Samsung Electronics recently launched its tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Despite its high price point, the device continues to sell strongly worldwide. However, Samsung reportedly remains cautious about increasing production due to the device's extremely high costs, which leave the company with little to no profit margin.
According to South Korean media outlets ChosunBiz and Financial News, citing industry sources, the Galaxy Z TriFold sold out on its first day of release in South Korea as well as during the second restock. More recently, an initial supply of 500 units released in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also sold out on launch day.
The Galaxy Z TriFold was reportedly priced at AED11,999 in the UAE, more than KRW1 million (US$696) higher than the roughly KRW3.59 million price in South Korea. Even so, the product sold out within minutes of going on sale.
Although sales have been strong, the market generally believes the Galaxy Z TriFold will only contribute marginally to Samsung's Mobile eXperience (MX) division revenue.
The Galaxy Z TriFold features a triple-panel, dual inward-fold design and uses Armor Flex hinges to enhance durability, making its production process highly complex and costly.
Industry observers note that, based on the South Korean market, the Galaxy Z TriFold is priced at a level that leaves Samsung little to no profit. As a result, it will be difficult to significantly increase production in the short term, adding further uncertainty to the timeline for the next-generation model.
Some analysts point out that the Galaxy Z TriFold was conceived from the development stage as a "strategic smartphone" designed to showcase Samsung's technological capabilities, rather than to drive mass sales. Samsung's goal is to maintain a technological lead with the Galaxy Z TriFold ahead of Apple's foldable iPhone, expected to launch in the second half of 2026.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
