In a recent interview, René Castillo, VP of Samsung’s Mobile Division, discussed the advancement of the company’s latest foldable phones. He highlighted the focus on durability adn AI integration, driven by user feedback, resulting in devices that are thinner, lighter, and more powerful, without compromising battery life or resilience.
Men’s Health: Why prioritize making a thinner phone?
René Castillo: That’s a great question. At Samsung, we’ve always made it a point to listen to our foldable device users. We gather feedback through various channels, including social media, service centers, and retail locations.
An impressive 98% of users who switch from a traditional phone to a Galaxy Fold stay with it. However, many expressed that it felt a bit heavy when carried in a bag. Another common request was for a camera experience closer to that of the S series.
We concentrated on these two areas for the Galaxy Z Fold7 family. We achieved a thinner and lighter device with a significantly improved design and an expanded 8-inch screen for a unique multimedia experience. We also enhanced durability and battery life, ensuring that the reduced thickness didn’t sacrifice resistance or autonomy.
MH: What technical and design challenges did you face in achieving the final product?
RC: We don’t think of them as major or minor challenges, but rather as upholding a clear philosophy: sacrificing nothing. We wanted to address user requests without compromising quality.
One common concern with foldables is the screen’s durability with constant opening and closing.Today, the Galaxy Z Fold7 can withstand over 300,000 opening and closing cycles. Additionally, we guarantee seven operating system updates, which translates to about seven years of usability. The goal is to ensure users can keep their device for much longer.
MH: What sets the Galaxy Z Fold7 apart from similar devices from other brands?
RC: With the Fold7, we upgraded the camera sensor to 200 megapixels, a feature users have wanted for a while. The photographic experience is now comparable to the Galaxy S25, with the quality that has always distinguished us in this area.
In the Galaxy Z Flip7, which opens vertically, we enlarged the external screen so users can handle many apps without opening the device.These are the details that make a difference and directly address consumer requests.
MH: How is artificial intelligence being integrated?
RC: Starting with the Galaxy S24, we pioneered bringing AI to the user. Now, with the Fold7 and Flip7, we’re taking it a step further.
We are google’s largest partner globally, which allows us to integrate Gemini natively. For example, you can ask it to find a concert, schedule it on your calendar, and remind you to buy tickets two days before, all without opening additional apps.
Additionally, you can share your camera and screen with Gemini. Simply show it a monument to get information about it, or show it your wardrobe to suggest what to wear for an occasion, even considering the weather. The best part is that you can interact with the assistant with the phone open, closed, or with a single button.
MH: which areas of user experience have benefited the most from artificial intelligence?
RC: As last year, we’ve seen users start to leverage features like Circle to Search, which allows you to point at somthing in a video or photo for AI to identify it, find out where to get it, or learn more about it.
The real-time translator and tools for generating meeting summaries or to-do lists have also been popular. That was just the beginning. Today, users want to integrate all these functions without opening multiple applications.
With Gemini, you can simply ask out loud: “I want a note,” “Make me a summary,” or “Look for this.” Users are demanding more and more, and that demand motivates us to continue developing more complete and intelligent devices.
MH: How are wellness features addressed in the Fold7 and Flip7?
RC: We’ve been focused on user health for a long time. With the Watch 8 series, which also integrates AI and the gemini assistant, we achieve a seamless connection with the samsung Health application.
There, you can monitor everything from food, hydration, exercise, and sleep to stress levels. With the Watch 8, we even added blood pressure measurement and electrocardiogram capabilities. All of this creates an integrated ecosystem that guides users toward a healthier lifestyle.
The app now offers an energy indicator that analyzes your rest, physical activity, and nutrition to provide personalized recommendations. It’s like having a wellness assistant with you at all times.
For runners, such as, the watch provides a very complete analysis: heart rate, steps, running technique, balance, and even whether the footwear is suitable. Everything is recorded in Samsung Health, which is pre-installed on our phones and also available in the Galaxy Store.
MH: What would you say to someone considering buying a phone?
RC: Frist, consider what you’re looking for. I’m confident that our devices cover 99% of those needs.
The FOLD7, for example, offers a impressive multimedia experience with its 8-inch screen, ideal for streaming, creating content, working with office files, or managing emails, all in a thinner and lighter format that you can carry without complications.
The Flip7, on the other hand, offers absolute practicality: you can use most applications from the external screen without opening it. It’s compact, easy to manipulate, and transport.
The suggestion is clear: visit a point of sale and try which one best adapts to your lifestyle.
MH: Do you have a loyalty or equipment trade-in program?
RC: Yes. We have a trade-in program available on our website and through some commercial partners.it works like this: you bring in your previous phone-from any brand, not just -it’s evaluated in a few minutes, and the value is directly discounted from the purchase of your new device. It’s simple, fast, and accessible to everyone.
MH: What is your favourite phone?
RC: I currently use the Galaxy Z Fold7, which I find splendid. As I’m getting back into running, I carry it in an armband, and it doesn’t weigh me down at all. It’s perfect for my trips: I download movies,work on documents,and enjoy the multimedia experience without limits. Without a doubt, I highly recommend it.
innovation that listens to the user
The launch of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 highlights that the future of mobile technology depends not only on innovation but also on responding to the real-world needs of users. With improvements to the camera, portability, AI integration, and a health-focused ecosystem, aims to provide users with a complete tool to enhance their lifestyles.
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