Are you tired of the same old foldable phones? Well, buckle up, because the next big thing in folding tech is on the horizon – and Samsung might not be leading the pack this time. Samsung, despite leading the foldable phone market, might fall behind Huawei in the race to launch a tri-foldable smartphone.
Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable smartphone arena, launching its first Galaxy Z series device in 2020. They’ve enjoyed decent sales and established a strong market presence. However, the landscape is shifting, and Chinese competitors, especially Huawei, are catching up fast.
A well-known tipster on X, @UniverseIce, recently claimed that Huawei will soon unveil the world’s first triple-foldable phone. This upcoming device is expected to feature advanced technologies and a super-durable display to address common folding issues. The key point here is that Huawei’s triple-foldable phone won’t face competition for a significant period, not even from Samsung.
Samsung’s foldable technology, although innovative, has been criticized for its bulkier design compared to Chinese counterparts. Despite multiple iterations of the Galaxy Z series, Samsung continues to face challenges in making their foldables thinner.
Huawei, on the other hand, has made significant strides. Their devices are getting thinner and more user-friendly with each release. The upcoming triple-foldable from Huawei is anticipated to be a game-changer, potentially pushing Samsung further back in the foldable phone market.
What’s Holding Samsung Back?
Several factors contribute to Samsung’s slower pace:
- Innovation Stagnation: Since the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung has been slow in introducing groundbreaking features. While the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and 5 brought some improvements, they weren’t significant enough to outpace competitors.
- Design and Durability: Samsung has focused on making their foldables more durable, introducing IPX8 dust and water resistance and eliminating the gap between folded halves. However, these advancements haven’t translated into a thinner, more user-friendly design.
- Economic Concerns: The economic downturn and rising inflation in 2024 have impacted consumer sentiment. High price tags for complex tri-foldables may deter potential buyers, leading Samsung to delay its plans for such a device.
- Strategic Caution: Samsung might be waiting to perfect its existing Galaxy Z Fold lineup before diving into the more complex tri-foldable market. This cautious approach could ensure higher quality and reliability but at the cost of losing the “first-mover” advantage.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a thinner and lighter body, faster processor, and brighter screen. However, improvements in the camera, battery capacity, and charging speed might still lag behind those offered by Chinese brands.
The competition between Samsung and Huawei in the foldable market is heating up. While Samsung has been a leader, Huawei’s rapid advancements and potential launch of the first-ever triple-foldable phone could shift the balance. As we await the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 on July 10, the market dynamics could change drastically, highlighting the importance of continuous innovation and responsiveness to consumer feedback.