Samsung Upgrades AI Capabilities in New Foldable Phones and Wearable Devices

Samsung’s newest flagship smartphones and wearables have been designed to be lighter and slimmer while incorporating advanced AI features, aiming to attract high-end consumers.

Having pioneered the foldable smartphone market in 2019, Samsung now faces increasing competition in this niche segment. Canalys data shows that Samsung's share of foldable phone shipments fell from 81% in 2022 to 63% in 2023, underlining the importance of this latest product launch.

To address market pressures, Samsung has significantly upgraded its foldable phone lineup:

Despite rising material costs and maintaining stable prices for three years, Samsung has introduced a slight price increase. The Z Flip 6 is now $1,099.99, and the Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899.99, marking a $100 increment from last year’s models.

Several new AI-powered features have been introduced by Samsung, including:

The company has also significantly enhanced its Galaxy Watch range:

Samsung’s dedication to health monitoring is further highlighted by the introduction of the Galaxy Ring. Priced at $399.99, this smart ring comes in gold, silver, and black, featuring a titanium frame with 10ATM water resistance and an IP68 rating. At 7mm wide and 2.6mm thick, it is designed to be sleek and lightweight, weighing between 2.3 and 3g depending on the size.

The Galaxy Ring functions primarily as a health tracker, equipped with an accelerometer, optical heart rate sensor, and skin temperature sensor. It can track sleep, heart rate, and activity, along with new AI-powered metrics like Energy Score and Wellness Tips. The ring offers 6-7 days of battery life and includes a unique, transparent charging case that holds 1.5 charges.

Industry analyst Jack Leathem from Canalys underscores the significance of AI-powered health and fitness features in wearables, indicating that they are key to drawing brand switchers in the premium segment and essential for distinguishing Samsung from other smartwatch manufacturers.

The Galaxy Ring is compatible solely with Android phones running the Samsung Health app, with certain features being exclusive to Galaxy phones. Notably, users of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 (soon available on the S24) can control their phone's camera or dismiss alarms using a double pinch gesture on the ring.

While the Galaxy Ring shows potential in hardware design and ecosystem integration, its success will depend on tracking accuracy and consistent battery performance. Samsung’s venture into the smart ring market, along with enhancements to its foldable phones and smartwatches, illustrates the company’s commitment to innovation across the wearable and smartphone sectors.

The new product lineup – including the foldable phones, watches, and ring – will be available starting July 24 in South Korea, North America, and Europe, signifying a crucial move in Samsung’s strategy to innovate and compete in the high-end smartphone and wearable markets.