For the past four years, Samsung enthusiasts seeking a foldable phone have had two choices—the expansive Galaxy Z Fold and the compact Galaxy Z Flip. However, recent reports suggest a potential transformation for the Galaxy Z Fold, possibly evolving into its own product line. Leaks from Revegnus (@TechRe) on X hint at Samsung developing a tri-folding device to rival Huawei, while Korean news outlet ETNews speculates on the release of a more affordable version of the Galaxy Z Fold alongside the standard model.
These developments suggest a strategic move by Samsung to establish the Galaxy Z Fold as a distinct family of devices, akin to the successful Galaxy S series. Such a shift signifies Samsung’s commitment to mainstreaming foldable phones, with the Z Fold playing a pivotal role. By introducing new foldable phones at different price points, Samsung aims to make foldables more enticing and accessible to a broader audience.
As one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers, Samsung holds significant influence over the trajectory of mobile devices. However, amid fierce competition, particularly in the foldable phone market, Samsung faces challenges. Apple recently surpassed Samsung in global smartphone shipments, marking a notable shift in the industry’s landscape. Additionally, competitors like Google and OnePlus entered the foldable phone arena in 2023, expanding the options available beyond the Galaxy Z Fold.
China’s dominance in the foldable phone market, primarily fueled by Huawei and Vivo, adds another layer of competition. To maintain its leadership in the foldable phone space, expanding the Galaxy Z Fold into a family of devices could be a strategic move for Samsung.
Rumors of a tri-folding phone and a more affordable Galaxy Z Fold align with Samsung’s ongoing efforts to innovate in the flexible display technology space. While the leaks don’t explicitly mention the inclusion of the tri-folding phone in the Galaxy Z Fold series, the approach would align with Samsung’s previous strategies, such as the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S lineups. With over four years of building an audience for the Z Fold, integrating a tri-folding phone, potentially branded as the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra, could be the next evolution in Samsung’s foldable journey.