The year is winding down, and the smartphone arena is already entering a new phase, especially after the recent releases of the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Elite. For the first time, flagship smartphones using these new Mediatek and Qualcomm processors are set to launch in Europe before the new calendar year. Meanwhile, many Android manufacturers are striving to challenge Samsung's dominance, particularly outside of China.
Samsung's Upcoming Galaxy S25 Series
As the new year approaches, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 lineup, which will include the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Initially, there were plans to utilize a combination of Exynos and Snapdragon processors, but ongoing issues with the 3nm production of the Exynos 2500 have pushed Samsung Mobile CEO TM Roh to rely solely on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for all markets. Industry insider @Jukanlosreve has been reporting on this development for several weeks, indicating a shift in Samsung's strategy.
Foldable Phones on the Horizon
2025 promises to be an exciting year for enthusiasts of foldable devices. Following the limited release of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, we have some expectations about how the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might evolve next year. The disappointing sales figures for the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, combined with increasing competition from both China and the U.S., seem to be prompting South Korean companies to rethink their strategies. According to ZDNet, Samsung has further foldable plans that extend beyond the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series.
Samsung's Flex S and New Models
While it's not a certainty yet, Huawei's progress with the Mate XT could be spurring Samsung to speed up its plans for the Flex S tri-foldable device, with hopes of mass production by 2025. Recently, discussions about Samsung's rollable devices have increased, overshadowing the double-folding Galaxy tablet. A report from Meritz Securities, shared by @Jukanlosreve, also suggests that Samsung may expand its foldable offerings in 2025 by introducing 3 to 4 additional models.
In addition to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, there are rumors of a Galaxy Z tri-foldable and possibly another foldable device, although opinions vary. The report from ZDNet hints at a budget flip phone, which has been disputed by Sisajournal. According to @Jukanlosreve, it’s more plausible that Samsung will release an upgraded version of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, akin to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. However, it’s important to note that none of these plans have been officially verified yet.
Sources: The Bell Korea via @Jukanlosreve, ZDNet Korea, Sisajournal via @Jukanlosreve, @Jukanlosreve, Ice Universe
Image: Technizo Concept
