Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 launched: Price, specs and features | Real Time Headlines

PARIS — Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its latest foldable smartphones packed with artificial intelligence features. The South Korean tech giant hopes to regain share of the product category it pioneered by persuading users to upgrade their devices.

The company has taken the wraps off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, which feature improvements over previous models and are enhanced with Galaxy AI, the company’s suite of artificial intelligence capabilities.

Starting at $1,899.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is a foldable device that opens like a book. The smartphone opens with a 7.6-inch display and a triple-lens lens on the back, which has become standard in high-end phones. Samsung says this is the company’s thinnest foldable phone yet, measuring just 12.1mm when folded.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 opens similarly to a traditional flip phone, but the screen is bendable. Phone prices start at $1,099.99.

Both devices will be available starting July 24, Samsung said at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris.

The launches come as Samsung faces increasing competition in the foldable segment and as consumers continue to hold on to its devices for longer.

PP Foresight founder Paolo Pescatore told CNBC via email: “The ongoing challenge remains how to get users to upgrade and make incremental improvements to previous models, especially the Fold; especially when everyone is tightening their belts. .

All major smartphone manufacturers have Promote the artificial intelligence capabilities of its devices this year Harness the excitement about technology and try it Give users a reason to upgrade to more expensive phones.

One of the big trends Samsung is trying to capitalize on is that people Willing to pay more for mobile phone.

At the same time, Samsung is also facing Competition for foldable products is growing smart phone space, a category it pioneered in 2019.

Some of the key AI capabilities Samsung talked about include:

• Translation features: On Z Fold6, Samsung launched the “interpreter” mode. This allows people to fold the phone in half so they can use the back and inner screen. If two people are talking in different languages, the screen will translate the conversation into the language relevant to the person viewing the screen.
• instant translation: Samsung earlier this year launched a feature that instantly translates phone calls within its own mobile app. Now, the feature has been extended to third-party apps like WhatsApp.
• Suggested reply: The Z Flip6 will suggest replies based on the style in which the user writes their message, without requiring the user to open the device and type a reply.

But it wasn’t until January that Samsung launched its flagship S24 series, debuting artificial intelligence capabilities. Analysts question whether the phones are attractive enough to entice people to spend money to upgrade.

“We are still in the early stages of foldable devices as they are not sought after or must-have by consumers. Samsung’s continued commitment is undeniable, but more and more competitors have launched or are launching their own foldable devices. This That will soon be the next battleground as they all try to attract users to premium high-end devices,” Pescatore said.

Samsung’s strongest competitor, applewhich launched a massive artificial intelligence game last month Apple informationits suite of artificial intelligence capabilities, increases competition in the market.

“Consumers are more savvy and will take their time when making their next smartphone purchase. They know Apple typically releases a new smartphone in September and are happy to wait and see what others release in the meantime. . All eyes are on the new iPhone 16 provided by Apple Intelligence,” Pescatore said.