A few years ago, Samsung expanded its flagship smartphone lineup to add an extra model, one that was branded as the “Ultra.” This was done for both the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series. Even though the latter has now been absorbed into the Galaxy S series, Samsung chose to keep the Galaxy Note legacy going with the Ultra model of the Galaxy S22.
By introducing a new top-of-the-line model, Samsung diversified its flagship range even more, thus lowering the barrier of entry for customers who wanted a Samsung flagship. Customers who wanted the best of the best would pay the most money, but you could still become a Galaxy S customer by buying the entry-level Galaxy S22, which remains a bonafide high-end smartphone.
This did present Samsung with a challenging situation, one that it has handled very well. It now had to strike the right balance between all of these different models so that they didn't end up cannibalizing sales. We've seen with devices like the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S22 that all three models are capable of standing out on their own just enough that they don't overshadow the others.
Samsung has proven that it's more than capable of taking this formula and perfecting it for multiple iterations. There's no indication that it won't still continue to launch three separate models for the Galaxy S flagships in the years to come. Perhaps it's time that Samsung replicated this winning formula with its foldable smartphones?
The Galaxy Z Flip series seems like the perfect candidate. Starting at $999, there's enough upside here for an Ultra model. It may be a bit difficult to achieve this with the Galaxy Z Fold which already starts at $1,799. Samsung could even reduce the starting price for its clamshell foldable to make it more attainable for customers while giving those who need more the option to buy an Ultra model.
Let's assume this happens next year and we get a Galaxy Z Flip 5 Ultra. What could Samsung offer to make the Ultra stand out on its own? The cover display is integral to the clamshell foldable experience. A larger cover display would be the most natural addition to the Ultra. The camera setup on Samsung's clamshells can leave a lot to be desired. Samsung can address that with the Ultra. A bigger battery would be welcome, too.
It's likely that such additions would require the device to be heavier and thicker than the existing models. That wouldn't go against the Galaxy Z Flip 5 Ultra. Customers who have a need for all of the enhanced functionality that it provides would be more than happy with this trade-off. Those who don't need all of it will be happy with their Galaxy Z Flip 5 that has a slightly smaller cover display, a good high-end camera setup, and decent battery life.
Both models should ideally offer similar levels of durability and retain their IP water resistance rating. They should also use the same premium materials so that the base model continues to be a flagship in its own right. Ultimately, what you pay is what you get, and Galaxy Z Flip 5 customers will understand that very well, as Galaxy S fans have come to over the past few years.
By tweaking the pricing a bit, Samsung could make the Galaxy Z Flip 5 a lot more attainable. For example, the starting price could be lowered to the $799 – $849 range with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 Ultra slotting it at either $1,099 or $1,149. This should eliminate the need to make a cheaper Galaxy A clamshell foldable and enable Samsung to retain the flagship prestige for its foldable phones.
The time is now right for Samsung to go ahead with this. The Galaxy Z Flip series has quickly become one of Samsung's most sought-after lineups. This is the series that's convincing millions of people across the globe that foldables are the future, and that Samsung alone is charting the course to that future.
Introducing an Ultra model will enable Samsung to extract the most value possible out of the Galaxy Z Flip series. It will also provide customers with more choice, particularly those who feel that the device could offer more than it does, making this a win-win situation for everyone.
