SAN FRANCISCO – Foldable phones have come a long way since Samsung’s original Galaxy Z Fold debuted in 2019. Last year’s $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 3 and $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 3 are the most polished versions of the company’s foldable devices yet, with improvements to their software and cover screens.
But there’s a lot that Samsung could do to make these devices even better, and I’m hoping to see such changes in the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Both phones are expected to debut during Samsung’s Unpacked event on Aug. 10. They’ll represent Samsung’s latest gambit to hold its position as the frontrunner in the nascent but growing foldable phone market.
TM Roh, the head of Samsung’s mobile experience business, said almost 10 million foldable phones were shipped in 2021. That generally lines up with estimates from market researcher IDC, which says 7.1 million foldables were shipped in 2021, representing an increase of 264% over 2020.
These figures suggest foldables are starting to appeal to more than just early adopters and tech enthusiasts. But there are still some obstacles that Samsung and other companies need to overcome before foldables can become as ubiquitous as standard smartphones.
What’s happening
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 are Samsung’s best foldables yet, but there’s room for improvement when it comes to design, camera quality and battery life.
Why it matters
Companies like Samsung are betting big on foldable phones being the next major evolution of the modern smartphone. But high prices and other setbacks have limited their appeal so far.
What’s next
Samsung is hosting its next Unpacked event on Aug. 10, where it could unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4.
Read the rest of this review at CNET
