New Galaxy foldables: Slimmer, lighter, with ergonomic designs

Samsung Electronics Co.'s new foldable smartphones are slimmer and lighter than previous generations and will deliver the most flexible camera experience in Samsung Galaxy lines, said TM Roh, president and head of its Mobile eXperience (MX) division and design center on Wednesday.

The world’s No. 1 smartphone maker by volume is slated to unveil the fifth-generation Galaxy Z series at Galaxy Unpacked 2023 on July 26. There it will display the culmination of its decades-long human-inspired design, Roh said in an editorial posted on the company's website.

With ergonomic designs, the new foldables will allow users to capture the perfect angle, hands-free, while enhancing multitasking functions just like a PC and other personalized experiences.

“You can work, collaborate or game on-the-go,” he said, adding that users value experiences over mere achievements, and meaningful connections over raw technological prowess.

“We’ve raised the standards for foldable smartphone ergonomics . . . we’ve innovated to make our latest foldables slimmer and lighter than our previous generations,” Roh added.

“The minimalist, sleek appearance housing specialized hinge functionality emphasizes our commitment to, and the inherent beauty of, essential design." 

Last year, Samsung launched two types of its fourth-generation foldable phones — new editions to its high-end line of Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip phones.

It expects foldables to become its mainstream products in the high-end smartphone segment.

Roh, who holds a Ph.D in electrical engineering from Postech, a top South Korean university, has also been leading the MX division’s design center since last year.

“My career as an engineer taught me that the most sublime designs are intertwined with technological innovation,” Roh said.

“My new responsibility (as design center head) allows me to delve deeper into how the synergy of design, engineering and R&D can yield transformative experiences.”

Write to Ye-Rin Choi at rambutan@hankyung.com
Yeonhee Kim edited this article