Samsung’s bold move into next-generation foldable smartphones may be coming at a financial cost. According to a new report, the company is losing money on every Galaxy Z TriFold it sells, shedding light on why the device is currently available only in limited markets.
A report from South Korean outlet The Bell, cited by 9to5Google, claims Samsung is not aiming to make a profit on its first-generation tri-fold phone. Instead, the device appears to be positioned as a premium experimental product, allowing early adopters to experience the technology while Samsung refines production and pricing strategies.
Premium Price, But Still Unprofitable
The Galaxy Z TriFold recently launched in South Korea with a retail price of 3,594,000 won—roughly $2,500 USD—making it the most expensive smartphone in Samsung’s lineup to date. Despite the steep price tag, the report suggests that high component costs, including memory pricing and complex manufacturing processes, are cutting into margins.
Samsung Electronics Korea Vice President Lim Sung-taek addressed the situation during the device’s launch event, explaining that the phone is intended as a special-edition release rather than a mass-market product. He noted that Samsung made difficult pricing decisions to keep the device somewhat accessible despite rising production expenses.
Limited Availability Reflects Strategy
Samsung’s decision to release the Galaxy Z TriFold in select regions appears to be intentional. Rather than focusing on volume sales, the company is prioritizing real-world testing and consumer feedback. This approach mirrors earlier foldable launches, where initial models served as proof-of-concept devices before wider adoption.
The reported losses also raise questions about how Samsung may price future tri-fold smartphones, particularly once manufacturing efficiencies improve and component costs stabilize.
U.S. Launch Still on the Horizon
For now, U.S. consumers won’t have immediate access to the Galaxy Z TriFold. The device is expected to launch in the United States in early 2026, and industry watchers anticipate it will carry a similarly premium price when it arrives.
While expensive, the Galaxy Z TriFold represents a major step forward in foldable phone design—and Samsung appears willing to absorb short-term losses to secure its long-term position in the category.
