The Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Record‑Breaking Foldable
The latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 has become the most popular foldable for the average consumer, especially in the United States, but its price tag sits at a hefty $2,000. Even with such a high cost, Samsung has achieved unprecedented sales numbers for both the Z Fold 7 and the Z Flip 7, a result that is even more remarkable when considering the company’s relatively short track record as a market leader.
Samsung’s Current Market Dominance
- Samsung has sold millions of foldable devices worldwide.
- Its market share has grown significantly in less than two decades.
- Record sales have been recorded for both the Z Fold 7 and the Z Flip 7.
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Remembering the Early Samsung Era
Back in the early 2000s, the reputation of Samsung was not as strong as it is today. I once worked across all carrier stores in the UK, and at that time, selling a Samsung phone that cost under $100 was a true challenge. Samsung’s brand was still emerging, and it wasn’t until the launch of Android and the subsequent Galaxy S lineup that the reputation of Samsung began to improve dramatically.
Samsung’s Rise to Android Supremacy
Stabilizing the Mobile Landscape
In just a few years, Samsung transitioned from a niche player to the dominant force behind Android, playing a pivotal role in counteracting the swift ascension of early iPhones. The company became ubiquitous, swiftly emerging as the top alternative for those seeking a credible substitute to the iPhone.
Key Turning Points in Samsung’s Journey
- Early Market Entry – Samsung’s initial forays into smartphones laid a foundation for future dominance.
- Strategic Product Releases – Each Galaxy iteration introduced innovations that attracted a broad user base.
- Robust Ecosystem Development – Building a cohesive ecosystem increased consumer loyalty.
- Manufacturing Scale – Large‑scale production capabilities ensured consistent quality and availability.
- Aggressive Market Penetration – Targeted campaigns expanded its presence across global regions.
Shaping the Galaxy Z Fold 7
Five pivotal moments in Samsung’s history directly influenced the evolution of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. These milestones reflect Samsung’s commitment to innovation, consumer focus, and strategic growth, cementing its position at the forefront of the mobile industry.
Future Outlook
Samsung’s strategic vision continues to drive advancements in mobile technology, ensuring that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains a beacon of cutting‑edge design and functionality.
May 2011: Galaxy S II — The Samsung Name
Samsung Galaxy S II: Redefining Brand Identity
Background: From Carrier Names to Corporate Recognition
Prior to the Galaxy S II, Samsung’s phones were routinely rebranded by carriers. These carriers introduced custom names, delivered software filled with excessive pre‑loaded apps, and handed the software update schedule to the carrier rather than Samsung itself.
Marketing Breakthrough: The Unified Samsung Naming
- The Galaxy S II debuted with the Samsung name on three of the four major carriers.
- Only Sprint maintained a separate branding, calling the device the Samsung Epic 4G Touch.
- By consolidating the brand name across carriers, Samsung solidified its presence in consumers’ minds.
Impact of Consistent Naming on Customer Trust
Had Samsung continued the carrier‑specific naming convention—T‑Mobile’s Samsung Vibrant, AT&T’s Samsung Captivate, Verizon’s Samsung Fascinate, and Sprint’s Samsung Epic 4G—building consumer trust would have been far more challenging. The unified name was pivotal in the year that followed.
Sep 2011: Galaxy Note — The Big Phone Era
bThe Milestone Behind the Galaxy Note
bFrom the Galaxy S II to the Big‑Screen Revolution
Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Note came just months after the Galaxy S II. Fourteen years later, the Note is recognized as the catalyst that ushered every phone into the era of larger displays.
bEarly Criticism and Modern Perspective
The original Note was dismissed for its oversized 5.3‑inch screen. Today that size would be considered a mini phone, the opposite of what every modern smartphone expects.
bThe Drive Toward Pocket‑Sized Portability
- bFolding phones emerged as the pinnacle of fitting the largest screen into a palm.
- bEven the most polished device requires more than just size.
bTwo Devices That Cemented Samsung’s Legacy
Only a year after the Note’s debut, two additional models established Samsung’s place in smartphone history.
May 2012: Galaxy S III — The Olympics
Samsung’s Olympic‑Driven Launch
Samsung’s Galaxy S III surfaced on 29 May 2012, a pivotal moment for the company. Just two days later, the handset rolled out across the UK, a launch that was perfectly aligned with the timing of the London Games. The synchronization was no accident – the partnership with the Olympics proved to be a catalyst for Samsung’s market dominance.
Launch Timeline
- 29 May 2012 — Galaxy S III unveiled worldwide.
- 1 June 2012 — UK debut, two months ahead of the London Olympics.
- May‑July 2012 — OEM-sponsored Olympic branding launched.
Global Impact
Samsung’s strategy focused on making the Galaxy S III a symbol of Olympic excellence. This networking effort granted access to hundreds of millions of potential customers. The Galaxy S III London 2012 Olympic Edition inaugurated a tradition: Samsung now generates custom Olympic‑branded smartphones for every athlete at each Games.
Retail Recall
I recall an Oxford Street retail shift during the Games and the ensuing months. It is no surprise that weeks later, when Apple introduced the iPhone 5, Samsung’s positioning and marketing strategy paid off even more. For the first time, customers who searched for new iPhone 5 stock – to no avail – began to inquire about the Galaxy S III instead.
Post‑Olympic Momentum
Samsung’s Olympic sponsorship gained momentum well beyond the Games. The Galaxy S III’s Olympic edition set the precedent for future collaborations, proving that a well‑timed partnership can generate lasting brand equity and consumer interest.
Aug 2012: Galaxy Note II — The Multitasking Maestro
bSamsung’s Legacy of Multitasking
Origins on the Galaxy Note II
When the Galaxy Note II debuted, it introduced a multitasking model that would become a staple on every Samsung flagship for the next decade. It combined a sophisticated operating system with a new multitasking framework that allowed users to run multiple applications side‑by‑side.
Key Elements
- Open Windows – users could open and resize windows
- Task Switcher – a quick view of all active apps
- Virtual Desktops – separate workspaces for different projects
Integration with the S‑Pen
Coupling the multitasking system with the S‑Pen turned the Galaxy Note into a true mobile multitasking powerhouse. The S‑Pen enabled precise window placement, quick app launches, and a seamless transition between tasks.
Impact on Samsung’s Future Flagships
- Every subsequent flagship now includes a robust multitasking overlay
- The S‑Pen remains a core accessory for the Note line
- Samsung has maintained its unique investment in multitasking capabilities
Relevance to New Folding Phones
Over a decade later, Samsung’s multitasking strategy is essential for fully exploiting the larger 8‑inch main display on its newest folding phones. The ability to run multiple windows on the foldable screen enhances productivity and provides a superior user experience.
Feb 2019: Galaxy S10 — Bye TouchWiz, hello One UI
Samsung Galaxy S10 5G — A Retrospective
From 2012 to 2019: Samsung’s Rise to Dominance
Key Milestones
- 2012: Samsung firmly established itself as the world’s market‑share leader.
- 2013–2015: Each successive Galaxy model reinforced this leadership, steadily eroding rival brands.
- 2017: The Galaxy S8 launched, cementing a consistent upward trajectory.
Why the Galaxy S10 Was Game‑Changing
February 2019 marked a pivotal moment: the Galaxy S10 debuted, bringing One UI to the forefront.
- One UI represented a decisive
- transition from legacy Samsung software to a cleaner, more user‑friendly interface.
Long‑Term Impact
While Samsung’s 2018 and 2019 releases seemed critical at the time, the actual influence of the Galaxy S10 and the One UI redesign persists in today’s smartphone ecosystem.
Aug 2022: Galaxy Z Fold 4 — Peak Folding Phone
The Evolution of Samsung’s Folding Flagship
From the Fold 4 to the Fold 7
When the Galaxy Z Fold 4 debuted, it set the benchmark for Samsung’s folding devices. The Fold 5 and Fold 6 later arrived as incremental refinements, each adding small upgrades over their predecessors.
Key Improvements in Fold 4
- Hinge and Bezel Reduction: The hinge became slimmer and the bezels around the screen tightened.
- Aspect Ratios Tweaked: The display’s aspect ratios were slightly adjusted for better usability.
- New Camera System: Fold 4 adopted the camera lineup from the Galaxy S22, setting a template that continued with subsequent folds.
Camera Continuity Across Generations
Since Fold 4, each new folding model has carried forward camera features from Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series. The Fold 7 continues this trend with a 200 MP sensor analogous to the Galaxy S25 Ultra—at least on paper—and maintains the shared camera heritage with the S‑line.
The Trend Toward Thinner, Lighter Folding Phones
Following the launch of devices like the OnePlus Open (2023), Honor Magic V3 (2024), and Oppo Find N5 (2025), Samsung’s folding phones have begun to thin out considerably. The Fold 7 marks a significant shift, continuing a deliberate strategy of making Samsung’s foldable devices slimmer and lighter.
What to Expect Next
- Reduced Weight and Thickness compared to earlier folds.
- Extended Battery Life due to more efficient power management.
- Enhanced Camera Capabilities that stay aligned with the flagship S series.
Jan 2025: Galaxy S25 Ultra — The 200MP beast
Samsung’s 200MP camera strategy
When reviewing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it’s hard to overlook the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200‑MP main sensor. Although the Fold 7’s sensor is 18 % smaller, tests reveal that Samsung’s flagship foldable delivers photography performance that rivals the Ultra’s imaging powerhouse.
Why the 200‑MP sensor matters
- The 200‑MP sensor is not new; it has been a focal point of Samsung’s marketing for years.
- The fifth‑generation Ultra showcases the pinnacle of Samsung’s Ultra experience, influencing the positioning of the next foldable.
- Customers are drawn to the sensor’s promise, and Samsung leverages this interest across its entire lineup.
Future camera directions
The Galaxy S25 Edge signals that Samsung is committed to advancing camera features for its flagship foldable. By integrating the 200‑MP main sensor, the Fold 7 addresses a major criticism that plagued earlier models, offering a justified upgrade for tech enthusiasts.
Plenty of other twists and turns
Galaxy Z Fold 7: A New Chapter in Samsung’s Foldable History
A Legacy of Innovation
Samsung’s commitment to battery safety has shaped the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The company’s battery optimization remains a benchmark for the industry, reflecting a cautious yet reliable approach that other manufacturers still aim to match.
Bold Design Evolution
- Each foldable iteration has seen thinner, sleeker forms.
- The Z Fold 7 breaks the trend of incremental tweaks.
- It introduces the most significant design shift in Samsung’s foldable lineup so far.
A Future Classic
Looking ahead, there is no doubt that fifteen years from now, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will stand out as one of Samsung’s most influential phones. With a history of using every flagship Galaxy, I already know the Z Fold 7 will leave a lasting impression for years to come.
