(C) The Manila Times

SEOUL — Samsung Electronics officially launched its highly anticipated 'Galaxy Z TriFold' in South Korea today, marking a significant—and premium—addition to the company's foldable smartphone lineup. Despite an eye-watering price of 3,594,000 KRW (approximately $2,750 USD), the launch was met with exceptional demand, evidenced by long queues forming at key retail locations and a near-instant sell-out online.

The device, which leverages a groundbreaking tri-folding mechanism, is designed to offer maximum versatility. When fully unfolded, the Galaxy Z TriFold boasts a massive 253mm (10-inch) display, effectively transforming the device into a tablet. Conversely, when folded, it reverts to a portable, 164.8mm (6.5-inch) bar-type form factor, optimizing it for single-handed use and portability.

Engineering and Premium Features

Samsung has pushed the boundaries of foldable design with the Z TriFold. It is the thinnest device in the Galaxy Fold series to date, measuring a svelte 12.9mm when fully closed, and tapering to an astonishing 3.9mm at its slimmest point when unfolded.

Powering this innovative device is the custom-tailored 'Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy,' ensuring top-tier performance. The camera system is equally impressive, centered around a powerful 200-megapixel wide-angle sensor.

A major concern often associated with large-screen foldables—battery life—appears to have been addressed robustly. The Galaxy Z TriFold is equipped with the largest battery in the history of the Galaxy foldable series, a 5,600mAh unit. To ensure balanced power distribution and structural integrity across the three panels, the capacity is delivered via a 3-cell battery configuration, with individual cells strategically placed in each section of the fold.

Exclusive Availability and High Demand

The device is being sold exclusively as an unlocked, "completely independent" model, bypassing traditional carrier-linked sales. It is available for purchase at Samsung’s flagship 'Samsung Gangnam' store and 19 other select retail locations nationwide.

The Z TriFold is launched in a single, premium 'Crafted Black' colorway. The retail package is comprehensive, including a 'Carbon Shield Case,' a 45W high-speed charger, and a data cable, mitigating the need for immediate accessory purchases.

Demand was astronomical from the moment sales commenced. Reports from the launch day indicated long queues stretching outside stores in bustling districts like Gangnam and Hongdae even before opening hours. At the Samsung Gangnam store, over 100 people were reportedly waiting in line to purchase the phone. The online response was even more rapid: the device was listed as sold out on the Samsung.com website just five minutes after sales officially opened at 9:00 AM.

Pricing and Warranty Details

Priced at 3,594,000 KRW, the Galaxy Z TriFold squarely targets the high-end luxury tech market.

While the device does not include the standard Samsung Care Plus (SamsungCare+) warranty service, Samsung is offering a partial damage policy: customers are entitled to a 50% discount on repair costs in the event of display breakage. This limited concession appears aimed at alleviating some of the financial risk associated with the complex, tri-folding display technology.

The explosive demand for the Galaxy Z TriFold reinforces Samsung's dominant position in the premium foldable segment and suggests that consumers are willing to invest heavily in innovative form factors, even as device complexity and price continue to rise.