According to GSM Arena, Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold sold out in South Korea for the second time today, lasting just two minutes. This follows its initial sale a few days ago, which also sold out in minutes. Reports from Korean media indicate the initial stock was only 1,000 units, and the total “initial sales volume” across both sales rounds was a mere 3,000 devices. The phone is expected to launch in the US, UAE, Singapore, China, and Taiwan in the coming weeks. This pattern of instant sell-outs is generating significant headlines and social media buzz for the new foldable.
The Manufactured Frenzy
Here’s the thing: in a country of about 50 million people, 3,000 units isn’t a product launch. It’s a controlled experiment. Samsung basically had a choice. They could have waited, built up a real inventory, and had a normal sales day. Or, they could release a laughably small batch, guarantee a lightning-fast “sell-out,” and let the media narrative of insane demand write itself. Guess which option creates more FOMO? It’s a textbook playbook move, and honestly, it’s getting a bit old. We see it with sneakers, game consoles, and now, apparently, $2,000 phones.
Stakeholder Impact: Who Wins?
So who does this actually benefit? For Samsung, it’s pure marketing gold. They get weeks of free press about how hot their new product is, which builds anticipation for the broader global rollout. It makes the device seem exclusive and desirable. But for actual consumers and even retailers, it’s frustrating. Users who genuinely want the tech are locked out, left to wonder if they’ll ever get one without paying a scalper’s premium. And for enterprise or industrial clients looking to test foldables for field use—where a durable, large-screen device could be revolutionary for things like industrial panel PCs and field software—this scarcity makes any practical evaluation impossible. It frames the device as a luxury toy, not a serious tool.
The Global Rollout: Will It Be Different?
Now, the report says it’s coming to the US and other markets soon. Don’t be surprised if we see the same “sold out in minutes” story repeat. The question is whether the stock levels will be as embarrassingly low. If they are, it confirms the strategy. If they’re more substantial and it *still* sells out fast, then maybe the hype is real. But based on this Korean preview, I’m skeptical. Samsung is clearly managing perception, not just supply. They’re creating an aura of success before most people can even touch the device. It’s smart business, but it’s also a bit of a game. And after a while, consumers can see through the game.
