**Trifold phones likely to expand market size while complementing the existing Galaxy Fold and Flip**
**When trifold phones emerge, does it make folds outdated? Differences in price, durability, weight, etc.**
Samsung Display unveiled a display that folds twice at MWC25 in Barcelona. Samsung Electronics is preparing to release a trifold phone that folds twice within this year. Some are concerned that the emergence of this new form factor could threaten the space occupied by existing foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip.
However, industry experts weigh more on the idea that the trifold phone will not erode the existing foldable phone lineup but rather target niche markets within the foldable phone sector and coexist successfully. It is expected to complement rather than replace the Fold series, which might share overlapping target markets with the trifold phone.
According to foreign media, including SamMobile, Samsung’s first trifold phone might be released between September and October. Samsung officially announced its release within the year. TM Roh, the acting head of Samsung Electronics’ DX division, stated in a Galaxy Unpacked press conference in July that they are working hard to improve the completeness of the trifold phone for its release by the end of the year.
Even with the introduction of trifold phones, the unique niche markets for the existing Fold and Flip series are likely to be maintained. For instance, the Flip series, differing from the Fold series or trifold phones that aim to act as tablets, focuses on portability. It offers the convenience of being used like a regular smartphone and then folded to fit in a pocket.
The Flip series is not seen as a direct competitor to the trifold phone or Fold, aside from having hinges and a folding display. Therefore, the Flip is expected to maintain a strong position by targeting consumers who value design and portability.
Conversely, the Fold series and the newly emerging trifold phone are predicted to form somewhat subtle relationships since both devices offer simultaneous experiences of a smartphone and tablet. The trifold phone could be considered an expanded version of the Fold, providing a larger screen with the addition of an extra hinge.
The external cover screens of both the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the trifold phone are anticipated to be around 6.5 inches, but the internal main screen is about 8 inches for the Fold 7 compared to an expected 10 inches for the trifold phone. Due to these similarities, there are concerns that the trifold phone might render the Fold series “outdated” upon release.
Nonetheless, the industry highlights several barriers that the trifold phone may find hard to overcome. One practical disadvantage is the price. With a larger screen and more complex dual hinge mechanism, manufacturing costs naturally drive the price higher. The Fold 7’s starting price was 2,379,300 KRW, while the trifold phone is expected to be priced around 4 million KRW.
Durability could also be a challenge for the trifold phone, as having double the hinges increases the probability of mechanical failures. Even with technological improvements, there are more potential failure points than the Fold, likely resulting in higher repair and maintenance costs.
Moreover, the complexity of design poses another issue. The dual hinge design of the trifold may reduce intuitiveness since users need to remember which side to fold first, complicating the software experience and user interface compared to the more intuitive usage offered by the Fold.
The final downside is thickness and weight. The trifold phone is inevitably thicker and heavier than the Fold. This contrast might be more pronounced as the Fold 7 succeeded in reducing its thickness to 8.9mm and weight to 215g when folded. Regardless of technological advances, the thickness and weight differences between trifold and existing Fold series are anticipated to persist. Consequently, the Fold will appeal to users seeking both portability and convenience, while the trifold phone will attract users prioritizing tablet experiences, less concerned with weight and thickness.
Taking these factors into account, the industry believes that the trifold phone’s introduction will not undermine the status of existing foldable products. While some Fold users might transition to the trifold phone for its larger screen, only a slight decline in Fold sales is likely, not enough to render the series completely outdated.
Even with the release of Samsung’s first trifold phone this year, it is expected to expand the foldable phone market by allowing the three foldable form factors to coexist on their unique strengths, rather than threatening the existing Fold and Flip series.