Emerging Smartphone Technologies: Samsung's Multi-Folding Phone Launch

Samsung has launched its first multi-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, during a media event in Seoul, South Korea, on December 2, 2025. This innovative device, which will go on sale in South Korea on December 12, is designed to maintain Samsung's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving smartphone market, particularly against increasing competition from Chinese brands.

The Galaxy Z TriFold features a unique design with two inward-folding hinges, allowing it to open into a 10-inch display, which has a resolution of 2160 by 1584. This display is slightly smaller than that of Apple's 11th-generation iPad and allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously, providing a desktop-like experience without needing an external monitor.

According to CNBC, the device will initially be offered in black, equipped with 16 gigabytes of memory and 512 gigabytes of storage, with a price tag set at 3,594,000 South Korean won, which is approximately $2,449.

Liz Lee, an associate director at Counterpoint Research, noted that while the initial volume of the TriFold will be limited, Samsung is using this model to gather real-world user insights regarding durability and software performance before wider commercialization.

The phone is equipped with Samsung's largest battery capacity among its foldable models, a 5,600 milliamp-hour battery, which supports super-fast charging, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes and capable of providing up to 17 hours of consecutive video playback.

Samsung has also introduced enhanced hinge technology and improved materials to enhance the device's durability, addressing consumer concerns about breakage. Furthermore, the TriFold supports Samsung's DeX software, allowing up to four distinct workspaces to operate simultaneously, each running five apps.

TM Roh, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, emphasized that this new device reflects years of research on foldable designs, aiming to balance portability, performance, and productivity. As the foldable smartphone market remains relatively small, Samsung's innovation is critical, particularly with competitors like Apple expected to enter this space, making the Galaxy Z TriFold a significant pilot for future developments in foldable technology.

The anticipated launch in the U.S. is set for the first quarter of 2026, with additional details to be disclosed later.