Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 sales off to a poor start; Honor seizes opportunity to taunt rival

Samsung’s latest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, is off to a rocky start, with sales figures falling short of expectations. Meanwhile, competitor Honor is pulling no punches, seizing the moment to throw some serious shade at the tech giant.

According to reliable industry insider Ice Universe, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has sold a measly 270,000 units globally in its first two weeks. That’s a far cry from the numbers Samsung was hoping for, especially considering their ambitious goal of a 10% sales bump compared to last year’s model.

So, what’s behind this less-than-stellar debut? For starters, the Z Fold 6 isn’t exactly breaking new ground. Critics and consumers alike have noted that it’s not much different from its predecessor, the Z Fold 5. In a market where innovation is king, Samsung seems to be treading water while competitors like OnePlus and Google are making waves with their own foldable offerings.

Adding insult to injury, Samsung slapped a $100 price hike on the Z Fold 6. Asking people to shell out more cash for what feels like a rehashed product? That’s a tough sell, even for a brand with Samsung’s clout.

Enter Honor, ready to twist the knife. The Chinese smartphone maker is gearing up to launch what they’re calling “the world’s thinnest foldable” in a matter of days. But they’re not content with just outdoing Samsung on specs – they’re going for maximum pettiness points too.

In a marketing stunt that’s equal parts clever and savage, Honor enlisted UK micro-artist Graham Short to etch a 166-word “apology” to Samsung users on the hinge of their upcoming Magic V3. The message, barely visible to the naked eye, is a masterclass in backhanded compliments and not-so-subtle digs.

Here’s the full apology letter:

Dear Samsung Galaxy Z Fold owners, we’re sorry. We know you were excited to buy a phone that folds in half and fits in your pocket, awkwardly. You were promised the future, a technical marvel, a world of boundless multitasking and performance.

And now, you’re probably looking at the new HONOR Magic V3 and feeling a little… betrayed. Size matters, and we feel your pain. Like being tipped for a gold medal and then coming last in the race, the knowledge that a thinner, lighter, and more durable foldable exists is enough to make anyone question their choices.

We get it. You were an early adopter, a pioneer bravely venturing into the uncharted territory of foldable screens with questionable durability. You deserve better. In fact, you deserve a gold medal. In all seriousness, we at HONOR are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and bringing you the best possible foldable experience. We’re just saying… it’s okay to feel let down. We’d feel the same way.

Ouch. Talk about kicking someone when they’re down.

While Honor’s stunt is undoubtedly attention-grabbing, it remains to be seen whether it’ll translate into sales. The foldable market is still relatively niche, and Samsung has the advantage of brand recognition and a established track record.

That said, Samsung can’t afford to rest on its laurels. With competitors nipping at its heels and consumers demanding more bang for their buck, the tech giant needs to step up its game. Otherwise, they might find themselves on the receiving end of more than just playful jabs from rivals.

As for Honor, they’d better make sure their Magic V3 lives up to the hype. After all, when you talk this much trash, you’d better be able to back it up.