- Samsung introduces new foldable phones at Unpacked event in Paris.
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 unfolds into a tablet, Z Flip 6 flips like early 2000s phones.
- Upgraded with durable hinges, longer battery life, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
- Prices increased by $100: Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899.99, Z Flip 6 at $1,099.99.
- AI features include improved Note Assist, live translations, and AI-driven text suggestions.
- Market challenges remain with foldable adoption, despite improved user experience.
Main AI News:
Samsung’s latest generation of foldable phones aims to entice traditional phone users with the integration of artificial intelligence, showcased at its annual Unpacked event held for the first time in Paris. The company introduced updates to its foldable devices and earbuds, while also detailing its upcoming smart ring. However, the spotlight fell on Samsung’s newest foldable models, now lighter, slimmer, and enriched with AI features: the Galaxy Z Fold 6, a smartphone that unfolds like a book into a tablet, and the clamshell-inspired Galaxy Z Flip 6, reminiscent of early 2000s flip phones.
Both devices boast a more robust hinge, improved battery life, and are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, optimized for AI processing. These enhancements, however, come at a higher price point. The new Galaxy Z Fold starts at $1,899.99, a $100 increase from last year, and is available in silver, pink, and navy. Meanwhile, the Z Flip starts at $1,099.99, also $100 more than its predecessor, and comes in silver, yellow, blue, and mint. Both models went on sale immediately following the announcement.
Consumer adoption of foldable smartphones continues to face pricing challenges. ABI Research reports that foldable shipments reached 20 million units in 2023, projected to rise to approximately 28 million units in 2024, yet still comprising less than 3% of total smartphone shipments.
David McQueen, a research director at ABI Research, believes foldable displays will extend to other mobile products like tablets, laptops, and smartwatches in the coming years. However, most manufacturers are currently focused on acclimating consumers to foldable phones. McQueen notes, “While the user experience of foldable devices has improved with each iteration, the sector has yet to fully convince consumers of the enhanced use cases, tactile benefits, and additional functionality of foldable products.”
Ahead of the Unpacked event, TM Roh, Samsung’s president and head of mobile experience, discussed the rationale behind the new pricing strategy, attributing it to component costs. He anticipates potential future price reductions as technology advances, emphasizing Samsung’s current focus on premium offerings.
Roh highlights Samsung’s Galaxy AI software as pivotal in maintaining its leadership in the foldable market, especially as competitors like Google, Huawei, and Motorola introduce compelling alternatives. Samsung currently holds between 80% and 85% of the foldable smartphone market share, with speculation mounting about Apple’s potential entry into the foldable market in the coming years.
In addition to design enhancements, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a slightly larger 6.3-inch cover screen to boost user productivity. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 incorporates a new 3.4-inch Super AMOLED screen and camera system, sporting a 50MP wide lens with 2x optical zoom and 12MP ultra-wide sensors for enhanced photographic detail.
Samsung’s latest models are packed with advanced AI capabilities, including an updated Note Assist feature for transcription, translation, and voice summarization directly in Notes, as well as live translation during phone calls. The new Composer feature on the Samsung Keyboard generates text suggestions based on keywords for email and social media apps, adapting to user tone based on previous posts.
Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, is integrated directly into the devices, enabling users to initiate tasks with voice commands or by swiping the screen corner for assistance with writing or web searches. Additional features include a circle-to-search tool and image suggestions based on simple sketches when using Samsung’s S Pen stylus.
While smartphones have long featured AI assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, the introduction of generative AI in Samsung’s latest models aims to enhance overall user productivity. McQueen believes, “The incorporation of generative AI in smartphones will play a crucial role in launching a myriad of AI-powered applications and tools, revitalizing market demand from entertainment to productivity-focused devices.”
Roh underscores the deep integration of AI into Samsung’s Galaxy products, emphasizing a hybrid approach to privacy. Users can opt for on-device AI processing to prioritize privacy and low latency or leverage cloud-based AI for enhanced performance. “Our goal is to offer optimal technology tailored to consumer needs, transforming our devices from mere smartphones into AI-driven tools,” Roh states.
Conclusion:
Samsung’s latest AI-enhanced foldable phones mark a significant leap in innovation, offering sleek design and advanced functionality. Despite premium pricing and ongoing market skepticism, Samsung’s strategic focus on integrating AI tools could redefine consumer expectations and maintain its leadership in the competitive foldable smartphone market.
