Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip models may feature in-house Exynos processors, marking a shift from the current use of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips. Leaks suggest the Galaxy Z Flip FE will use the Exynos 2400e, while the premium Z Flip 7 might debut the Exynos 2500, a new chip with advanced cores and GPU. This move could position Samsung's foldables as a flagship line, potentially saving the Snapdragon 8 Elite for other models. The Exynos 2400e aims to keep costs low for the budget-friendly Z Flip FE.
The second Android 15 developer preview introduces a new capability that allows developers to declare their apps compatible with smaller cover screens on flip phones, potentially improving the cover screen experience on devices like the Galaxy Z Flip. The Motorola Razr Plus currently offers a superior cover screen experience, but with this new feature in Android 15, other OEMs, including Samsung, have the opportunity to enhance their flip phones' cover screen functionality. This change may also hint at Google's potential plans for a Pixel Flip and could impact the competitive landscape of the global foldable market.
Apple has reportedly created prototypes for a clamshell foldable iPhone that fold horizontally, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series, but they are not part of Apple's mass production plans for 2024 or 2025. The company is also working on a foldable iPad, but neither device is expected to be released before 2026 or 2027. Apple is interested in making foldable iPhones with displays on the outside, but engineers are facing design challenges. The company is looking to replicate Samsung's success with clamshell foldables and capitalize on the market, but it still needs to establish a supply chain and overcome engineering hurdles before launching a foldable iPhone.
Samsung has registered the names of its upcoming foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Flip 7, Fold 6, and Fold 7, with the World Intellectual Property Office. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 already features a 50MP main camera, and the new models may come with the ISOCELL GNK sensor used by the Pixel 8 Pro. Samsung has dismissed rumors of lower-priced foldable models, clarifying that there won't be any budget options in the near future.
Samsung has secured the trademarks for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, indicating that the company has plans for future iterations of its foldable phones. The trademarks were filed in September and have been published by the relevant authority in South Korea. While details about the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are scarce, it is speculated that the focus may be on a camera upgrade, following the significant display upgrade in the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Samsung is reportedly developing a mid-range foldable phone, aiming to make foldable phones more accessible to a wider range of buyers. The new device is expected to be priced lower than the Galaxy Z Flip series and could be released in 2024. Details about the phone's form factor, specifications, and price are currently unknown, but rumors suggest it may be part of the Fan Edition lineup. With other rumored innovations in the pipeline, such as the return of the Exynos SoC for the Galaxy S series and a possible XR headset release, 2024 could be an exciting year for Samsung fans.
Samsung expects to ship over 10 million foldable phones this year, with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 projected to sell 8-10% higher than their predecessors. However, the global economic recession has led to a drop in component orders, falling short of earlier expectations. Despite this, reaching the 10 million mark would be a significant milestone for Samsung. Additionally, the company is reportedly planning to launch the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, a month ahead of its usual timeframe, in response to strong demand for the iPhone 15 series.
Samsung has registered the names Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 for its future book-style foldables, showing its continued faith in the foldables market. Other companies like Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo are also investing in the foldables market. However, the validation of the foldable phone market may not happen until Apple releases a foldable iPhone, which is not currently in Apple's plans.
The Galaxy Z Flip series from Samsung has evolved over time, addressing durability concerns, adding functionality, and improving performance. The Galaxy Z Flip 5G introduced 5G connectivity and external notifications on the cover display. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 featured a larger cover display, IPX8 water resistance, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 focused on refinement with design upgrades, a better camera, and a larger battery. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 improved the functionality of the cover screen, allowing for third-party app support and typing without unfolding the phone. Samsung's dedication to innovation is evident in the evolution of the Galaxy Z Flip series.
Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the first phone in the series to support Wi-Fi 6E networks, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and less interference. Wi-Fi 6E operates on the less congested 6GHz band, and while not yet available globally, it is becoming common on top-of-the-line smartphones. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are now open in most countries, with benefits such as early delivery and a $50 credit.
The Motorola Razr Plus survived dust exposure and scratches during a durability test, but failed the bend test as its external display shattered and revealed a hollow void behind the screen. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 showed no physical damage during the same test, suggesting better structural design.
Samsung's head of mobile, T.M. Roh, hinted at a slimmer and lighter design for the next generation of Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip phones in a recent blog post. The company is expected to showcase these new foldable devices at its Unpacked event on July 26, which may also feature a revamped hinge and larger screen for the Flip model. Preorders for the new devices are available with a $50 credit, and the event will be livestreamed on Samsung's website.
Samsung has released a new ad for its upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5, featuring a group of friends camping in the woods. The ad suggests that once you see the Galaxy Z Flip, you can never unsee it, and the only way to get rid of the itch is to switch to Samsung. The company is offering a $50 credit for those who pre-register their interest in the device before the official unveiling on July 26. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is expected to have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
Samsung has announced that it will unveil its latest generation of foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, during its Unpacked event on July 26th. The event will be livestreamed from Seoul, South Korea, and pre-release leaks suggest that the devices will feature a refined hinge mechanism and a larger front-facing cover display. Samsung is offering a $50 reservation credit for those who pre-order the devices sight unseen.
Samsung has announced that its next Unpacked event will take place on July 26, where the company is expected to unveil new foldable devices. As competition in the foldable phone market grows, Samsung's next Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold will be crucial in maintaining its leadership position. The event will be held in Seoul, marking the first time it has been hosted in Samsung's home country. Samsung is also offering reservations for its upcoming Galaxy devices, with a $50 credit incentive. Leaks suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 may feature a thinner design with a new water-drop style hinge, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 could have a larger cover screen. Additionally, there are rumors of a new Galaxy Watch 6 with a rotating bezel.