Samsung has just launched a new series of foldable smartphones. Of which, the Galaxy Z Fold7 focuses on thinness and lightness, the Galaxy Z Flip7 increases the size of the outer screen, and the Z Flip7 FE targets users who prioritize affordable prices.
Faced with competition from Chinese brands, Samsung is not taking the slow path it has taken in the past. As one of the first companies to launch a foldable smartphone, the Korean company needs to find a way to maintain its position while still attracting new users.
Why is the Galaxy Z Fold7 thin and light?
The Galaxy Z Fold7 weighs 215 grams, 24 grams lighter than its predecessor. The device's main screen is also larger (increased from 7.6 inches to 8 inches).
The thinness of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 is also significantly reduced, to 8.9 mm and 13.7 mm when folded (3.2 mm and 1.2 mm thinner, respectively).
Commenting on Samsung's decision to thin its foldable smartphone, analyst Jene Park from market research firm Counterpoint Research said this is a big step forward in Samsung's design refinement plan.
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Galaxy Z Fold7 when opened. Photo: The Verge . |
“While the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent some of Samsung’s responses to Chinese design trends, these changes are largely driven by R&D, focusing on improving the user experience.
Specifically, Samsung always prioritizes durability and user experience on foldable screen devices. This year's product line shows that the company is confident in demonstrating that foldable screen technology has matured," Mr. Park told Tri Thuc - Znews .
Sharing the same view, analyst Gerrit Schneemann believes that the Galaxy Z Fold7 is an important smartphone model of 2025.
“Samsung has worked hard to continue to remove barriers to entry for foldable smartphones, while creating exciting new phones that deliver value to current users,” Schneemann added.
Removing the S Pen is not a big mistake
According to data from Counterpoint Research , Samsung's foldable smartphone sales in the third quarter are expected to increase by 27% compared to the same period last year. To date, Samsung is still the leading name in the foldable phone market, and is also the first brand that users think of.
Despite going through 6 generations, the Galaxy Z Fold is still considered to serve a niche market, partly due to its high price and thick and heavy design.
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The thinness of the Galaxy Z Fold7 compared to the Z Fold6. Photo: The Verge . |
By focusing on thin and light sizes on the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, analysts believe that Samsung is creating the future standard for foldable smartphones in the eyes of users.
“It is clear that the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are positioned to shape users' desires and standards for foldable smartphones in the future,” said Mr. Park.
Besides the thin and light size, Samsung also solved another weakness on foldable smartphones by increasing the size and changing the ratio of the outer screen.
“Users will enjoy the extra screen space, especially if they use it frequently. Previously, the narrow aspect ratio made it difficult to type on the external display. That forced users to open the device to use the internal display, reducing the ability to take advantage of the external display,” said analyst Gerrit Schneemann.
To create a normal user experience, Samsung also equipped the Z Fold7 with a 200 MP main camera. Analysts said that the Korean company is getting closer to a comprehensive premium smartphone experience without sacrificing many features.
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Galaxy Z Fold7 in hand. Photo: Xuan Sang . |
According to some surveys, the Galaxy Z Fold line is mainly aimed at middle-aged users, mostly men, and for work. On the Z Fold7, Samsung had to "sacrifice" the ability to support the S Pen to achieve thinness and lightness. However, a representative from Counterpoint Research said that this is not a big trade-off.
“While some may be disappointed to see the S Pen removed, our survey found that most customers prioritize portability – especially in terms of thickness and weight – over other factors like the S Pen.
From that perspective, Samsung's decision to prioritize design is in line with market demand and the future of foldable smartphones," said Mr. Park.
Challenge with the cheap Galaxy Z Flip
For the Galaxy Z Flip7, the biggest changes compared to its predecessor come from the larger outer screen size, increased battery capacity, improved hinge and durability.
“The Galaxy Z Flip7 is also aimed at content creators with features like viewing photo filters in real time via the external screen when taking selfies, improved zoom capabilities and Dual Preview,” said analyst Gerrit Schneemann.
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Galaxy Z Flip7's outer screen. Photo: Xuan Sang . |
However, Samsung took a risky approach by using the Exynos 2500 chip for the Z Flip7. According to Mr. Schneemann, Samsung's view is that ordinary users will not care about the performance difference between the Z Flip7 and previous generations, the self-developed chip can operate effectively.
In addition to the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, Samsung is bringing a low-cost folding model for the first time, called the Z Flip7 FE. The product has a similar design to the Z Flip6, but is $200 cheaper than the standard Z Flip7.
Despite being priced lower than the Z Flip7, the Z Flip7 FE isn't cheaper than foldable models from some competitors, like the Motorola Razr 2025 ( $700 ).
“The introduction of the cheaper Z Flip7 FE is a positive step by Samsung to popularize foldable smartphones. Affordable pricing and stable technology, especially in terms of durability, are key factors driving the foldable phone market,” said analyst Jene Park.
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Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Photo: Xuan Sang . |
However, Mr. Park said that the price of $900 of the Z Flip7 FE is still higher than expected compared to the “Fan Edition”, which could make it difficult for Samsung to compete with Motorola. Users will have to consider when choosing Motorola (price advantage) compared to Samsung (stability and ecosystem value).
Ultimately, analyst Gerrit Schneemann believes that Samsung is launching its premium foldable smartphone in an uncertain economic environment. However, the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 offer suitable options for current and future foldable smartphone users.
“It is important that Samsung and its distribution partners come up with a suitable promotional strategy, reducing the prices of the three devices to attract users. If they can do that, the company's foldable smartphone segment can flourish again,” Schneemann added.
Source: https://znews.vn/toan-tinh-cua-samsung-voi-smartphone-gap-moi-post1568269.html
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