Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Launched; COO Won-Joon Choi Discusses Future of Slim Phones, Tri-Fold Devices and New Privacy Display
Samsung COO Won-Joon Choi has revealed that the company is evaluating the future of its ultra-thin and Tri-Fold smartphones following lower sales. While the new Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a unique Privacy Display, the tech giant remains undecided on next-generation niche hardware, focusing instead on refining its standard foldable lineup.
Seoul, February 27: Samsung Electronics Co. is re-evaluating its smartphone strategy after mixed performance from niche designs. Speaking on Thursday, Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business, said the company has not yet committed to a successor for the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge, citing lower-than-expected sales.
The remarks came during the introduction of the new Galaxy S26 line-up, which focuses on integrated artificial intelligence and a first-of-its-kind privacy display. While the S25 Edge was launched to compete with Apple’s thin-profile handsets, Choi said the device struggled with battery endurance, leading to relatively lower adoption than flagship models. Samsung Galaxy S26 Price in India, Specifications and Features.
Samsung Uncertainty Surrounding Ultra-Slim and Tri-Fold Categories
The future of ultra-thin phones remains under review as Samsung studies consumer preferences. Although the S25 Edge offered stronger camera hardware and stereo speakers than the iPhone Air, both firms saw limited volumes in slim variants. Samsung is also cautious about a next version of its tri-fold handset, priced near USD 3,000.
Initial production of the USD 2,900 tri-fold sold out in the United States, but its complex engineering and high cost keep it a luxury niche. Samsung is weighing a second-generation model or a wider version of the Galaxy Z Fold to match emerging trends.
Samsung Innovation in Privacy and Display Technology
A highlight of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a built-in Privacy Display that switches off specific pixels to narrow viewing angles and protect on-screen content. Developed with Samsung Display over three years, the feature is exclusive to the Ultra model for now, though Samsung aims to expand it to foldables and lower-priced devices later. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price in India, Specifications and Features.
Samsung Next-Generation S-Pen and Foldable Roadmap
Samsung confirmed a new single-folding Galaxy Fold will launch this summer, with revised aspect ratios for productivity and media use. Research teams are also developing an improved S-Pen designed to reduce the thickness needed to house the stylus inside future phones.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2026 01:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).