Samsung Scales Back Plans for Ultra-Thin Phones and Foldable Experimentation

Samsung is reassessing its strategy around experimental smartphone form factors, potentially shelving successors to the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z TriFold. The decision comes after lower-than-expected sales for both devices, signaling a shift towards more conventional designs.

Galaxy S25 Edge Faces Uncertainty

The Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung’s attempt to compete with Apple’s iPhone Air with an ultra-thin design, didn’t achieve the sales figures the company had hoped for. According to Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business, sales were “relatively lower than other lineups.” Android Authority reports this suggests limited consumer interest in prioritizing extreme thinness over features like battery life and camera capabilities. Apple is also reportedly reconsidering a new version of its iPhone Air due to similar sales performance. Yahoo Finance

Z TriFold’s High Cost and Complexity

The Galaxy Z TriFold, a double-folding phone with a tablet-sized screen, also faces an uncertain future. Choi indicated the device was more of a research and development showcase than the foundation for a new product line. Sammobile The intricate engineering and high price tag – nearly $3,000 – likely limit its appeal to a niche luxury market.

Focus Shifts to Wider Foldable

Despite the pause on these experimental models, Samsung is still investing in foldable technology. Choi revealed plans for a wider version of the Galaxy Z Fold, dubbed the “Wide Fold,” which is expected to compete with Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. Android Police

Privacy Display and S Pen Improvements

Samsung is also addressing features in its core lineup. The Privacy Display feature, initially planned for the S25 Ultra, will be included in future models. The company is also working on a next-generation S Pen, though it did not reinstate Bluetooth functionality, a feature consumers had criticized being removed from the S25 Ultra.

This shift in strategy reflects a broader trend in the consumer electronics market, where value and proven features are increasingly important, especially amid rising prices.