Samsung's strategy for its new foldable smartphone.

Samsung wants to showcase the advanced technology of the Galaxy Z Fold7 while still developing a more affordable model to attract new users.

Samsung has just launched a new series of foldable smartphones. The Galaxy Z Fold7 focuses on slimness and lightness, the Galaxy Z Flip7 increases the size of the outer screen, and the Z Flip7 FE targets users who prioritize affordability.

Faced with competitive pressure from Chinese brands, Samsung is not choosing the slow, measured approach of the past. As one of the first companies to launch foldable smartphones, the South Korean company needs to find ways to maintain its position while attracting new users.

Why is the Galaxy Z Fold7 so thin and light?

The Galaxy Z Fold7 weighs 215g, 24g lighter than its predecessor. The device's main screen is also larger (increased from 7.6 inches to 8 inches).

The thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 has also been significantly reduced, measuring 8.9 mm and 13.7 mm when folded (3.2 mm and 1.2 mm thinner, respectively).

Commenting on Samsung's decision to make foldable smartphones thinner, analyst Jene Park from market research firm Counterpoint Research stated that this is a major step in Samsung's design refinement plan.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 unfolded. Photo: The Verge .

“While the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent some of Samsung’s responses to the design trends of Chinese manufacturers, these changes primarily stem from research and development (R&D) efforts focused on improving the user experience.”

Specifically, Samsung has always prioritized durability and user experience on foldable devices. This year's product line shows the company's confidence in showcasing its mature foldable screen technology,” Mr. Park told Tri Thuc – Znews .

Sharing this view, analyst Gerrit Schneemann believes that the Galaxy Z Fold7 will be a key smartphone model of 2025.

“Samsung has made every effort to continue breaking down barriers for users wanting to access foldable smartphones, while creating an exciting generation of phones that deliver value to current users,” Schneemann added.

Removing the S Pen isn't a major drawback.

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 remains the market leader in foldable phones and the first brand that comes to mind for consumers.

Despite going through six generations, the Galaxy Z Fold is still considered to serve a niche market, partly due to its high price, thick design, and heavy weight.

The slimmer Galaxy Z Fold7 compared to the Z Fold6. Photo: The Verge .

With its focus on slim and lightweight design on the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, analysts believe Samsung is setting the future standard for foldable smartphones in the eyes of consumers.

"Clearly, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are positioned to shape user expectations and standards for future foldable smartphones," said Park.

Besides its slim and lightweight design, Samsung also addressed another weakness of foldable smartphones by increasing the size and changing the aspect ratio of the outer screen.

“Users will enjoy the larger external screen space, especially if they use it frequently. Previously, the narrow aspect ratio created difficulties when typing on the external screen. This forced users to open the device to use the internal screen, reducing the ability to utilize the external screen,” said analyst Gerrit Schneemann.

To create a user-friendly experience, Samsung also equipped the Z Fold7 with a 200 MP main camera. Analysts believe the South Korean company is getting closer to a comprehensive premium smartphone experience without sacrificing many features.

Galaxy Z Fold7 in hand. Photo: Xuan Sang .

According to several surveys, the Galaxy Z Fold series is primarily aimed at middle-aged users, mostly men, and for work purposes. On the Z Fold7, Samsung had to "sacrifice" S Pen support to achieve a thinner and lighter design. However, representatives from Counterpoint Research believe this is not a major trade-off.

“While some may be disappointed by the removal of the S Pen, our survey shows that most customers prioritize portability – especially in terms of thickness and weight – over other factors such as the S Pen.”

"From that perspective, Samsung's decision to prioritize design aligns with market needs and the future of foldable smartphones," Park commented.

Challenges for the budget-friendly Galaxy Z Flip

For the Galaxy Z Flip7, the biggest changes compared to its predecessor come from the larger external screen size, increased battery capacity, improved hinge, and enhanced durability.

“The Galaxy Z Flip7 also targets content creators with features such as real-time photo filter viewing via the outer screen while taking selfies, improved zoom capabilities, and Dual Preview,” analyst Gerrit Schneemann said.

The external display of the Galaxy Z Flip7. Photo: Xuan Sang .

However, Samsung took a risky approach by using the Exynos 2500 chip for the Z Flip7. According to Schneemann, Samsung's view was that the performance difference between the Z Flip7 and previous generations wouldn't matter to the average user, and that their own developed chip could perform effectively.

In addition to the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, Samsung is introducing its first budget-friendly foldable model, the Z Flip7 FE. This product has a similar design to the Z Flip6 and is priced $200 cheaper than the standard Z Flip7.

Despite being cheaper than the Z Flip7, the Z Flip7 FE is not cheaper than foldable models from some competitors, such as the Motorola Razr 2025 (priced at $700 ).

“The introduction of the more affordable Z Flip7 FE is a positive step by Samsung toward popularizing foldable smartphones. Affordability and stable technology, especially in terms of durability, are key factors driving the foldable phone market,” said analyst Jene Park.

Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Photo: Xuan Sang .

However, Park believes that the $900 price tag of the Z Flip7 FE is still higher than expected for the “Fan Edition,” potentially making it difficult for Samsung to compete with Motorola. Users will have to consider their options when choosing Motorola (price advantage) over Samsung (stability and ecosystem value).

Finally, analyst Gerrit Schneemann suggests that Samsung launched its high-end foldable smartphone amidst economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 offer suitable options for current and future foldable smartphone users.

“It’s crucial that Samsung and its distribution partners come up with a suitable promotional strategy, lowering the prices of the three devices to attract users. If they can do that, the company’s foldable smartphone segment could revive,” Schneemann added.

Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6: Samsung's best foldable smartphones. Samsung has made a big leap forward with the new generation of the Z series, featuring a significantly more streamlined, thinner, and lighter design.

Source: https://znews.vn/toan-tinh-cua-samsung-voi-smartphone-gap-moi-post1568269.html