Samsung Malaysia Says Competition Will Drive the Future of Foldable Smartphones

Samsung Malaysia Electronics President Charles Kim believes the growing competition in the foldable smartphone market will accelerate innovation, increase consumer awareness and create more choices for users.

In an opinion piece, Kim said the entry of more technology brands into the foldable segment signals that the category is becoming increasingly relevant to the wider mobile industry. As consumers become more familiar with foldable devices, the focus is shifting from whether a smartphone can fold to how the design can improve everyday life.

Different foldable designs serve different needs. The Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a larger screen for entertainment, reading and gaming, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra focuses on productivity and multitasking. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 caters to users who prefer a compact device and greater opportunities for personal expression.

Malaysia presents a promising market for this evolution. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, mobile phone usage among individuals reached 99.6% in 2025, while internet usage stood at 98.3%. Samsung’s 2024 consumer research across Southeast Asia and Oceania, including 300 Malaysian respondents, also found strong purchase interest in the Galaxy Z series among younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.

Kim noted that developing foldable smartphones involves more than creating a screen that bends. Manufacturers must continue improving durability, hinges, weight, displays, software, battery capacity and camera performance while ensuring the design offers practical benefits.

Samsung’s progress reflects this ongoing development. The original Galaxy Fold weighed 276g, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 weighs 201g, making it the company’s lightest foldable to date. The latest generation also expands the range of foldable experiences, from productivity and content creation to portability and self-expression.

Consumer response has been encouraging. Samsung reported that pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra across Southeast Asia and Oceania grew by approximately 60% compared with the previous generation. The company also recorded an increase of more than 60% in customers switching from other smartphone brands to the latest Fold generation.

According to Kim, these trends suggest that consumers are increasingly considering foldables as practical alternatives to conventional smartphones rather than simply novel pieces of technology.

He added that greater competition encourages engineers, designers and software developers to explore new possibilities, ultimately benefiting consumers through better products and more diverse choices.

After eight generations of Galaxy Z innovation, Samsung intends to continue refining its foldable devices based on consumer feedback and evolving needs.

Kim concluded that the next phase of the foldable market will be defined not by the ability to fold a smartphone, but by the new experiences and possibilities that the form factor can deliver.

For more information, visit the Samsung Malaysia website.