Past the Alphabet
Beyond the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world each in and out of the confines of Mountain View.
For the week or so, Samsung began ramping up its promoting forward of its subsequent Unpacked occasion. That is the place we’ll probably see the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Watch 8, and Project Moohan (probably) or a Galaxy Ring 2 (much less probably). Evidently, Unpacked goes to be packed to the gills.
I am unable to assist however discover that Samsung’s messaging up to now has largely been centered on the bigger Galaxy foldable. It began with a teaser, showcasing a silhouette of a book-style foldable, accompanied by a caption studying “Meet the subsequent chapter of Extremely.” Then, one other blog post was revealed that focuses on how the unknown gadget is “Skinny, Mild, and Constructed to Final.”
The latest teaser focuses on the digicam system and the way AI is predicted to enhance, arguably essentially the most irritating facet of the earlier mannequin. Given the fixed stream of options from Google, courtesy of instruments like Gemini Reside, I’d count on this to be the case.
The insecurity is clear
Nevertheless, a latest report from The Elec suggests Samsung has lowered its projected gross sales figures for each the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. The report notes that in Might alone, Samsung was anticipated to supply roughly 1.6 million models, with the Fold 7 accounting for 800,000 models. Now, that determine has reportedly been lowered to round 1.34 million units, with the Fold 7 dropping to round 630,000 models.
Assuming the report is right, which ought to at all times be taken with a grain of salt, I am left questioning what is going on on. For one, I do not recall the final time Samsung began constructing this a lot hype for its foldable telephones forward of an official announcement, no less than not with this type of cadence.
So, why is Samsung attempting to hype a product that it reportedly expects to fall in need of its targets? The apparent reply is that Samsung may simply be hoping to exceed expectations for the primary time in years. However to me, one thing about the entire state of affairs simply would not sit proper.
May Samsung truly introduce a Galaxy Z Fold Extremely? I doubt it. There are quite a few components that work in opposition to this concept, notably within the context of the continued commerce and tariff dispute in the USA. Moreover, the financial local weather on this area is way too risky, and an “Extremely” foldable would probably surpass the $2,000 mark, making it out of attain for a lot of.
Falling behind
It doesn’t matter what comes of the 2025 Galaxy Z Fold household, if it would not meet Samsung’s expectations, they actually solely have themselves guilty. Though the software program expertise is as nice because it will get in comparison with the competitors, Samsung has fallen far behind within the design division.
Different foldable telephones, such because the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Oppo Find N5, and even the Honor Magic V3, make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 look just a few years older than it truly is. To not point out that each of these units provide higher digicam {hardware}, larger batteries, and fewer noticeable creases.
Samsung is fast to level and snigger at Apple, however it’s additionally one of many first to observe in Apple’s footsteps. That is precisely what occurred with the Fold lineup, as Samsung solely made minor tweaks to the {hardware}, leading to a telephone that did not look a lot completely different from the one earlier than it.
As a substitute of being the business chief it needs to be, Samsung sat again and coasted for too lengthy, and the folks responded with their wallets. Proof of that got here via Counterpoint Research, which reported that Samsung “noticed a 24% drop in gross sales in Q1 this yr.”
What a couple of Galaxy Fold FE?
In fact, there’s the potential for Samsung to launch a less expensive Galaxy Z Fold FE to spice up gross sales. Nevertheless, I do not suppose that is an avenue Samsung ought to pursue, with the only real exception of being a money seize.
Why? Effectively, that is simple. Samsung hasn’t confirmed that it may make a foldable that retains tempo with the Oppo Discover N5 or Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Software program-wise, sure, the Fold 6 is the clear winner. {Hardware} is one other story.
There are rumors that Samsung could launch an FE version of the Galaxy Z Flip. Nevertheless, I do not take into account the Flip and Fold to be in the identical class of units, regardless that they had been launched alongside one another and have foldable screens.
And sure, a Galaxy Fold FE would imply a extra inexpensive foldable with a big display screen, which might probably be useful for the underside line. It is simply not one thing that I feel ought to exist, but. Not till Samsung can reclaim its title because the best foldable phone maker.
Concentrate on making one of the best, after which fear about the remainder.
Regardless, it may be time for a Galaxy Z Fold Extremely
Late final yr, Samsung proved that it knew make the foldable that many would need, because the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition was launched. Sadly, this was solely obtainable in Samsung’s residence nation of South Korea, arriving just some months after the Z Fold 6 was launched.
The Particular Version launched upgraded cameras, a slimmer design, bigger screens, and principally all the things we have been wanting. Moreover the restricted availability, the one factor that is lacking is S Pen help, a change that we are able to solely hope will not come to the Fold 7.
On the finish of the day, I am nonetheless holding out hope for the “no-compromise” foldable from Samsung. The one full of all of the bells and whistles, and basically the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a foldable display screen. Will that ever occur? In all probability not. However a man can hope, proper?
For extra information and data on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, try our Ultimate Guide.
