Samsung aims to catch up to Chinese rivals for thin foldable phones as Apple said to enter the fray

In a bid to reclaim its dominance in the foldable smartphone market, Samsung is set to introduce a sleeker version of its flagship device next month. This move comes as the South Korean tech giant faces stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers, particularly Honor and Oppo, who have been rapidly releasing thinner and lighter foldable models. Since Samsung launched its first foldable phone in 2019, the focus on design and portability has intensified. With the increasing demand for slimmer devices, industry experts emphasize the importance of thinness in foldables. "Customers are unwilling to compromise on size and weight for the additional screen space that folding phones offer," stated Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, during a recent interview. To illustrate the competition, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold6, which debuted in 2024, measures 12.1 millimeters (0.48 inches) thick and weighs 239 grams (8.43 ounces). In contrast, Oppo's Find N5, released earlier this year, boasts a thickness of just 8.93 millimeters and a weight of 229 grams. Honor's Magic V3, launched last year, comes in at 9.2 millimeters and weighs 226 grams. Wood emphasized that "Samsung needs to step up" its game in the foldable space, and the upcoming launch is seen as a critical opportunity for the company. Samsung has teased its newest Galaxy Z series as the thinnest and most advanced foldable to date, highlighting its durability and design. However, the competition is relentless, with Honor planning to unveil its latest model, the Magic V5, on July 2 in China. Experts believe that if Samsung can achieve a level of thinness comparable to that of Honor, it would represent a significant advancement from previous models. Despite the innovative strides in foldable technology, the overall market for these devices has not met initial expectations. According to CCS Insight, foldable phones are projected to comprise only 2% of the smartphone market this year. While thinner designs may attract more consumers, shifting preferences will also play a crucial role. Wood noted that offering foldables that resemble traditional smartphones could entice users to reconsider their options. However, he cautioned that many consumers still struggle to understand the practical benefits of owning a foldable device. Additionally, Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities has highlighted that Apple, which has yet to enter the foldable market, is reportedly planning to release a folding iPhone next year, hinting at increased competition in the future.