Samsung Reconsiders Ultra-Thin Phones and Folding Futures
Samsung is hitting pause on ambitious form factors after the Galaxy S25 Edge failed to resonate with consumers. The company is also re-evaluating its plans for a second-generation TriFold device, signaling a shift in strategy towards more mainstream appeal.
Galaxy S25 Edge: A Thin Line Between Innovation and Demand
The Galaxy S25 Edge, launched in May, aimed to compete with Apple’s iPhone Air by offering an ultra-thin design. Whereas, sales figures revealed a significant gap between expectations and reality. According to reports, production between September and December 2025 was limited to approximately 300,000 units, a stark contrast to the millions of standard Galaxy S25 models produced.
Won-Joon Choi, Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business COO, confirmed the lower-than-expected sales, stating the company is “evaluating” the future of the Edge series. The device’s extreme thinness—5.8mm—required compromises, including a smaller 3,900mAh battery, which ultimately impacted its overall appeal.
The TriFold Dilemma: Complexity vs. Consumer Desire
Samsung’s foray into double-folding phones with the Galaxy Z TriFold also faces uncertainty. While initial batches sold out, Choi acknowledged the device remains a niche product due to its engineering complexity and high price point ($2,900). He noted the project “was not the project I wanted to do,” hinting at the challenges involved in bringing such a complex device to market.
Instead of pursuing increasingly complex form factors, Samsung appears to be focusing on refining existing technologies and addressing consumer needs. The company is exploring alternative foldable designs, including wider, book-style devices, and is considering “as many options as possible” around foldable phones.
The S Pen’s Staying Power
Despite the shifts in phone design, Samsung remains committed to the S Pen, a signature feature of its Galaxy S Ultra line. Choi stated that the company is “working on a more advanced technology” to reduce the “penalty” of including the stylus—likely referring to the device’s thickness. This suggests future Ultra models will feature improved S Pen integration without sacrificing overall design.
Industry-Wide Reassessment of ‘Risky’ Designs
Samsung’s retreat from ultra-thin phones mirrors a broader industry trend. Reports indicate that Apple’s iPhone Air has also experienced “slim sales compared to its higher-end offerings.” This suggests consumers may prioritize battery life and overall functionality over extreme thinness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Samsung release another ultra-thin phone?
- Samsung hasn’t ruled out the possibility, but a follow-up to the S25 Edge is not currently planned. The company is evaluating the market and consumer demand.
- Is the Galaxy Z TriFold discontinued?
- Samsung hasn’t officially discontinued the TriFold, but a second generation is not currently in development.
- What is Samsung focusing on now?
- Samsung is prioritizing features with broader consumer appeal, such as improved S Pen technology and exploring different foldable form factors.
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