolded, it reveals a expansive 10-inch (25.4 centimetre) display, which Samsung claims offers "increased possibilities for creating and working."
Features and Market Context
The new phone integrates generative artificial intelligence features, providing users with real-time assistance through screen or camera sharing. However, Samsung is not the first to market with a triple-fold design. That distinction belongs to China's Huawei, which launched a similarly high-priced model last year.
This launch occurs during a critical period for Samsung. Recent industry projections from research firm Counterpoint suggest that Apple is on track to overtake Samsung in 2025 as the world's leading smartphone maker for the first time in 14 years. The forecast indicates Apple will capture a 19.4% global market share compared to Samsung's 18.7%.
The Competitive Foldable Landscape
The smartphone market has experienced uneven growth, compelling manufacturers to seek novel and attention-grabbing methods to distinguish their products. Foldable technology represents one of the most significant frontiers in this effort. Notably, Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own foldable iPhone, with speculation pointing to a potential release as early as next year.
Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold represents a strategic play to reinforce its image as a technology innovator in a fiercely competitive environment. By targeting the ultra-premium niche, the company aims to showcase its engineering prowess even as it battles for overall market leadership with its rival in Cupertino.
