I want to preface by saying...I can relate. I completely agree with all the arguments you all have and share the same exact disappointments:

• It's basically the same phone for last 3 generations.

• The cameras for the price point are not worth it.

• We want the S Pen integrated IN the phone like the Ultra.

• Samsung is not being competitive and is clearly focusing on Apple instead of the Chinese Foldables.

• Still has the crease.

Etc

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But I think all the anger and disappointment is misguided - not wrong. Not unwarranted. But misguided.

1) Foldables are still NEW: I don't think any of us would disagree that making a Foldable would cost more than a regular phone and IS ultimately experimental. Samsung has a huge share of mobile phones but Foldables are not the mainstream product for ANY brand.

Yes we love foldables but how many people do you actually know that also own Fold devices? I doubt it's more than a handful at best.

2) Competition: Yes, the Chinese foldables are incredible and clearly delivered (except S Pen) on what we want from modern Fold phones BUT Chinese companies have a lot less to lose and more to gain by experimenting than Samsung.

For one thing, China has a population of billions and majority of the market there is spread out in their local brands vs Apple. Samsung isn't even in the top 5 there.

Yes, Samsung has made relatively small changes to the Fold since Fold 3 BUT those changes add up across models. Samsung has learned from Apple and realized that the way to move forward now is to slowly build a Foldable market before making any huge changes.

While the phones are not that different from previous models when you use them you actually feel like you are using something that's better than the last one.

3) Design / Hinge: We don't know how long Foldables will be a thing but if we want them to be around as a form factor then we have to appreciate intermittent improvements in designs.

Let me say this: While they are similar...the new hinges (4 through 6) feel like a game changer to me. Also the phone folding flat is important for me for durability purposes from the design and user perspectives.

The Chinese brands have made great phones. Sure. Now what? Since they solved all of Samsung's problems.....how many more "major" changes do you think they can produce in models before there isn't much to improve beyond minor cosmetics or just cancelling the line entirely?

The way I see it....Samsung's approach...while infuriating, is actually smart for the long run. Make minor improvements until you have a Standard for the market and something that a lot of people want to buy. This, as opposed to making something perfect but without the ability to make any more advancements in the long run.

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Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk on Samsung and the future of the Foldable market.

Please share your thoughts!