Samsung has introduced its latest generation of foldable phones, targeting traditional phone users with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The unveiling took place at the annual Unpacked event, held in Paris for the first time. Alongside the updated foldable devices, Samsung also showcased new earbuds and a smart ring.
The highlights of the event were the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, which are now lighter, thinner, and packed with innovative AI tools. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 opens like a book to transform into a tablet, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6 features a clamshell design reminiscent of early 2000s flip phones. Each model is equipped with a stronger hinge, better battery life, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, optimized for AI processing.
These enhancements come with a higher price tag. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899.99, a $100 increase from last year, and is available in silver, pink, and navy. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at $1,099.99, also up by $100, and comes in silver, yellow, blue, and mint. Both devices will be available for purchase starting Wednesday.
Price remains a major obstacle for consumers considering foldable smartphones. Despite this, shipments of foldable phones are expected to increase from 20 million units in 2023 to around 28 million in 2024, though they will still account for less than 3% of total smartphone shipments. Samsung holds a dominant 80% to 85% share of the foldable market.
Samsung’s foldable phones have consistently improved user experience with each new version, yet the market has not fully embraced the enhanced functionalities and tactile benefits these devices offer. TM Roh, Samsung’s president and head of mobile experience, noted that current prices reflect the high cost of components, but could decrease as technology advances.
Galaxy AI software is central to Samsung’s strategy to maintain its leadership in the foldable market, especially as competitors like Google, Huawei, and Motorola present strong alternatives. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 now features a larger 6.3-inch cover screen, up from 6.2 inches, to boost productivity. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is equipped with a new 3.4-inch Super AMOLED screen and an enhanced camera system, including a 50MP wide lens with 2x optical zoom and 12MP ultra-wide sensors for more detailed photos.
Both models come packed with new AI tools. An updated Note Assist feature enables transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly in Notes, along with live translation for phone calls. The Composer feature from the Samsung Keyboard offers text suggestions for emails and social media apps based on keywords, aiming to reflect the user’s tone by analyzing previous posts. Google’s AI assistant Gemini is also integrated, allowing users to perform tasks through voice commands or screen gestures.
The introduction of generative AI in smartphones aims to enhance the overall user experience, particularly for productivity. Samsung’s hybrid approach to privacy gives users the option to choose between on-device AI for low latency and cloud-based AI for higher capacity and performance, catering to different user needs.
In addition to the foldable phones, Samsung revealed more about its upcoming smart ring, which is packed with sensors for health monitoring, including temperature measurement and sleep tracking. The smart ring, available in black, silver, and gold, is priced at $399.99 and aims to compete with the market leader Oura. Smart rings are leading the surge in the wearables market, expected to grow at a 29% annual rate for the next five years.
Samsung also announced the new Galaxy Buds 3, featuring an interpreter mode for real-time translation during lectures or meetings, and enhanced control functions for managing music playback without touching the earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 3, priced at $179.99, will be available in white and silver, starting Wednesday.
With these advancements, Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, blending cutting-edge AI features with innovative designs to enhance user experience and productivity. The company’s commitment to integrating AI across its devices underscores its strategy to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
