Samsung launches new, more expensive foldable smartphones
South Korean technology giant Samsung unveiled new, sleeker smartphone models on Wednesday, priced more than previous models as artificial intelligence raises component costs. One of the models resembles a miniature tablet when unfolded. Samsung, which...
Samsung has unveiled a new line of foldable smartphones that are thinner, sleeker and more expensive than earlier models, as the company works to maintain its lead in a category it helped establish and as artificial intelligence drives up key component costs.
The South Korean technology giant introduced the devices in London on Wednesday, spotlighting a market that has become increasingly important to its premium mobile strategy. One of the new phones opens out into a small tablet-like display, while the other is a compact, pocket-friendly model designed for easier social media use.
The flagship of the launch is the Galaxy Z Fold8, which Samsung described as its most advanced foldable yet. When unfolded, it measures 4.5 millimetres thick and carries a 7.6-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio that Samsung says is better suited to video viewing. Its starting price is $1,900.
Samsung’s top-end model is the Z Fold8 Ultra, positioned as the successor to the Z Fold7. It is even thinner at 4.1 millimetres and weighs 215 grammes, with a starting price of $2,100.
The cheapest of the new models is the Z Flip8, a clamshell-style foldable aimed more at casual and social-media-oriented use. It starts at $1,200.
Samsung said the launch reflects its push to raise the standard for foldable devices. TM Roh, head of the company’s mobile division, said the new phones were part of a move to “set a new standard for foldables” and advance the premium mobile experience.
Analysts said the Fold8 in particular stood out as the headline device. Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight said it underscores Samsung’s dominance in the foldable segment and its effort to broaden the market by offering devices for different types of users.
The price increases come amid rising memory chip costs, with demand for such chips increasing because of their role in artificial intelligence systems. Apple also cited similar cost pressures last month when it raised prices for some Mac and iPad models.
Samsung has been active in the foldable market since 2019 and is seeking to reinforce its position before a possible entry by Apple later this year. The iPhone maker has not yet released a foldable device, but attention is now turning to its September event and whether it will finally announce one.
Francisco Jeronimo of IDC said Apple’s eventual entry could help bring foldables into the mainstream, adding that Samsung, having created the category, cannot afford to be cautious.
This article is based on a monitored public feed and is attributed to Dawn Home.
Source: Dawn Home - https://www.dawn.com/news/2017571/samsung-launches-new-more-expensive-foldable-smartphones
