Latest news with #BenWood
UPI
a day ago
- UPI
Samsung might launch its next foldable smartphone next month
Samsung likely will unveil the next thinner version of its foldable smartphone next month. Its previous version Galaxy Z Fold 6 (pictured) was introduced in Tokyo in 2024. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo June 19 (UPI) -- Samsung likely will unveil the next thinner version of its foldable smartphone next month. Over the weekend, leaks showcased a look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 -- it has a thinner hinge, larger camera bump and a 200 MP sensor. It will run on Android 16 and has an 8-inch inner display and 6- to 5-inch cover display. "The newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet -- meticulously crafted and built to last," Samsung said in a blog post earlier this month. The phone is reported to be slimmer at 4.5mm unfolded. It has titanium hinge components, refined crease control and a Snapdragon 8 Chipset. The camera is expected to be upgraded from a 50MP to a 200MP sensor and uses AI-enhanced image processing. "With foldables, thinness has become more critical than ever because people aren't prepared to accept the compromise for a thicker and heavier phone to get the real estate that a folding phone can deliver," Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, said on Thursday. According to a Laptopmag leaker, the phone will be revealed on July 11 and will go on sale July 25. Analysts are expecting models to be priced at about $2,000 and a little higher depending on U.S. tariffs. CCS insight said that foldables will account for just 2% of the overall smartphone market this year. In previous years, over 50% of foldable phone owners have all switched back to traditional phones in the next upgrade cycle, according to data.
CNBC
a day ago
- CNBC
Samsung aims to catch up to Chinese rivals for thin foldable phones as Apple said to enter the fray
Samsung will unveil a thinner version of its flagship foldable smartphone at a launch likely set to take place next month, as it battles Chinese rivals to deliver the slimmest devices to the market. Folding phones, which have a single screen that can fold in half, came in focus when Samsung first launched such a device in 2019. But Chinese players, in particular Honor and Oppo, have since aggressively released foldables that are thinner and lighter than Samsung's offerings. Why are slim foldables important? "With foldables, thinness has become more critical than ever because people aren't prepared to accept the compromise for a thicker and heavier phone to get the real estate that a folding phone can deliver," Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, told CNBC on Thursday. Honor, Oppo and other Chinese players have used their slim designs to differentiate themselves from Samsung. Let's look at a comparison: Samsung's last foldable from 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold6, is 12.1 millimeter ~(0.48 inches) thick when folded and weighs 239 grams (8.43 oz). Oppo's Find N5, which was released earlier this year, is 8.93 millimeters thick when closed and weighs 229 grams. The Honor Magic V3, which was launched last year, is 9.2 millimeters when folded and weighs 226 grams. "Samsung needs to step up" in foldables, Wood said. And that's what the South Korean tech giant is planning to do at its upcoming launch, which is likely to take place next month. "The newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet – meticulously crafted and built to last," Samsung said in a preview blog post about the phone earlier this month. But the competition is not letting up. Honor is planning a launch on July 2 in China for its latest folding phone, the Magic V5. "The interesting thing for Samsung, if they can approach the thinness that Honor has achieved it is will be a significant step up from predecessor, it will be a tangible step up in design," Wood said. Despite these advances by way of foldables, the market for the devices has not been as exciting as many had hoped. CCS Insight said that foldables will account for just 2% of the overall smartphone market this year. Thinner phones may be one way to address the sluggish market, but consumer preferences would also need to change. "There is a chance that by delivering much thinner foldables that are more akin to the traditional monoblock phone, it will provide an opportunity to turn consumer heads and get them to revisit the idea of having a folding device," Wood said. "However, I would caution foldables do remain problematic because in many cases consumers struggle to see why they need a folding device." Although the market remains small for foldables compared to traditional smartphones, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities on Wednesday said Apple — which has been notably absent from this product line-up — plans to make a folding iPhone starting next year.
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
The Big Tech Show: What Apple announced for iPhones, Macs, iPads and Watches at WWDC, and its minimalist position on AI
Adrian is currently in Cupertino at Apple Park, California, where Apple just showcased their latest product upgrades. There were three main areas of focus; iOS 26, Liquid Glass and AI features. CCS Insight analysts, Ben Wood and Leo Gebbie, joined Adrian to discuss the new suite of Apple updates. The conversation began on the topic of AI. Both analysts pointed out that Apple's platform based approach to AI which centers on privacy is behind the other main players in the artificial intelligence space but that the typical Apple customer may not be buying hardware based on its AI capabilities. You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Samsung drops sexy new smartphone, but Apple's making noise, too
Older generations probably remember what it was like before people had smartphones, while for younger generations, it is likely very hard to imagine life without them. About 98% of Americans now own a cell phone of some kind, while about nine in 10 (91%) own a smartphone, according to a Pew Research Center survey from November 2024. This is a significant increase from just 35% back in 2011. Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) is one of the world's largest smartphone brands and Apple's (AAPL) biggest rival. It launched its first Android smartphone, the i7500 Galaxy, 16 years ago in April 2009. Related: No, Apple iPhones won't be made in America anytime soon What set apart i7500 Galaxy from other smartphones at the time was an OLED screen and bigger battery, writes Sam Mobile. Further, the phone ran the stock version of Android and used a Qualcomm processor similar to that used by many other HTC phones at that time. Samsung worked hard to become one of the dominant players in the smartphone industry, with its biggest rival being the Apple iPhone. According to App Developer Magazine, Samsung's market share dropped by 5.8% in a decade, while Apple's grew by 4.5%. While both companies are still the industry leaders, their market share decreased in 2024, due to the staggering growth of various Chinese smartphone makers such as Xiaomi. Now, Samsung has launched a new smartphone that is turning heads. Image source: Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images Samsung revealed the specifications of its new Galaxy S25 Edge slim smartphone on May 13. With a resilient titanium body that is only 5.8mm thick, it is one of the thinnest smartphones on the market. It weighs just 163 grams. "The feedback was clear - users wanted something slimmer and easier to carry without sacrificing performance," Samsung told Reuters. "For the second half of 2025, 'thin is most definitely in,'" Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, as reported by CNBC. S25 Edge integrates an iconic Galaxy AI-enabled camera and features Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic offering that delivers advanced protection. The 200MP wide lens delivers sharper, brighter low-light photos, while the 12MP ultra-wide sensor with autofocus enables detailed macro shots. It will go on sale May 30, 2025, for $1,099. Related: Apple iPhone decision will upset customers, appease White House The tech giant's early launch of the S25 Edge breaks from its usual schedule, coming just months after its January event - well ahead of the typical midyear debut reserved for new foldables. However, it also coincides with rumors that Apple is preparing to launch a thinner version. According to CNBC, citing Bloomberg, Apple is expected to launch a thinner version of its flagship device, the iPhone 17 Air. "Samsung is first out the gate with a slim design, but Apple is expected to follow in September, and the burgeoning Chinese brands such as Honor and Xiaomi probably won't be far behind. It is hard to believe this is not a pre-emptive strike following the widespread speculation that Apple will have a thin iPhone in its next lineup," Wood added. For the first quarter of 2025, Samsung disclosed consolidated revenue of 79.14 trillion Korean won ($56.67 billion USD). Operating profit amounted to 6.61 trillion Korean won, soaring 932.8% from the same period a year ago, as memory chip prices recovered, fueled by confidence in AI advancement, according to CNBC. The company's revenue grew 12.81% year-over-year to an all-time high, thanks to strong sales of flagship Galaxy S25 smartphones and high-value-added products. More Technology: Open AI founder's newest project could destroy your privacyAnalysts reset Alphabet stock price target after Apple's warningMicrosoft makes surprising decision that shocked workers During the earnings call, however, Daniel Araujo, vice president at Samsung's mobile division, cautioned that smartphone demand is expected to decrease in the second quarter due to a "seasonality trend," adding that there is "potential for further adjustments in the forecast due to global tariff policies." "The MX business expects a decrease in smartphone shipments and ASP due to the fading effects of our new flagship model launches," Araujo said. "While tablet shipments are expected to grow sequentially, we plan to sustain flagship-centric sales with a successful launch of the new S25 Edge and continued strong sales of the S25 series. We will also expand our AI phone lineup by introducing Awesome intelligence to our newest A-Series devices." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Samsung Blindsides Apple With Razor-Thin Galaxy S25 Edge: Here's How Much It Will Cost
On Monday, Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:SSNLF) launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, a 5.8 mm-thin, 163-gram smartphone, just four months after unveiling the rest of the S25 series. What Happened: The ultra-slim device features a 6.7-inch display, a dual-camera system, and the company's latest AI-powered features. The Galaxy S25 Edge packs a powerful 200MP main camera, offering ultra-high resolution for detailed photos in any lighting condition. A secondary 12MP ultra-wide lens with autofocus enables crisp macro shots. It also brings AI-powered editing tools to the table, including Audio Eraser, which removes unwanted background noise from videos and Drawing Assist, a feature designed to enhance or correct hand-drawn sketches. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Under the hood, the S25 Edge runs on Qualcomm Inc.'s (NASDAQ:QCOM) Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. Price and Availability: Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge are now open at Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE:BBY), and major U.S. carriers. The phone will be available in stores on May 30, 2025. Pricing starts at $1,099.99 for 256GB and $1,219.99 for 512GB, with color options including Titanium Silver, Titanium Jet Black and Titanium Icy Blue. Interested buyers can preorder by May 30 on or the Shop Samsung app to get up to $800 in savings, including a $50 credit and a free upgrade from 256GB to 512GB (a $120 value). People can also trade in an eligible device for up to $630 off. Source: SamsungWhy It's Important: The launch comes outside of Samsung's typical product cycle and underscores a strategic pivot. During the company's latest earnings call, Daniel Araujo, vice president of Samsung's mobile division, warned of softening demand in the second quarter due to "seasonality trends" and the potential impact of global tariffs, reported CNBC. The U.S. briefly imposed reciprocal tariffs on tech goods in April, but exemptions for smartphones and chips offered a temporary reprieve. A new agreement between the U.S. and China on Monday paused most remaining tariffs, creating a narrow window of opportunity for global manufacturers, the report added. Analysts say the timing may also be aimed at beating Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), which is rumored to release its own thin flagship, the iPhone 17 Air, in September. "Samsung is first out the gate with a slim design," Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, told the publication. "It is hard to believe this is not a pre-emptive strike following widespread speculation that Apple will have a thin iPhone in its next line-up." Read Next: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Invest before it's too late. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum. Photo Courtesy: tinhkhuong On Send To MSN: Send to MSN UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Samsung Blindsides Apple With Razor-Thin Galaxy S25 Edge: Here's How Much It Will Cost originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
