When Samsung Electronics revealed its first prototype of a flexible display back in 2011, few people realized they were witnessing a glimpse into the mobile industry’s future. Now, a decade later, Samsung has shipped 4 times more foldable devices in 2021 than in 2020, exceeding the three-fold market growth that analysts expected.¹

Consumer enthusiasm for Samsung foldables is exemplified by the success of the Galaxy Z series. In the first month since launch, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 exceeded total accumulative sales of Samsung foldable devices in 2020.

With foldable smartphone shipments predicted to grow tenfold by 2023,² let’s take a look at the key moments, top innovations and important partnerships that have helped make foldable devices the next big thing.

Bringing Foldables to Consumers Around the World

Samsung may have first introduced the concept of foldable displays in 2011, but it would take over a decade to bring foldable devices to consumers around the world.

The next major milestone came in 2019, when Samsung finally brought its foldable vision to reality with the Galaxy Fold, its first foldable device. Soon after that came the Galaxy Z Flip. A sleek clamshell design – a throwback to flip phones of yore – made the Galaxy Z Flip an instant icon.

After a decade of progress and three generations of innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 brought enhanced durability and an improved user experience to foldables. Not only have they set a new standard in the industry, but they rekindled consumer interest in smartphones in general.

Innovations Behind the Technology

From creating new materials and methods to overcoming mechanical challenges, creating the foldable category required Samsung to reimagine the smartphone from the inside out.

From the onset, Samsung engineers understood that the key to creating a new category would be inventing a range of new technologies to ensure the devices would meet the expectations of global consumers.

The Infinity Flex Display and Samsung UTG, for example, enabled the world’s first folding glass display. While its screen may be a continuous piece of glass, a foldable’s body features two distinct components. This unique structure meant that in order to maintain a design slim enough for daily use, engineers would have to completely rethink the placement of internal components. That challenge included designing a new internal cooling system as well as a dual-battery system with technology that optimizes multiple power sources as one.

To ensure that the devices would be capable of withstanding hundreds of thousands of folds, a Hideaway Hinge mechanism was designed with Sweeper technology to help keep out dust and dirt particles. The hinge also added a new layer of functionality to Samsung foldables, allowing them to stand on their own, which makes them perfect for watching content, making video calls, or taking hands-free selfies.

Samsung’s dedication to creating new foldable innovations enabled it to achieve yet another major milestone in 2021 with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 – the first foldables to receive an IPX8 water resistance rating.

But the features that set Samsung foldables apart aren’t all hidden beneath the surface. With App Continuity – a responsive UI that delivers seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes – and features like Multi-Active Window and Flex mode, Samsung foldables have unlocked new ways for us to work, play and express ourselves.

Driving Consumer Demand for Foldable Devices

This unprecedented push in innovation has sparked a surging demand for foldable devices, bringing more users to the Galaxy family than ever before. Compared to the Galaxy Note20, Samsung has seen a 150 percent³ increase in consumers who switched smartphone brands for the Galaxy Z Flip3, and a 140 percent increase compared to the Galaxy S21.

A simple explanation for this massive increase is that both Galaxy Z series devices offer distinct features that appeal to specific customer groups in ways that no other smartphones have before.

A buyer survey conducted by Samsung revealed that a stylish design, portability and an innovative folding form factor were the top drivers behind purchases of the Galaxy Z Flip3. The ability to use the cover screen without opening the device was another important factor for those who value privacy, as well as those who want to regulate their screen time to manage their mental health. Buyers of the Galaxy Z Fold3, meanwhile, reported being drawn to its large screen for viewing content, multitasking capabilities and productivity features, including the S Pen.⁴ At the end of the day, it’s clear that both devices are giving consumers more incentive than ever to switch to a foldable, even if it means changing brands or operating systems.

Pioneering the Foldable Future

As more consumers become aware of foldables’ incredible potential, interest in the category will continue to grow. With a variety of innovations set to make their way to consumers in the coming years, Samsung will continue to lead the foldable category with even more pioneering technology.

To achieve this goal, Samsung is heavily investing in R&D while openly collaborating with app developers and industry partners such as Google.

For years, Samsung and Google have been collaborating to make the foldable experience scalable by providing Android developers with the necessary framework and resources. In 2021, the companies announced guidelines for creating apps for large-screen and foldable devices, building on Google’s work to optimize its most popular apps – such as Gmail, YouTube, Duo and Maps – for foldable form factors. Going forward, Samsung will continue to work with partners and developers to develop technologies that will steer the future of the mobile industry.

In establishing an entirely new mobile category a decade ago, Samsung raised the bar for mobile innovation. As it looks toward the next decade and beyond, the company will continue to reinvent the mobile experience to change what’s possible as they unfold.

¹ According to figures from Counterpoint Research

² According to figures from Counterpoint Research

³ Samsung Big Data Center

⁴ Only Galaxy Z Fold3 main display has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro, sold separately.

“For the past 10 years, the Samsung-Google partnership has been the driving force behind so many of this industry’s most important innovations,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics at Galaxy Unpacked 2020. “Now, as we start a new decade, our partnership is more important than ever, as we work together to pioneer a new generation of breakthrough mobile experiences.”

The recent updates for YouTube are just one milestone in the developments the two companies have brought to Samsung’s flagship and foldable devices. Thanks to the partnership, Galaxy users get an optimized experience for the most popular Google apps, such as Google Maps and Google Play Store, and enjoy greater reliability, app continuity, and security. Last year, Samsung and Google ushered in a new mobile era by creating a seamless foldable experience for the Galaxy Fold. Here is a closer look at some of the latest ways Samsung and Google are delivering a more valuable Android experience on Galaxy devices.

A New Experience for YouTube with Flex Mode

With Galaxy Z Flip’s unique folding system, you can set your Galaxy Z Flip on the table and watch your favorite YouTube channel hands-free. And now, this hands-free experience is taken up to the next level with Flex mode compatibility. When you enjoy YouTube with your Galaxy Z Flip hands-free, the display evenly splits into two 4-inch screens. While watching a video on the top half of the display, you can use the bottom half to search for other videos, read descriptions and write comments with no distractions.

Unfolded / Half-Folded

The Flex mode-optimized YouTube app also ensures that no matter what the aspect ratio of the video you are watching, you can view in comfort by adjusting the way the video fits in the top half of the screen. Square and vertical videos will nearly fill the entire space, while 16:9 videos will adjust to the center. But Flex mode compatibility with YouTube was more than just a simple user experience upgrade.

Working together, Samsung and Google’s engineers redesigned the app from the operating system level. This included integration of the Android Support Library, making it easier to bring Flex mode to more third-party services. Through the collaboration, Samsung has worked closely with the Android developer community to drive innovation for foldable devices. Galaxy Z Flip users can download the Flex mode-optimized YouTube app from the Google Play Store starting from April 22¹ and enjoy the enhanced features that come with the latest update.

Galaxy users can also get up to 4 months of free YouTube Premium and enjoy benefits such as ad-free viewing, offline play, and background play.²

Beyond the latest YouTube updates, Samsung and Google have been working on several other innovations for Galaxy devices.

The Best Features Coming to Galaxy Devices  

To start, Samsung is bringing support for Google’s Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Galaxy smartphones to make your conversations more seamless.³ The two companies have been working since 2018 to bring the features to Samsung devices.⁴

The Samsung Messages app with RCS allows users to do more, including chat over both Wi-Fi and mobile data, send and receive high-resolution photos and videos, receive read receipts, and create feature-rich group chats. The Messages app is also available on desktop, making it easy to transition seamlessly from mobile to PC.

In addition to the RCS integration, Samsung kicked off 2020 by offering out-of-the-box integration for Google Duo on both the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy Z Flip. Not only does Google Duo offer high-quality, high-speed video calling, it also allows up to 12 people to join a single video conference. On the Galaxy Z Flip, users can enjoy the app in Flex mode, where video chats appear on the top half, while call controls appear on the bottom half. Collaborations with Google are also bringing more interesting features to Galaxy devices.

With the ability to transcribe and caption media in real-time with incredible accuracy, Live Caption is one of the most exciting features on the Galaxy S20. Leveraging Google’s AI, Live Caption can produce captions for any audio or visual content, including YouTube videos, podcasts, and videos you and your friends have recorded. Developed in collaboration with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Live Caption is particularly helpful if you have hearing loss or are in an environment in which you don’t want to increase the volume. Users can toggle the feature on under either the Accessibility or Sound options in the device’s Settings menu.

As a result of the ongoing partnership with Google, Samsung is bringing monthly and quarterly security updates to Galaxy devices to further enhance user confidence and ensure the safety and security of their data. These include Google’s patches for Android, and Samsung’s patches for vulnerabilities and exposures.

“It’s been amazing to see Samsung continuously push the limits of what’s possible in mobile on the Android platform,” said Hiroshi Lockheimer at Galaxy Unpacked 2020, SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue to work together to build the next wave of helpful, mobile innovation.”

In the year ahead, Samsung will continue to work closely with Google to pioneer the next wave of mobile innovations that will change the way we communicate with the world.

* User interface shown in images is only a mock rendering. Actual user interface is subject to change.

¹ Update release date may vary by market and carrier.

² Availability dependent upon market. Galaxy S20 5G series, the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Fold are eligible for up to 4 months and all other mobile devices, including the A series, are eligible for up to 2 months.

³ Availability of Samsung Message app with RCS capabilities vary by market, device and carrier.

⁴ Samsung and Google Collaborate on RCS Messaging for Android

Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy Tab S5e – slimmer, lighter and thoughtfully designed with smart features to keep you connected. Incorporating a 10.5-inch large screen with the vast battery capacity, Galaxy Tab S5e is meticulously engineered for rich and immersive entertainment experiences, so you can enjoy unput downable content without compromise.

“The Tab S5e is a top-tier tablet with a sleek design and powerful features, available at a new price point,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “For users who want intelligence that keeps them connected so they can get more done—as well as a big, beautiful screen for a rich, premium entertainment experience—the Tab S5e delivers.”

Refined Design

With its gorgeous, refreshed design, the Tab S5e embodies practicality and style. With an incredibly thin 5.5mm sleek metal body, and weighing only 400g, the Tab S5e is ultra-portable, durable, and designed to integrate seamlessly into your everyday lifestyle. Available in a range of fresh and modern monochromatic colors including Silver, Black, and Gold, you can choose a style that reflects your look.

Featuring an extended battery life lasting up to 14.5 hours¹, the Tab S5e is optimized for long-lasting performance, giving you the freedom to browse, stream and play for longer.    

Intelligence Built-in

The Tab S5e allows you to take complete control of your connected world. As the first Samsung tablet to feature the new Bixby 2.0², the Tab S5e offers a smarter and more convenient way to interact with your device, and serves as an ideal hub to control your connected home devices.³ Switch on your TV and your lights at the same time with Quick Command, which allows you to customize several actions under one command—making voice control of your home environment even quicker, simpler and more tailored to you.

When you need to get things done, a keyboard (sold separately) coupled with Samsung DeX gives you a PC-like environment. With call and message continuity⁴, you can also answer a call or reply to a message directly from your tablet – even when your phone is far from reach, or on a different Wi-Fi network.

Enhanced Entertainment  

Whether it’s an edge-of-your-seat movie or your favorite TV series, experience content fully and in outstanding detail on Samsung’s iconic and immersive Super AMOLED display, complete with a 16:10 screen ratio and no visible home key. The Tab S5e offers a 10.5-inch Edge to Edge Display and slimmed-down bezels with an 81.8% screen-to-body ratio for an enhanced, immersive viewing experience that will bring content to life. With the Tab S5e, you can also experience the outstanding YouTube Premium service, free for up to 4 months. So you can enjoy all your favorite content across YouTube, YouTube Music and YouTube Gaming⁵ without limits and in stunning definition.

The Tab S5e is perfectly complemented with rich, stunning sound thanks to its Quad Speakers, which incorporate auto rotate stereo technology for powerful, louder audio that adapts to how you’re holding the tablet (portrait/landscape). The Tab S5e also features Dolby Atmos integration and sound by AKG, for immersive 3D sound and professional balanced audio.

Availability

The Tab S5e will be available in select markets including U.S., Germany and other countries from 2Q 2019.

For more information about the Tab S5e, visit https://news.samsung.com/global/galaxy, www.samsungmobilepress.com or https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-tab-s5e.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e Product Specifications

¹ Battery life may vary depending on usage and settings. Based on laboratory testing.

² Bixby Voice is currently available in select languages

³ SmartThings Hub should be installed to connect and control devices through the SmartThings app on the Tab S5e.

⁴ Feature may vary by country and carrier

⁵ Only available in selected countries

^{* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.}

^{** Content has been revised as of May 15, 2023 to reflect the termination of the partnership with Spotify.}

Samsung Electronics today announced that it will support YouTube’s global HDR playback on television for the first time, through an expanded version of the YouTube application. The YouTube Application is available on all 2016 Samsung Quantum dot TVs and UHD TVs and will launch progressively throughout the world from December.

YouTube will support High Dynamic Range (HDR) video streaming, offering a wide range of HDR content. Launched through an automatic software update, consumers who use all 2016 Samsung Quantum dot TV and UHD TVs can access HDR content simply by visiting the HDR category within the YouTube application on YouTube’s 4K channel, providing an easy way to navigate and enjoy premium content.

“With the global availability of YouTube’s HDR, we at Samsung are thrilled to support the best HDR viewing experience and a wide range of HDR content for users to enjoy,” said Seline Han, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are confident that our TVs will bring to life an immersive HDR viewing experience — all from the comfort of our users’ homes.”

To coincide with the launch, the YouTube application will feature new HDR videos from popular YouTube content creators, such as MysteryGuitarMan and Jacob + Katie Schwarz. To ensure the proliferation of new HDR content, additional YouTube creators will be able to utilize the YouTube Spaces LA and NYC, which provide HDR production resources to content creators.

With a growing number of HDR content providers, as well as the numerous creators already producing HDR video content, YouTube’s  HDR support is expected to introduce more genre offerings in the coming year and satisfy user demand for a true-to-life viewing experience on the content they enjoy the most.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of HDR support on Samsung’s Quantum dot TVs,” said Heather Thompson Rivera, Director of Product Partnerships at YouTube. “By combining Samsung’s commitment to picture quality and our desire to offer the best content available, we will work together to build a strong ecosystem that improves HDR content creation and allows users to enjoy more diverse content in the best quality possible.”

Emerging as one of the most sought after display technologies in the last few years, HDR is an image reproduction technology that analyzes the contrast ratio of a video to help express even the most subtle differences in shades and tones of color. Paired with Samsung’s Quantum dot TV, the picture that is produced appears more realistic and life-like on screen. In addition, Samsung’s Quantum dot TVs have the capacity to generate peak brightness of 1,000 nits, optimized for the most ideal HDR viewing experience.