Samsung is known for experimenting in public. Even the giant six-inch-plus smartphones we carry around today can be traced back to the 2011 release of the Galaxy Note, which started out as an effort to push the boundaries of screen size but ultimately got merged into the mainstream Galaxy lineup.
More recently, Samsung has pioneered foldable phones seemingly without much consideration as to whether they’re ready for primetime. The original Galaxy Fold launched with obvious flaws like a tiny outer screen and questionable durability, while the first Galaxy Z Flip felt a little more mature without offering much functionality beyond the flashy clamshell design.
This year, Samsung is launching a new foldable form factor that competes directly against an existing one, setting up a fascinating A/B test of which one the public will go for. It also happens to be taking place as Apple looms with its long-awaited entry into the space.
