Samsung Electronics, once a dominant force in the smartphone market, is finding itself playing catch-up as Chinese manufacturers surge ahead with bold innovations, particularly in the foldable phone segment. At a recent event in 2025, Samsung unveiled its latest lineup of foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, touting slimmer designs and AI integration with Google Gemini as key selling points. Yet, despite these advancements, industry observers note that Samsung’s iterative updates pale in comparison to the rapid, boundary-pushing developments coming out of China, as reported by WIRED.

China’s smartphone ecosystem, much like its electric vehicle sector, benefits from significant investment and a willingness to experiment with radical designs. Brands like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi are not just refining foldables but are already exploring next-generation concepts such as tri-fold devices, leaving Samsung’s offerings looking cautious by comparison. This aggressive innovation has allowed Chinese brands to capture a staggering 76.6% of the domestic foldable market through subsidies and competitive pricing, according to AInvest.

The Design and Pricing Challenge

Samsung’s latest foldables reflect a clear effort to address past criticisms. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, priced at $1,999, is 10% lighter and 26% thinner than its predecessor, while the Z Flip 7 FE, priced at a more accessible $899, aims to broaden the appeal of foldables without sacrificing premium margins, as detailed by AInvest. However, even with these improvements, Samsung struggles to match the pace of Chinese rivals who prioritize cutting-edge form factors over incremental tweaks.

Moreover, high price tags remain a barrier for Samsung in markets where cost-conscious consumers are gravitating toward Chinese alternatives. Posts on platforms like Reddit reveal a growing sentiment among users that brands like Huawei offer comparable or superior technology at lower costs, often citing features like better hinge durability and larger inner displays as reasons for switching allegiance. This perception is a significant hurdle for Samsung as it seeks to maintain its global brand prestige.

A Niche Market with Limited Reach

Despite Samsung’s push to popularize foldables as the future of smartphones, the segment remains a niche, accounting for just 1.5% of the total smartphone market, according to data referenced by WIRED. Analysts predict that Samsung’s foldable shipments, which peaked in 2022, may stagnate or slightly decline in 2025 due to limited use cases and persistent pricing challenges. Bloomberg’s coverage of Samsung’s latest launch highlights the company’s aim for mainstream appeal, but questions linger about whether foldables can truly break out of their premium, limited-audience status.

Samsung is also betting heavily on AI to differentiate its devices, integrating features that enhance user experience through personalization and productivity. Yet, as Chinese competitors like Huawei continue to dominate in their home market and expand globally, Samsung faces an uphill battle. The South Korean giant’s strategy hinges on leveraging its global reach and brand loyalty, but without a radical rethinking of its innovation pipeline, it risks being outmaneuvered by China’s relentless drive, as echoed in discussions on Reddit and reinforced by industry analyses.

Looking Ahead in a Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape for foldables is only set to intensify, with rumors of Apple potentially entering the fray in the coming years, which could further squeeze Samsung’s market share. For now, Samsung’s focus on slimmer, AI-powered devices shows a commitment to staying relevant, as noted by Bloomberg. However, the gap between Samsung’s cautious updates and China’s daring experimentation underscores a broader shift in the tech industry.

As WIRED aptly points out, China isn’t just iterating—it’s redefining what’s next. Samsung must find a way to balance its premium positioning with genuine innovation if it hopes to reclaim its edge. The 2025 foldable lineup is a step forward, but in a market where Chinese brands are setting the pace, it may not be enough to close the widening gap.