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Honor’s surprise attack to Samsung foldable empire in Europe
In a big blow, Honor defeated Samsung in the Western Europe foldable market in Q2 2024. The company has sold the most book-type foldable phones across the markets, excluding the Huawei-dominated China.
Counterpoint Research reports that Honor outpaces Samsung foldable in West Europe in Q2. Samsung will reclaim its dominance in the third quarter given the recent launches of its new model – Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Analysts at Counterpoint believe that Samsung will reclaim the leading global position with the launch of the new Z6 Series in Q3 2024. However, the intensified competition will likely result in a significant YoY decline in its market share.
It was the first time when Samsung ranked second in the Western European foldable market. However, the Korean tech giant has fierce competition in the foldable segment outside the Chinese market as well.
Notably, Western Europe is the second-largest market for foldables after China. Honor saw its foldable shipments soar a whopping 455% in the second quarter year-over-year. The company is all set to launch the new Magic V3 in the global market this week.
Magic V3 is said to be the world’s slimmest foldable smartphone at 9.8mm thick when folded. Samsung is also bringing a slimmer Galaxy Z Fold this year, which could be 10.6mm thick and launch in China and South Korea only.
Camera Control may have caught your attention, which debuted in the iPhone 16. Unlike Dynamic Island, Apple’s Camera Control key on iPhone 16 is a must on Samsung Galaxy. I am eagerly waiting for this masterstroke, honestly.
iPhone 16’s Camera Control key will be beneficial on Samsung Galaxy. The company’s Galaxy S flagships are known for their exceptional camera capabilities. A dedicated button will improve the user experience by 10 times.
Apple’s Camera Control introduces new ways to operate mobile cameras. Additionally, it helps users quickly access visual intelligence to learn about objects or places around them faster than ever before.
It’s a dedicated key integrated with Apple’s fancy iOS software. It’s a touch feedback key in the middle frame next to the power button. This underrated addition significantly elevates the camera experience on the iPhone 16 lineup.
Camera Control on a future Samsung should be welcomed by most Galaxy fans. Zooming capabilities, Nightography, and OIS of Galaxies are far ahead of Apple iPhones. Notably, Sony-made camera flagships also bring a capture button.
One UI 6 replicated several features from Apple’s iOS 17. I can’t assume Samsung will be criticized for bringing an iPhone-inspired Camera Control button on a future Galaxy. The company should consider innovating to uplevel Galaxy’s camera experience.
Image – Apple
Camera Control is a tactile switch, which powers the click experience. Besides, the key also has a high-precision force sensor, making the light press gesture, and a capacitive sensor – unlocking touch interactions.
The functionality is also able to trigger the camera, take a photo, and record video. iPhone 16 users can adjust controls such as zoom, exposure, or depth of field. As a result, users can compose a stunning photo or video by sliding their finger.
Google Pixel 10 series will likely use 3nm Tensor G5 made by TSMC. The company is swiftly working to switch the Tensor producer for the next-gen SoC. Starting with the Tensor G1, Samsung has been fabricating Pixel-exclusive chips.
BusinessKorea reports that Google is likely to switch Tensor G5 production from Samsung to TSMC next year. The report suggests that the Tensor G5 will be used in the Pixel 10 series and is expected to be produced using TSMC’s 3nm process.
Samsung retained Google for the production of the Tensor G4 processor last year. Recent developments suggest that the Tensor G5 would not be produced at Samsung Foundry as a switch to Taiwan’s TSMC is highly likely.
Google and TSMC have entered the full-scale mass production phase of the Tensor G5. Despite utilizing its own developed Tensor, Google’s Pixel phones have always been criticized for performance and efficiency issues.
“TSMC has gained an advantage over Samsung in the 3nm process.”
In a situation where Samsung urgently needs to secure Foundry clients, losing Google to TSMC could disrupt its order strategy. Samsung Elec is also considering solely using Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 which would also benefit TSMC.
Samsung Foundry’s low yield rate is the biggest reason for Google to opt for TSMC. Exynos 2500 is already facing release uncertainty, and the departure of Google would significantly harm Samsung Foundry’s Mobile AP business.
Beyond Tensor G5, Google is rumored to produce Tensor G6 using TSMC’s 2nm process. It will be a huge leap in the Pixel segment’s AP strategy. Pixel 11 may be the early entry to ship with a 2nm process-based chipset variant.
Samsung received recognition for its design excellence at the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) 2024. The accolades include two Gold (one for Galaxy AI UX), one Silver, and two Bronze awards, as well as 40 Finalists.
Interpreter defies language barriers, Live Translate automatically translates voice calls, Note Assist enables users to create intelligent summaries of their notes, Browsing Assist allows them to summarize and translate webpages and Chat Assist lets them text in the language in which they’re most comfortable.
IDEA 2024 awards serve as an important validation of Samsung’s design commitment. The company was recognized for its excellence in design centered on consumer lifestyles and experiences.
“As we move forward, we’ll maintain a keen focus on developing innovative designs that both enrich the lives of our users and also stay true to each product’s essence.” – TM Roh.
Galaxy AI UX brings meaningful intelligence to enhance every part of life, especially by enabling seamless communication anywhere, anytime. IDEA 2024’s Gold award reiterates Galaxy AI is a quite special suite of AI functionalities.
The company’s design reflects its changing values and innovative technology. IDEA is one of the world’s most prestigious design awards programs. Winning the Gold award for Galaxy AI UX is a great milestone, solidifying consumer satisfaction.