Samsung introduced the latest generation of its foldable smartphones at its annual Unpacked event, which was held in Paris for the first time. They hope to attract regular phone users with better designs and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features. The event also introduced updates to Samsung’s foldable devices, earbuds, and shared more information about their upcoming smart ring.
The New Foldables: Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung’s latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, were the highlights of the event. These devices are now lighter, slimmer, and come with AI tools. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 opens like a book to become a tablet, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a clamshell design like old flip phones from the early 2000s.
Both devices have a more durable hinge, improved battery life, and are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, optimized for AI processing. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a 6.3-inch cover screen, slightly larger than its predecessor, enhancing user productivity. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 comes with a new 3.4-inch Super AMOLED screen and a camera system featuring a 50MP wide lens and 12MP ultra-wide sensors, promising more clearer pictures.
Pricing and Market Challenges
The new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are more expensive than last year’s models. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 now costs $1,899.99, which is $100 more than before, and comes in silver, pink, and navy colors. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 costs $1,099.99, also $100 more, and is available in silver, yellow, blue, and mint. Both phones went on sale on Wednesday.
Despite these advancements, price remains a significant challenge in attracting consumers to foldable smartphones. According to ABI Research, foldable shipments reached 20 million in 2023 and are expected to improve to around 28 million units in 2024, representing less than 3% of total smartphone shipments.
David McQueen, a research director at ABI Research, notes that while the user experience of foldable devices has improved with each iteration, the sector has yet to fully convince consumers of the benefits and added functionality of foldable products. However, McQueen believes foldable displays will eventually find their way into other mobile products such as tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
AI Integration and Features
Samsung’s big AI push was a highlight of the event. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are packed with new AI tools. The updated Note Assist feature enables transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly in Notes, and live translation for phone calls. The Samsung Keyboard’s Composer feature creates text suggestions based on keywords for email and social media apps, aiming to reflect the user’s tone by analyzing previous posts.
Google’s AI assistant Gemini is directly integrated into the phones, offering help with writing or web searches. Other features include a circle to search tool and image options based on sketches or drawings using the Samsung S Pen stylus.
The Samsung Ring and Galaxy Buds 3
In addition to the foldable phones, Samsung unveiled its smart ring, which offers health monitoring features such as temperature measurement, sleep tracking, and personalized insights. The Samsung Ring, available in black, silver, and gold, starts at $399.99 and went on sale Wednesday. IDC Research indicates that smart rings are the fastest-growing segment in wearables, with a 29% year-over-year growth expected over the next five years.
The new Galaxy Buds 3, priced at $179.99, now includes an interpreter mode for real-time translation of lectures or meetings and new control functions for music playback without physically touching the earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 3 are available in white and silver and also went on sale Wednesday.
Future Prospects
Samsung’s president and head of mobile experience,TM Roh, said that the prices of their phones reflect the costs of the components used. He expects these prices to go down in the future as technology improves. Roh believes that Samsung’s Galaxy AI software will help maintain its market leadership in the foldable phone sector, despite competition from companies like Google, Huawei, and Motorola. Samsung currently holds between 80% and 85% of the foldable phone market share.
Overall, Samsung’s latest innovations show a commitment to integrating AI into their devices. This enhances user experience and productivity, signaling a significant shift towards more intelligent and multifunctional smartphones.