SEOUL, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics ( SSNLF )

unveiled on Tuesday its first multi-folding smartphone, in a bid

to strengthen its position in a sector of the phone market where

competition is expected to intensify.

The launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold marks Samsung's bid to

reinforce its footing in a segment where Chinese rivals have

been gaining ground, even as analysts say the high price and

production challenges mean foldable devices are likely to remain

a niche category for now.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is priced at about 3.59 million won

($2,440.17) and unfolds into a 253.1 millimetre (10-inch)

display, using three panels. It is nearly 25% larger than

Samsung's latest foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7 model.

The new model, produced in South Korea, will go on sale

domestically on December 12 and be rolled out in China,

Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates within this year.

The U.S. launch is expected as early as the first quarter of

next year.

The device features Samsung's largest battery in its

flagship models and supports super-fast charging that powers the

phone to 50% in 30 minutes.

Analysts said Samsung's first multi-folding device is more

likely to be a showcase of the new technology rather than a

volume-driving flagship, given the early stage of the multi-way

fold form and challenges of scaling production.

"The trifold is a first-generation product, and it's the

first time a trifold design is being commercialised, so it's

hard to see Samsung pushing large volumes at this stage," said

Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.

He noted that while Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line has reached

its seventh generation with product maturity and lower cost

structures, "the trifold could still face issues around

completeness or durability," making it important for the company

to assess how the market responds first.

While competition in the foldable smartphone market is

expected to heat up, with China's Huawei launching the

industry's first three-way folding phone last September and

Apple ( AAPL ) expected to release its first foldable next year,

analysts said high prices and limits to mass production are

likely to hold back the sector.

Foldables are expected to account for less than 2% of the

total smartphone market this year and will make up under 3% by

2027, according to Counterpoint Research.

Counterpoint data showed Samsung's shipment share of the

foldable market jumped to 64% in the third quarter, up from 9%

in the previous quarter. The sharp swing reflected how small the

market still is, with the share whipsawing each quarter

depending on the timing of new product launches, it said.

The firm forecasts the foldable smartphone market will grow

14% this year, followed by annual growth in the 30% range in

2026 and 2027 as Apple ( AAPL ) looks set to enter the segment.

($1 = 1,467.0900 won)