Samsung Electronics Co. (KRX: 005930) is preparing to unveil its next foldable smartphone, which is widely expected to be named the Galaxy Fold7, at an event next month. The launch comes at a critical time for Samsung’s mobile business, as competition in the foldable segment heats up, particularly from Chinese brands Honor and Oppo, which have been churning out devices that are both thinner and lighter than what Samsung currently offers.
The foldable smartphone market has evolved rapidly over the past few years. Samsung was the first major player to bring foldables to the mainstream, but the landscape has shifted. Chinese manufacturers have moved quickly, introducing devices that not only push the boundaries of hardware design but also appeal to consumers looking for a sleeker, more pocket-friendly experience. Honor and Oppo, in particular, have released foldables that have set new benchmarks for thinness and weight, raising the bar for the entire industry.
Samsung, for its part, is not ignoring these trends. The company has made it clear that its next foldable will be thinner than previous models. This move is a direct response to the advances made by its Chinese rivals, and it signals Samsung’s intent to remain a major force in the foldable space. The company’s upcoming launch will be closely watched by industry analysts and investors alike, as it could determine whether Samsung can regain the edge it once enjoyed in this niche but fast-growing segment.
Why does thinness matter so much? For many consumers, the appeal of a foldable phone is the promise of a large screen that fits into a compact form factor. However, if a foldable is too bulky or heavy, it loses much of that appeal. Chinese brands have recognized this and have focused their engineering efforts on making their devices as slim and light as possible. This has paid off, with many reviewers and users praising these devices for their comfort and portability.
Samsung’s previous foldables have been praised for their build quality and software integration, but they have often lagged behind in terms of dimensions and weight. The company’s promise of a thinner Galaxy Fold7 suggests that it is listening to feedback from both the market and its competitors. If Samsung can deliver a device that matches or surpasses the thinness of its Chinese competitors while maintaining its reputation for durability and user experience, it could reassert itself as the leader in foldables.
From a business perspective, the stakes are high. Foldables remain a small slice of the overall smartphone market, but they are growing quickly and command higher price points than traditional smartphones. For Samsung, which faces intense competition in the premium smartphone segment from Apple and a host of Android manufacturers, continued innovation in foldables is essential.
Investors will be watching Samsung’s next move closely. The company’s shares have historically responded to major product launches, especially when those products are seen as innovative or capable of driving significant sales growth. If the Galaxy Fold7 can win back consumers who have been tempted by Honor and Oppo’s offerings, it could provide a meaningful boost to Samsung’s mobile division.
The upcoming launch is also a reminder of how quickly the smartphone industry can shift. Just a few years ago, foldables were considered a risky bet. Now, they are seen as a key area of innovation, with multiple manufacturers vying to outdo each other on design, features, and usability. For Samsung, staying ahead in this race means not just keeping up with the competition, but anticipating where the market is headed next.
