TM Roh talks about the popularity of foldable form factors, the mobile business in Southeast Asia and the influence of youth on innovations

Singapore – 15th July, 2022 – During a recent visit to Indonesia, TM Roh expressed confidence in the continued popularity of foldable smartphones globally. In addition to discussing trends in the mobile market, he spoke about the mobile business in Southeast Asia and the role of technology in shaping the future.

Unfolding the Potential of Foldables

TM Roh noted that Samsung’s foldable phones have redefined what is possible in the industry, like the Galaxy Note Series did, and will continue to set new standards in mobile technology.

“Foldables are transforming and reshaping the mobile market. As the pioneer and leader of the foldable smartphone category, we are focused on delivering incredible foldable experiences that enhance our consumers’ everyday lives,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business. “We will continue to develop the unique advantages of the Galaxy foldables, such as viewing on a large screen using a compact and durable device, taking photos and videos in Flex mode, multitasking on split screens with an S Pen and enjoying a unique user experience with the new foldable form factor. We will also enhance the foldables experience through partnerships with industry leaders, such as Google, to support more applications and services for foldable devices.”

The popularity of foldable form factors is expected to continue. In 2021, the global sales volume of foldable smartphones grew more than four times as compared to 2020, exceeding the market growth forecast by three times. The success of the Galaxy Z series is testament to the increasing appetite for foldable smartphones, with sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 in a single month exceeding the cumulative sales of foldable phones in 2020.

Best-in-Class Mobile Experiences for All Smartphone Users

Expounding on Samsung’s mission to make the latest and best in mobile technology more accessible, he said, “For more than a decade, Samsung has played a key role in laying the foundation for a new generation of connectivity in 5G by working with local regulators and carriers in Southeast Asia. While 5G networks are still limited in this region, I’m committed to ensuring that consumers in this region are equipped to benefit from 5G connectivity as soon as the infrastructure is available. And I’m confident that Samsung’s 5G devices will be the first choice for users in Southeast Asia and Oceania,  and across the globe as well.”

5G technology is a key enabler of integrated mobile experience with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem, which revolves around the Galaxy smartphones as its hub. The ecosystem offers seamless experiences between the smartphone and multiple devices, such as products in the Galaxy Watch and Buds series, and even provides a PC-like experience with Galaxy tablets through Samsung Dex.

He said, “While we have consistently focused our efforts on improving the smartphone experience for users, we also recognize the growing demand for a connected lifestyle. We are continually innovating to improve and expand our ecosystem to bring more convenience to Galaxy users and to help them achieve their aspirations.”

He also mentioned the diversity of the region, which includes developing markets where mid-tier smartphones continue to be important drivers for Samsung.

“By having a keen understanding of our target consumers’ needs, we are able to maintain the affordability of our mid-tier smartphones while providing a great mobile experience as we focus on strengthening specifications of priority product features, such as the battery, memory, performance, and 5G capabilities. In addition, various features from the flagship smartphones, such as the enhanced cameras, and dustproof and water resistant, are extended to the Galaxy A series,” said TM Roh.

Shaping the Future with Innovative Sustainability Efforts

Recognizing the role it plays in using technology as a force for good, Samsung has been expanding its Galaxy for the Planet commitment and putting sustainability at the center of its innovations. “I always emphasize the importance of sustainability in every single thing we do, from the way we design, manufacture, and recover materials throughout the product lifecycle to protect our planet.”

He also highlighted how Samsung has been working closely with a group of young inspirational changemakers, who are committed to using technology to innovate for humanity and mobilize global communities, through Generation17. The global partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to advance the 17 Global Goals.

In February this year, two Generation17 Young Leaders from the Southeast Asia and Oceania were invited to join the global initiative for the first time: Tamara Dewi Gondo Soerijo from Indonesia, a social enterprise founder working  to empower refugee women by providing upskilling opportunities, and Thuy Anh Ngo from Vietnam, who launched a mobile app to educate the elderly on physical and mental health.

Dominated by a large population of youth, the Southeast Asia and Oceania region has seen a rapid rise in the growth of the digital economy, driven by the ambitions, lifestyles and technological skillsets of young digital natives. 

He said, “The reason we, at Samsung, must champion a more open world is that our future demands it. Our younger consumers want authentic, personal experiences as a way to express themselves and create new opportunities. We take pride in enabling a world where technology connects and inspires us all.”

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“We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of Software Platform Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “One UI 4 delivers on that promise, equipping Galaxy smartphone users with the latest customization and privacy features. But we won’t stop there. Soon, other smartphone and tablet users will also be able to benefit from this software update, enabling a more seamless experience across our entire ecosystem.”

Your Galaxy, Your Way

One UI 4 enables you to create a customized mobile experience to meet your unique needs and express your individuality. With a whole host of new Color Palettes to choose from, you can alter the look and feel of everything from your home screen to icons, menu, button and background. And with reimagined widgets that offer even deeper customization, it’s never been easier to put your own personal stamp on your smartphone experience. You can even more effortlessly express yourself with a wider variety of emoji features, GIFs and stickers available directly from your keyboard.

Protect What Matters Most

There’s no privacy without strong security. That’s why, with One UI 4, Samsung is bringing the latest privacy and security features, so you can choose exactly what you want to share or keep private. From alerting you to when an app is attempting to access your camera or microphone, to a new privacy dashboard that brings all your settings and controls into one convenient place, with One UI 4, monitoring and controlling your privacy settings is simple.

Connecting You to an Extended Ecosystem

One UI 4 helps you to get the most out of Samsung’s incredible extended ecosystem of devices and third-party apps, unlocking a more powerful mobile experience.

Samsung’s partnerships with other industry-leaders, like Google, ensure seamless experience when using your favorite third-party apps and services. This means you can enjoy apps like Google Duo, which provides high-quality video calls with friends and family.

Connecting You to an Extended Ecosystem

And whether you’re using a Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Tab, you’ll get the uniformed look and feel across your devices, and will be able to seamlessly sync them.

Availability

One UI 4 will be available on the Galaxy S21 series starting November 15th and will soon become available on previous Galaxy S and Note series as well as Galaxy A series, foldables and tablets¹. This announcement comes alongside a new software update for the Galaxy Watch series² that, starting today, enables users to enjoy enhanced health features and new watch faces.

1 At a later date the update will also be available on the Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE, Note20, Note20 Ultra, S10, S10e, S10+, S10 5G, Note10, Note 10+, Galaxy Fold, Z Fold3, Z Flip3, Galaxy A82 5G, A72, A52, A52 5G, A52s 5G, A42 5G, and Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+. Availability may vary by region.
2 Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active2 and Galaxy Watch3