Samsung's ambitious foray into a new form factor has met with explosive, if limited, initial success. The Galaxy Z TriFold, the company's first triple-folding smartphone, officially went on sale in its home market of South Korea today, December 12. Despite a premium price tag and being a first-generation product in a nascent category, the device sold out within minutes at all retail locations, underscoring significant consumer curiosity and demand for cutting-edge mobile technology. The launch was marked by stories of extreme dedication from early adopters and provides the first real-world test for Samsung's vision of a device that bridges the gap between phone and tablet.
A Launch Defined by Scarcity and Enthusiasm
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold's debut in South Korea was a carefully managed, exclusive event. The device was only available for purchase at 20 select stores across the entire nation, a strategy that inherently limited supply. This scarcity, combined with the novelty of the triple-folding design, created a perfect storm of demand. Reports from the ground described long queues forming outside Samsung stores, with some eager customers braving near-freezing temperatures for nearly 24 hours to secure a unit. One 42-year-old freelancer earned the distinction of becoming the world's first official owner after his marathon wait, a testament to the powerful brand loyalty and tech enthusiast culture that Samsung commands in its home market. The company confirmed that inventory was depleted just minutes after sales began.
Launch Context & Availability
- Launch Date: December 12, 2025 (South Korea only).
- Initial Market Response: Sold out within minutes at all 20 retail locations in South Korea.
- Current Status: Sold out. Samsung is accepting restock notifications in South Korea.
- Confirmed Future Markets: China, Taiwan, Singapore, UAE, United States. No specific dates announced.
- Color & Configuration: Currently available only in Crafted Black, 16GB/512GB model.
Premium Specifications Command a Premium Price
Positioned at the absolute apex of Samsung's mobile portfolio, the Galaxy Z TriFold carries a price to match its pioneering status. In South Korea, the device is priced at KRW 3.59 million, which converts to approximately USD 2,436. For this substantial investment, users receive a device packed with top-tier specifications. It is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite system-on-chip, paired with 16GB of RAM, and offers storage options of 512GB or 1TB. The core of its appeal lies in its displays: a 10-inch inner screen unfolds to offer a tablet-like canvas, while a 6.5-inch outer screen serves standard smartphone purposes. Both screens utilize advanced Dynamic LTPO AMOLED technology with high brightness and adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The device is powered by a 5,600mAh battery with 45W wired charging and features an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance.
Key Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB / 1TB
- Displays:
- Inner: 10-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 2160 x 1584, 1-120Hz, 1600 nits peak
- Outer: 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 2520 x 1080, 1-120Hz, 2600 nits peak
- Battery: 5,600mAh with 45W wired charging
- Durability: IP48 dust & water resistance
- Cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP inner/outer selfie
- Software: Android 16 with One UI 8.0 (7 OS updates promised)
- Launch Price (South Korea): KRW 3,590,400 (~USD 2,436)
Market Reaction and Future Availability
The immediate sell-out, while impressive, must be contextualized by the intentionally limited launch scale. Samsung has not disclosed the number of units sold, making it difficult to gauge the true depth of mainstream market demand. However, the company has responded to the sold-out status by allowing potential customers in South Korea to sign up for restock notifications on its official website, indicating plans for further shipments. Looking beyond its domestic launch, Samsung has confirmed intentions to bring the Galaxy Z TriFold to additional markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Specific launch dates for these regions have not yet been announced, leaving international consumers and industry watchers to speculate on when—and at what price—the device will arrive globally.
The Road Ahead for Folding Form Factors
The successful, if limited, launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold represents a significant milestone in the evolution of foldable devices. By introducing a third fold, Samsung is pushing the boundaries of mobile screen real estate and device functionality, challenging the conventional definitions of a smartphone. The enthusiastic reception from early adopters in Korea provides valuable initial validation for this concept. However, the true test will come as the device reaches more markets and a broader audience. Questions about long-term durability, software optimization for the unique aspect ratios, and the practical utility of the form factor in everyday use remain to be answered. For now, the Galaxy Z TriFold's launch day has proven that there is a fervent market segment willing to embrace and pay for the next radical step in mobile design.