Samsung (005930.KS) is introducing three new foldable phones as it strengthens its position in the market it has led for several years. The new lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold 8, featuring a unique form factor, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra aimed at productivity, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
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The unveiling comes just two months before Apple's anticipated September launch of its foldable iPhone, setting the stage for a competitive clash between the two tech giants. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced at $1,899, while the Fold 8 Ultra costs $2,099. Both feature a book-like design, whereas the clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip 8 is priced at $1,199. Notably, the prices for the Ultra and Flip models are slightly higher than previous iterations, likely influenced by advancements in AI technology.
In terms of specifications, the Fold 8 has a 5.5-inch front screen and a main display measuring 7.6 inches, while the Fold 8 Ultra boasts a 6.5-inch front and an 8-inch main screen. Samsung has designed the Fold 8 with an aspect ratio suited for media consumption, while the Fold 8 Ultra is optimized for handling spreadsheets and presentations.
During a preview, the Fold 8's design was noted to resemble early leaks of Apple's upcoming device. The Fold 8 Ultra features a more advanced three-camera setup, including wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses, whereas the Fold 8 offers wide-angle and ultra-wide options. The Flip 8 has a 4.1-inch cover screen for quick access to apps and alerts, with a 6.9-inch main screen, prioritizing portability.
All three new foldable phones are powered by Qualcomm (QCOM) processors and feature Samsung’s Galaxy AI along with Google's Gemini AI service. Currently, Samsung dominates the foldable smartphone market, holding 40% of global market share as estimated by Counterpoint Research, followed by Huawei at 30%. However, the landscape may change with Apple expected to enter the arena later this year, possibly pricing its device above $2,000, similar to Samsung's offerings.