Samsung’s Dual-Folding “Galaxy Z Tri-Fold” Nears November Launch… Estimated Price Around 4 Million KRW

Samsung Electronics is expected to unveil the world’s first dual-folding smartphone, the “Galaxy Z Tri-Fold,” this November. The estimated retail price is around 4.2 million KRW (approx. $3,050 USD), with preorder promotions reportedly considering a 3.99 million KRW discount option or a free pair of wireless earbuds.

Production is expected to be limited to just 50,000 units initially, giving the device a strong sense of exclusivity. With more panels and hinges than existing foldables, the production complexity has risen significantly. Considering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (256GB) currently retails for 2,379,300 KRW, the dual-fold design nearly doubles the price.

Huawei Rivalry: The “Tri-Fold War”

Industry watchers see Samsung’s move not as a mass-market push but as a direct response to Huawei in the race for foldable supremacy. Huawei launched the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, the “Mate XT,” last year, followed by its successor, the “Mate XTs,” last month. The Mate XTs launched at 17,999 yuan (approx. 3.55 million KRW / $2,450 USD), about 390,000 KRW cheaper than its predecessor, yet still widely considered overpriced relative to performance.

Samsung, leveraging its status as the “original foldable pioneer,” is focusing on technical refinement and premium experiences with its tri-fold device.

Tablet & PC Replacement Functions in Focus

According to recently leaked footage, the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold is designed to highlight multitasking and productivity. Apps opened on the external display can seamlessly transition to the larger internal screen, while Samsung DeX support enables PC-like usage.

Additionally, the Galaxy AI Sidebar can be separated into an independent window, allowing users to access functions like web summarization and note-taking without closing apps. Rumors also suggest Samsung may debut its first-ever 100x zoom camera in the tri-fold, with speculation surrounding a periscope lens.

High-End Hardware, Battery Challenges

On the performance side, the device is expected to feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 200MP main camera, along with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. However, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 capped at 4,400mAh, boosting battery capacity remains essential to ensure smooth multitasking and large-screen operation.

The industry is watching closely to see whether Samsung’s tri-fold device can move beyond being “just a smartphone” to become a true tablet and laptop replacement.

Ju-baek Shin / jbshin@kmjournal.net