Last updated on December 5, 2025
It feels like every year, the conversation about our smartphones gets more interesting, doesn’t it? If you’ve been wondering if those cool, bendy phones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and Galaxy Z Flip series, are going to completely take over from the traditional Galaxy S series by 2026, you’re not alone. It’s a big question many of us are asking as we look at the rapidly changing smartphone market. The short answer is: probably not entirely, but Samsung Foldables Are Also Coming For The Galaxy S in a big way, and the lines are definitely blurring. Samsung isn’t looking to get rid of the Galaxy S series just yet. Instead, they are clearly betting big on foldables as the future of premium smartphones. You’ll see both lines evolve, with foldables becoming more mainstream and the S series focusing on innovative ideas like Galaxy AI features.
Key Takeaways: Foldables vs. Galaxy S in 2025
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect from Samsung’s smartphone plan over the next year or so:
- Foldables are going mainstream: Expect better durability, more competitive prices, and enhanced features.
- Galaxy S isn’t disappearing: It will continue as a strong, traditional flagship, pushing new boundaries in areas like AI and camera technology.
- Durability concerns are mostly gone: Modern foldables are significantly tougher and more reliable than earlier models.
- S Pen support is evolving: It remains a key feature for productivity, but its integration varies across different foldable models.
- Competition is heating up: Other brands, and potentially even Apple, are entering the foldable space, pushing Samsung to innovate faster.
From Note’s Demise to S Series Challenges
Remember when the Galaxy Note series was the ultimate power user phone? With its big screen and beloved S Pen, it carved out a loyal niche. But eventually, as phone screens got bigger and the S Pen found its way into other devices, Samsung decided to phase out the Note.
It was a clear signal that Samsung wasn’t afraid to adapt its lineup, especially when new ideas arrived.
Now, the traditional Galaxy S series faces its own set of challenges. While still incredibly popular, the overall smartphone market has matured. We’re not seeing massive leaps in technology every single year like we used to.
This means that exciting new features are harder to come by, and sometimes the sales of a new S series model might not hit the same highs as previous generations, leading to a slight Galaxy S series sales decline in some reports.
The Rise of the A-Series
Part of this shift comes from Samsung’s incredible success with its more affordable phones, particularly the Galaxy A series. These phones offer fantastic features for their price, and they’ve become sales champions globally. When you can get a really good experience for less money, it takes some pressure off the premium Galaxy S models to be the sole volume drivers for the company.
This success in the mid-range allows Samsung to experiment more at the high end, focusing on truly innovative and premium experiences, like their foldables, without needing them to be mass-market blockbusters right away.
Foldables in 2025: A Mainstream Reality?
If you’re still picturing those early, somewhat fragile foldable phones, it’s time for an update. By late 2025, foldable phone market share is definitely on the rise, and these devices are becoming a mainstream reality. Brands like Huawei, Motorola, and Google Pixel Fold are all competing, but Samsung still leads the charge with its Galaxy Z Fold series and Galaxy Z Flip series.
What’s changed? For one, the technology has gotten much better. We’re seeing huge advancements in foldable phone durability, display quality, and overall design. For example, hinges are smoother, and screens feel more reliable.
People are realizing that having a phone that folds isn’t just a gimmick; it offers real benefits for productivity and portability. Global consumer adoption of foldables is steadily growing, showing that more and more people are ready to embrace this new form factor.
Durability: A Solved Problem?
Let’s be honest, durability was the biggest hurdle for early foldable phones. Creases, screen issues, and a lack of water or dust resistance made many hesitate. But fast forward to 2025, and these concerns are largely addressed.
Modern foldables feature advanced hinge technology, like Samsung’s “Armor FlexHinge,” and much tougher Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) for the display. Many now boast impressive IP rating foldable phones for water resistance, meaning they can handle splashes and dips without a problem. While a faint screen crease might still be visible in certain lights, it’s far less noticeable and doesn’t impact daily use for most people.
The Rise of the Tri-Fold
Samsung isn’t just sitting still with its current foldable designs. You might have heard whispers, or even seen early concepts, of a “tri-folding” device. Samsung has been working on multi-folding concepts for a while, and the Galaxy Z TriFold could be a pilot device to explore these possibilities.
Imagine a tablet-sized screen that folds down into a regular smartphone, and then folds again into an even more compact device. This kind of new idea shows Samsung’s long-term smartphone new idea trends and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a phone can be.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Flagship Showdown
For many, the real question comes down to choosing between the top-tier foldable and the top-tier traditional phone. Here’s a look at how the expected Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might stack up, especially for those looking for a Samsung premium phone 2025 experience.
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Expected) | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Display | Foldable (Phone & Tablet modes), large inner AMOLED display, smaller outer display | Traditional slab, large flat or slightly curved AMOLED display |
| Processor | Latest Snapdragon 8 Elite or equivalent Exynos | Latest Snapdragon 8 Elite or equivalent Exynos |
| Cameras | Excellent camera system, possibly with under-display camera on inner screen | Top-tier camera system, industry-leading zoom and low-light performance |
| S Pen Support | Supports S Pen (often requires separate purchase or specific case), no integrated slot | Integrated S Pen slot, full S Pen functionality |
| Battery Life | Improved Battery life foldable phones, optimized for two screens | Excellent battery life, usually larger capacity |
| Price (Approx. USD) | Starting around $1,800 – $2,000 | Starting around $1,200 – $1,400 |
| Target User | Productivity enthusiasts, multitaskers, early adopters, those who want a tablet in their pocket | Traditional flagship users, photographers, those who prefer a solid, non-folding device |
S Pen Integration: A Shifting Landscape
The S Pen has always been a hallmark of Samsung’s productivity devices. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra will undoubtedly feature a built-in S Pen slot, the story for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a bit more complex. Samsung is still working on how to best integrate the S Pen directly into the foldable design without making the device too thick or sacrificing battery.
For now, while the Z Fold 7 will support the S Pen, you’ll likely still need a dedicated case or external storage for it, which isn’t quite as smooth as having it tucked away inside the phone. This is an area of ongoing new idea for S Pen on foldable phones, and we expect Samsung will eventually crack the integrated solution for future models.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Galaxy S26: The Compact Contenders
Not everyone needs a tablet-sized foldable. For many, the appeal of a clamshell foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is its compact size when folded, making it super portable. Let’s compare it to the standard Samsung Galaxy S26 model.
| Feature | Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Expected) | Galaxy S26 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Display | Clamshell foldable, compact when closed, main inner display, small cover screen | Traditional slab, standard display |
| Processor | Latest Snapdragon or Exynos chip, possibly a “FE” (Fan Edition) variant like Z Flip 7 FE | Latest Snapdragon or Exynos chip |
| Cameras | Excellent dual-camera setup, often using the main cameras for selfies when folded | Strong camera system, versatile for everyday use |
| Battery Life | Good battery life, but typically smaller capacity than a larger S-series phone | Reliable all-day battery life |
| Price (Approx. USD) | Starting around $900 – $1,100 | Starting around $800 – $1,000 |
| Target User | Fashion-conscious, compact phone lovers, those seeking a unique form factor | Users who want a reliable, high-performance traditional smartphone without the “Ultra” price tag |
Samsung’s Strategic Bet: Why Foldables are Key
Samsung’s aggressive push into foldables isn’t just about selling more phones; it’s a critical part of their Samsung foldable plan for the long term. In a crowded market, foldables offer true market differentiation. It’s hard to stand out when every phone looks like a black rectangle, but a phone that bends is instantly eye-catching and innovative.
This push also solidifies Samsung’s smartphone new idea leadership. They were first to market with mainstream foldables, and they want to maintain that edge as other players like Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, and Honor ramp up their own foldable offerings. Plus, with rumors of Apple foldable entry someday, Samsung wants to be well-established in the foldable space before a potential competitor arrives.
Ultimately, it’s about maintaining their position in the global premium smartphone pricing market and showcasing their Samsung product roadmap for the future.
The Future of the Galaxy S Series: Evolution or Extinction?
So, where does this leave the traditional Galaxy S series? It’s highly unlikely it’s heading for extinction anytime soon. Instead, we’ll see an evolution.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 and future models will continue to be Samsung’s rock-solid, high-performance flagships, focusing on perfecting core smartphone experiences: incredible cameras, powerful processors (like the Snapdragon 8 Elite or equivalent Exynos), and a refined One UI user experience.
They might even start to integrate some design cues or subtle features inspired by foldables, like stronger, more premium materials, or enhanced multi-tasking capabilities. The Galaxy S series future is about being the pinnacle of the traditional smartphone, while foldables lead the charge into new form factors. It’s about the Samsung smartphone lineup evolution rather than replacement.
Galaxy AI: The New Differentiator
One major way the Galaxy S series will maintain its relevance is through advanced AI features. Galaxy AI is quickly becoming a core selling point for Samsung’s traditional flagships. Imagine your phone doing more than just taking pictures; it could summarize your notes, translate conversations in real-time, or even intelligently edit your videos with a few taps.
These smart capabilities, powered by on-device AI and cloud AI, will be a huge differentiator for the S series, making it indispensable for many users, even as foldables gain popularity. This Samsung AI plan ensures the S series remains what a smart device can do.
Is a Foldable Right for You in 2025?
With foldables becoming more reliable and accessible, you might be wondering if it’s time to make the switch. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons to help you decide if a foldable phone aligns with your needs and budget in 2025.
| Consideration | Pros of a Foldable Phone (e.g., Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip) | Cons of a Foldable Phone |
|---|---|---|
| New idea & “Cool Factor” | Unique design, new technology, turns heads | Higher initial foldable phone price compared to traditional flagships |
| Portability & Screen Size | Large screen for productivity/media when unfolded, compact size when folded (Flip) | Still thicker and sometimes heavier than traditional phones when folded |
| Durability (2025) | Much improved hinges and screen materials, often water resistant (IPX8) | Still *potentially* less durable than a solid slab phone for extreme drops (though rapidly improving) |
| Productivity | Excellent for multitasking, split-screen apps, S Pen support (Fold) | Some apps still not fully optimized for foldable screens |
| Battery Life | Improved foldable phone battery life through tuning and larger cells | Can still drain faster with constant use of the larger inner screen (Fold) |
| Price & Value | New idea justifies premium price, but value might be slower to depreciate | Higher repair costs if something does go wrong |
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Foldables
When foldables first came out, there were a lot of worries. But honestly, many of those concerns are simply not true for today’s models. Let’s bust a few foldable phone myths that might still be lingering:
- “The screen crease is really distracting.” While you might see a slight indentation on some models, it’s far less noticeable than it used to be and rarely impacts viewing or touch interaction. It’s something most users quickly forget about.
- “Foldables break easily.” Modern foldables are far more reliable. With stronger hinges, tougher foldable display materials, and improved water resistance, they can handle daily life just fine. They’re not as fragile as you might think.
- “Battery life is terrible.” This was a concern with early models, but foldable phone battery concerns are largely a thing of the past. Manufacturers have packed in larger batteries and optimized software, so devices like the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip can easily last a full day for most users.
- “Apps aren’t optimized for folding screens.” Most major apps work perfectly fine on foldable screens. Samsung’s One UI software does an excellent job of managing app resizing and multi-window views, making app tuning for foldables a non-issue for the vast majority of users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Samsung stop making Galaxy S phones?
No, it’s highly unlikely that Samsung will stop making Galaxy S series phones completely. The Galaxy S discontinuation is not on the cards for the foreseeable future. Instead, expect to see the S series evolve alongside foldables, focusing on different strengths and user experiences.
Samsung’s plan is more about diversification of its Samsung phone lineup changes than replacement.
Are foldable phones durable enough for daily use in 2025?
Absolutely! The 2025 foldable durability is miles ahead of early models. Thanks to advanced hinge technology and stronger materials, modern foldables are built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
They often come with impressive water resistance and reliable displays, making foldable phone reliability much higher than you might expect.
Which Samsung phone is best for productivity: Galaxy S26 Ultra or Z Fold 7?
For ultimate productivity, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is generally considered the winner. Its large inner screen, often with enhanced multitasking capabilities, allows you to do more at once. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a powerful device, especially with its integrated S Pen, the sheer screen real estate of the Z Fold 7 gives it an edge for intense work or creative tasks.
It really comes down to whether you prioritize a big canvas or a more traditional, always-ready S Pen experience.
The Road Ahead: Samsung’s Bold Mobile Goal
Looking at Samsung’s mobile goal, it’s clear they engoal a future where both traditional and foldable smartphones co-exist. The Galaxy S series will continue to serve those who prefer a classic, refined smartphone experience, pushed forward by new ideas like Galaxy AI. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold series and Galaxy Z Flip series will lead the charge in new form factors, offering unique experiences for productivity, entertainment, and style.
The next few years in the smartphone market will be fascinating. Samsung’s long-term 2026 smartphone predictions suggest a world with more choice, more new idea, and phones that adapt even better to our individual needs. So, as you consider your next smartphone, remember that the question isn’t whether foldables will *replace* the Galaxy S, but how they will *evolve together* to offer us more incredible options than ever before.
Samsung Foldables Are Also Coming For The Galaxy S, and that means exciting times for all of us.
