After a trailblazing five-year run within the foldable market, Samsung in 2024 finds itself doubtlessly shedding its place on the leaderboard to the likes of Huawei, Honor, Motorola, and others, experiences Display Supply Chain (DSCC) of Counterpoint Analysis.
Apart from lower-than-expected gross sales numbers of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, I gave final yr’s “Best Foldable Phone” honor to the OnePlus Open, which delivered a greater multitasking expertise, type issue, and digicam efficiency than Samsung — all whereas undercutting the Z Fold 5 by $100.
Additionally: iPhone 16: Three changes I want to see on the next Apple handsets
With the Galaxy Z Fold 6 anticipated to launch as early as this summer time, listed here are three options that might deliver Samsung again to its former glory and hold its rivals combating for second.
1. Constructed-in S Pen
The largest promoting level of huge format foldables has been the elevated display screen actual property, whether or not the tip consumer leverages that for consuming content material, multitasking with floating home windows, or taking notes. Paired with a stylus, you’ve got acquired probably the most futuristic model of a pocket book and pencil. It simply is sensible.
Excellent news: Samsung shares that imaginative and prescient and has made progress in creating an S Pen-supported case for the Z Fold line through the years. Unhealthy information: Requiring an extra case — regardless of how a lot slimmer it is gotten — to have an always-ready stylus remains to be too cumbersome, cumbersome, and expensive to make use of with a tool that is already extra advanced than conventional smartphones.
Additionally: I tried a rollable phone for the first time, and it made even my foldable feel outdated
Although it is simpler mentioned than achieved, Samsung ought to embed its S Pen stylus into the Galaxy Z Fold 6, just like the way it’s been achieved with the Galaxy Be aware line since 2011. This one characteristic alone would separate the Galaxy from the remainder of the foldables in the marketplace whereas making the transition for Galaxy S Extremely customers — who I might assume share comparable energy wants as Z Fold customers — far more welcoming.
2. Wider and lighter type issue
The Google Pixel Fold (left), OnePlus Open (center), and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (proper).
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
One of many the explanation why I choose the OnePlus Open over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the distinction in type issue. The OnePlus has a wider exterior display screen that — when folded — feels extra like I am utilizing a conventional cellphone. It is also lighter than the Galaxy at 245 grams versus 253. Collectively, the reachability of the OnePlus Open, particularly when used with one hand, makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 really feel like an ergonomic nightmare.
Additionally: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak reveals two design upgrades that’ll make Google and OnePlus sweat
With the subsequent mannequin, I might wish to see Samsung experiment with newer side ratios, ideally wider and shorter ones that make utilizing the cellphone require fewer finger gymnastics. I should not must stretch my thumb like I am making an attempt to elongate it with a purpose to attain the emblem of a webpage. Having a shorter show additionally means horizontal movies seem much less cropped, with smaller letterboxing (black bars that fill in any gaps on the display screen).
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Lite
For a twist, Samsung ought to launch a “Lite” model of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, placing apart options like a telephoto lens, wi-fi charging, and under-display digicam (which I’ve virtually forgotten about); utilizing an older however nonetheless competent chipset; possibly even reserving the built-in S Pen for the common mannequin; and promoting it at a fraction of the price.
I am not asking for something lower than $1,000; the Galaxy Z Flip fills that hole, however someplace round $1,200, nearing the value of the extra common Galaxy S24 Ultra, would make the foldable a extra engaging purchase.