SINGAPORE – Barely a day after Samsung unveiled the design of its new Galaxy Z TriFold mobile phone in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec 2, the phone is already available for pre-orders in Singapore stores.

The smartphone goes on sale first in South Korea on Dec 12 at 3.6 million won (S$3,180), followed by roll-outs in Singapore, China, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Shoppers can get a feel of the new smartphone at Samsung Experience Stores in VivoCity, 313@Somerset and Jurong Point from Dec 3 to 10. It will be available for sale from Dec 19.

The triple fold is a first for the South Korean global manufacturer of consumer electronics, semiconductors and home appliances.

It transforms a regular phone, which is about 7cm wide, into a 25cm screen featuring three panels that blend seamlessly into a single tablet-size screen.

The tri-fold phone unfolds twice, opening up into a generous panel that is ideal for sketching, streaming or enjoying movies on the go. It folds back into a three-tiered bar that fits into the pocket.

Foldable smartphone designs featuring three-in-one screens are a trend.