Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 is going to launch later this year and it is set to hit the market without S Pen support, providing an insight into the company’s strategy for its foldable lineup. According to a report from ETNews, the more affordable variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will lack compatibility with the S Pen stylus, a feature that has become synonymous with Samsung’s flagship devices.
While Samsung has enjoyed a prominent position in the foldable market since the introduction of the Galaxy Fold in 2019, the situation is rapidly evolving with the emergence of formidable competitors. In the United States, the Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open, and Motorola Razr series are presenting strong alternatives to Samsung’s foldable offerings. The situation is even more intense for Samsung in other key markets, particularly in China.
This decision marks a departure from previous models and is expected to be the primary point of differentiation between the standard Fold 6 and a rumored “Ultra” variant. This development comes with growing competition in the foldable smartphone market, starting new challenges for Samsung’s dominance in the segment.
According to analysts at DSCC (Display Supply Chain Consultants), Samsung has recently lost its coveted top position in the Chinese foldable market, yielding ground to Huawei. Samsung’s devices occupied the bottom four positions among the top 10 foldables sold in China, with competitors such as Huawei, Oppo, Honor, and Xiaomi securing higher sales figures.
In a noteworthy shift, Huawei is to surpass Samsung in foldable market share on a global scale during the first and second quarters of 2024. Industry experts anticipate that the introduction of the more affordable Galaxy Z Fold 6 could potentially aid Samsung in reclaiming its leading position.
The absence of S Pen support in the cheaper Fold 6 may indicate a strategic decision by Samsung to offer a more budget-friendly option while still maintaining a level of differentiation between its models. This move could appeal to consumers seeking a foldable smartphone experience without the added cost associated with premium features like S Pen functionality.
