On July 10, Samsung held its new product launch event as scheduled, releasing the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Fold 6, Watch 7, Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds 3 series, Galaxy AI, and the Galaxy Ring.
In short, this was an event without surprises. To be a bit critical, Samsung's S24 sales last year successfully popularized the concept of the AI phone. However, six months later—especially after Apple's "belated" introduction of AI features—Samsung's launch felt distinctly "copycat," giving the impression that they are handing over their first-mover advantage.
Following Samsung's "perfunctory" spirit, I let Perplexity summarize the event.
Samsung Event Summary: Perplexity Link
Here is a quick list of features.
Galaxy Z Flip 6 Key Features
Design & Display
- Cover Screen: Larger 3.4-inch screen for improved usability.
- Main Screen: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- Durability: Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Protection: IP48 rating, a first for Samsung foldables.
- Thickness: 14.9mm when folded, thinner than the Z Flip 5's 15.1mm.
Performance & Hardware
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- Battery: Larger 4000mAh battery (up from 3700mAh in Flip 5).
- Cooling: Improved vapor chamber.
Camera System
- Main Camera: Upgraded to 50MP (up from 12MP in Flip 5).
- Ultra-Wide: 1200MP.
- Front Camera: 1000MP.
- New Feature: Auto-zoom for FlexCam.
Software & AI
- OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1.
- AI Integration: Suggested replies on the cover screen, live translation for conversations.
Price & Availability
- Price: Starting at $1,099.99 (256GB).
- Availability: Pre-orders started July 10; official release on July 24.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 Key Features
Design & Display
- Design: Squarer, flatter design with sharper lines.
- Hinge: Improved dual-rail hinge for enhanced durability.
- Screens: 6.3-inch cover screen (22.1:9) and 7.6-inch main foldable screen with less visible crease.
- Brightness: Peak brightness up to 2600 nits.
- Weight: Approximately 239g.
Performance
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- Memory/Storage: Standard 12GB RAM; options up to 1TB.
- Cooling: 1.6x larger vapor chamber.
Camera & Battery
- Main Camera: 50MP with OIS.
- Battery: 4400mAh with 25W wired charging.
Price & Availability
- Price: Starting at $1,899.
- Launch Date: July 24, 2024.
Galaxy Watch Ultra Key Features
- Design: 47mm Titanium "Cushion Case" design.
- Display: 1.5-inch Super AMOLED, 3000 nits peak brightness.
- Durability: 10ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810G, Sapphire Crystal glass.
- Health: FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection, multi-sport tracking for triathletes.
- Battery: Up to 100 hours in power-saving mode.
- Price: $649.99 (Bluetooth) / $699.99 (LTE).
Galaxy Watch 7 Key Features
- Sizes: 40mm and 44mm aluminum cases.
- Processor: Exynos W1000 (3nm process).
- Features: AI-driven Energy Score and wellness tips.
- Price: Starting at $299.99.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Key Features
- Design: New stem design (similar to AirPods) with pinch/squeeze controls.
- Audio: 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio support with a dual-driver design.
- AI Features: Adaptive Sound, optimized EQ based on fit, and real-time transcription.
Galaxy Ring Key Features
- Material: Durable Titanium with scratch-resistant coating; weighs 2.3g to 3g.
- Tracking: Sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, and activity.
- Battery: Up to 7 days on a single charge; includes a charging case.
- Price: $399.99 (No monthly subscription required).
Galaxy AI Key Features
- Communication: Live Translate for calls, Interpreter mode, and Chat Assist.
- Productivity: Circle to Search, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, and Browsing Assist.
- Creativity: Generative Photo Editing, AI Zoom, and AI Edit Suggestions.
Summary
- Personal Intent: I will definitely buy the Fold 6, as foldable screens are essential to me. I'll consider the Watch Ultra, but I'll skip the earbuds (I prioritize aesthetics and sound quality).
- Market Sentiment: When the S24 launched, the reaction was "AI phones are finally here." Now, after Apple's entry, Samsung's event seemed to signal that "Apple was right," lacking original dominance.
- Business Logic: Samsung seems to have accepted a role as "building phones for Google" in the AI era. This modular assembly approach for software and hardware might be falling behind.
- On-Device AI Gap: Looking at Apple's M-series chips, OS, and Apple Intelligence integration, those who believe in on-device AI may realize the gap between Apple and others is wider now than in the pre-AI era.
- Core Competency: In an age where models change everything, "All-in-One" vertical integration is the most important capability. The era of modular assembly is ending.
- The Ring: A nice highlight, but $399.99 is too expensive for what should be a low-cost trial for AI hardware.