Samsung’s New Foldable Smartphones Aim to Compete with Traditional Flagships
Samsung has launched a fresh effort to bring foldable smartphones into the mainstream market. This time, the company is tackling one of the biggest concerns for potential buyers: why choose a more expensive phone if it doesn’t match the performance of traditional models?
For a long time, foldable phones have been priced higher than their non-foldable counterparts but often failed to match the same level of battery life, camera quality, and other key features found in high-end devices. However, Samsung’s marketing director, Mario Winter, recently stated that the latest generation of foldables would make “no compromises” in terms of design and performance.
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip: Two Formats for Different Needs
Samsung currently offers two main foldable formats. The Galaxy Z Fold series features an external display that functions like a regular smartphone, unfolding into an 8-inch screen. This model is ideal for users who want a larger display without carrying a separate tablet.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip models are compact and fold from a pocket-friendly square shape into a 6.7-inch smartphone display. These are perfect for users who prefer a smaller form factor but still want the convenience of a larger screen when needed.
Despite years of improvements, foldable smartphones still hold only a small share of the market in most countries. Even after seven generations of development, they remain a niche product.
Camera and Specifications: A Step Closer to Competing with Flagships
The new Galaxy Z Fold 7 now comes with technical specifications that closely resemble those of the flagship S25 Ultra model released earlier this year. Notably, it includes a 50-MP telephoto lens and a main camera with 200 MP resolution.
However, there is still one area where the Fold 7 falls short compared to the S25 Ultra. While the S25 Ultra has a 50-MP ultra-wide-angle lens, the Fold 7 is limited to 12 MP in this category.
Another improvement is the wider external display, which was previously narrower than standard smartphone screens. The new Fold model, when unfolded, is just 4.2 millimetres thick, making it more portable and user-friendly.
Pricing Remains High, But Performance Is Improving
Despite these advancements, the prices of foldable smartphones remain significantly higher than those of conventional models. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 or €2,099, a slight increase from the previous model. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 begins at $1,099 or €1,199, offering a more affordable entry point for consumers interested in foldable technology.
Market Growth and Competition
According to IDC, the global foldable smartphone market grew by 4% last year, with 18.7 million units sold and a total value of $23.1 billion. Chinese manufacturers are also actively involved in this space, although their devices are less dominant in Western markets.
Samsung continues to lead in innovation, but the challenge remains convincing a broader audience that foldable smartphones are worth the premium price. As the technology evolves and becomes more refined, the hope is that these devices will eventually become a more common choice for consumers seeking both versatility and high performance.
