Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold phone unfolded showing 10-inch tri-fold display in Crafted BlackPhoto by Rann Vijay on Pexels

Samsung launched its Galaxy Z TriFold phone in the United States on January 30, and it sold out online within minutes despite a price tag of $2,899. The device, available only through Samsung's website and select Experience Stores, drew quick demand from buyers ready to pay a premium for the tri-fold design.

Background

Foldable phones have been part of Samsung's lineup for years, starting with models that fold once like a book. The Galaxy Z Fold series built a following among people who wanted bigger screens in a phone-sized package. Now Samsung has taken that idea further with the Galaxy Z TriFold, which folds twice to create three panels.

This phone first appeared in South Korea, where small batches sold out fast each time Samsung restocked. People there lined up online for flash sales, showing interest in the new design even before it reached other markets. Samsung held back on wider releases to test the waters and build hype.

In the US, the phone became available on a Friday morning at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Buyers could only get it in one color, Crafted Black, and one storage size, 512GB. No other options existed for this first run. Samsung set up the launch to go through its own channels, skipping carriers or big retail chains at the start.

The company has pushed foldables as a way to stand out. While most phones look the same these days, with screens that barely change, foldables offer something different. The TriFold takes that to an extreme, unfolding to a 10-inch screen that works like a small tablet when open.

Key Details

The Galaxy Z TriFold measures just 3.9 millimeters thick at its slimmest point when unfolded. It has two hinges that let the screen fold inward twice, making it compact enough to fit in a pocket. When closed, it looks like a thicker regular phone, but opening it reveals the full display.

Sales started on Samsung.com and at Experience Stores across the country. Within about 20 minutes, the site showed 'sold out' for online orders. Store stock also vanished fast, though exact numbers remain unknown. Samsung did not offer trade-ins, so buyers paid the full amount upfront.

This price puts it $900 above the Galaxy Z Fold7, which costs around $2,000. It even tops many high-end laptops or tablets. Still, people bought it without discounts or ways to offset the cost with old devices.

Availability and Restock

Right now, the Samsung US website has a 'notify me' button for restocks. The company says more units will come soon, but no date is set. Past patterns in South Korea suggest drops every few weeks, with small quantities each time. US buyers have signed up for alerts, waiting for the next chance.

Samsung calls this phone a showcase for new technology. It targets fans of foldables and early tech adopters who want the latest gadgets, no matter the cost.

"Samsung has a long history of pioneering category defining devices," said Drew Blackard, senior vice president of mobile product management at Samsung Electronics America.

What This Means

A quick sellout at this price shows some buyers will pay for fresh designs in phones. Foldables make up a small part of the market, but they help Samsung keep its high-end line exciting. With smartphone sales slowing overall, companies need ways to get people to upgrade.

The TriFold tests how far people will go for a phone that doubles as a tablet. Its 10-inch screen handles tasks like reading, watching videos, or working on documents better than standard phones. At near $3,000, it appeals to a narrow group, but that group acted fast.

Without sales numbers, it's hard to know if demand matches supply or if Samsung limited stock on purpose. Tech experts say low initial runs are common for new form factors to measure interest without overproducing. Either way, the result points to real appetite among enthusiasts.

Samsung leads the foldable market in the US, with no major rival offering a tri-fold yet. Apple sticks to traditional phones, leaving Samsung to push these ideas alone. Success here could encourage more investment in multi-fold designs.

Restocks will give a clearer picture. If units keep selling out, it signals room for higher prices in premium phones. Buyers now watch for updates, phones in hand or on waitlists. The launch marks a step in how phones might evolve, blending phone, tablet, and pocket device into one.

Author

  • Vincent K

    Vincent Keller is a senior investigative reporter at The News Gallery, specializing in accountability journalism and in depth reporting. With a focus on facts, context, and clarity, his work aims to cut through noise and deliver stories that matter. Keller is known for his measured approach and commitment to responsible, evidence based reporting.

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