Samsung Could Reportedly Drop ‘Z’ From Smartphone Names Over Russian Conflict

If you’ve been a long-time user of Samsung smartphones, you’d be familiar with the letter ‘Z’ popping up in the technology giant’s offerings as part of its branding. 

However, a report from insider Snoopytech alleges that the South Korean manufacturer could soon ditch the letter from its upcoming foldable series of smartphones, starting with the Galaxy Flip and Fold 4, and for a reason not many may expect. 

It appears that ‘Z’ has been prominently used by Russian forces in its war against Ukraine, with Gizmochina reporting that the letter had been painted on many military vehicles used as part of the invasion, though the exact meaning of the symbol remains unclear. 

There have been suggestions that the last letter of the alphabet could be in reference to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while others have posited it stands for “za pobedu,” which translates from Russian to “for victory.” 

Samsung has already removed the ‘Z’ branding from its devices in several European countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, with the devices now being referred to only as Galaxy Fold 3 and Flip 3. 

As per Android Police, it’s likely the rumors will be confirmed at Samsung’s forthcoming Unpacked event on August 10, when it’s slated to launch the next range of smartphones.

[via Gizmochina and Android Police, cover image via Samsung]