Key Points:
- Decline in Pre-orders: Samsung’s new foldable phones see a 10% drop in pre-orders compared to last year.
- Price Increase Impact: The $100 price hike dampens consumer enthusiasm.
- New Features and Upgrades: Introduction of One UI 6 Watch’s Energy Score and improved desktop mode on Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 has not lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessors. Despite the anticipation surrounding these innovative devices, the pre-order numbers reveal a stark reality: a 10% decline compared to last year. This drop, from 1.02 million units in 2023 to 910,000 units this year, underscores a waning enthusiasm for Samsung’s foldable phones, particularly in its home market of South Korea.
A significant portion of the pre-orders, about half, come from individuals in their 20s and 30s, indicating that Samsung’s target demographic remains loyal. However, even this loyalty has not been sufficient to offset the overall decline. The Galaxy Z Flip 6, which comprises 60% of the pre-orders, seems to be the more popular choice over the Z Fold 6. Among the various color options, the Silver Shadow shade has emerged as the top seller for both models.
Price Hikes and Modest Upgrades
One of the primary reasons for the lackluster pre-orders could be the price increase. This year, Samsung quietly raised the price of both foldable models by $100 in the US and other markets, including South Korea. Given the already premium pricing of these devices, this hike has likely deterred many potential buyers. In a market segment where every dollar counts, such an increase without significant hardware improvements can be a hard pill to swallow.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 were introduced on July 10 in Paris, and are set for an international release on July 24. These are the first Samsung devices to feature Gemini Nano-powered AI capabilities. Despite these technological advancements, the phones did not perform well in the pre-order phase, indicating a potential decline in consumer interest in the foldable phone segment.
One UI 6 Watch and the Energy Score Feature
Amidst the tepid response to its new phones, Samsung has found success with its wearable technology. The new Galaxy Watch models, running on the One UI 6 Watch operating system, have been well-received. A standout feature of this OS is the Energy Score, which offers personalized health recommendations based on a numerical score reflecting overall energy levels. This feature, developed in collaboration with Professor Patrick O’Connor from the University of Georgia, combines physical activity data with neuroscience to provide comprehensive health insights.
The Energy Score is currently available on the Beta channel for the Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 4 series, with a stable release expected in August. This innovative feature enhances the AI-derived health capabilities of Samsung’s wearables, offering users detailed guidance on improving their lifestyle based on sleep duration, physical activity, and other key factors.
Desktop Mode on Galaxy Z Flip 6: A Step Forward, But No DeX
One area where Samsung has shown some progress is in the desktop mode experience of the Galaxy Z Flip 6. While the device still lacks the full Samsung DeX experience, it offers a more robust desktop mode compared to its predecessor. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 supports display output over USB-C, allowing users to connect to an external display and access a desktop-like UI. Although not as feature-rich as DeX, this mode supports multiple freeform windows and provides a more flexible interface for productivity tasks.
Previously, none of the Z Flip models supported display output, making this a significant upgrade. However, Samsung has cited thermal concerns for not enabling DeX on the Z Flip 6. Despite this, the improved desktop mode is a welcome addition, providing a semblance of the desktop experience for users who require it.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for Samsung’s Foldables
The launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 highlights a mixed bag of outcomes for Samsung. While the decline in pre-orders suggests a cooling interest in foldable phones, the advancements in wearable technology and incremental improvements in device functionality show that Samsung is still innovating, albeit at a slower pace. The price increase has undoubtedly played a role in the subdued response, and it remains to be seen how Samsung will address these challenges moving forward. As the market for foldable devices matures, Samsung will need to find new ways to capture consumer interest and justify the premium pricing of its innovative products.
