When Samsung launched its first folding smartphone in 2019, it didn’t interest many people. Indeed, besides the fact that it was a brand new product category, the Galaxy Fold was extremely expensive, and some had doubts about the robustness of the device.
But gradually, folding smartphones from Samsung have gained popularity. And it looks like 2021 has been a pivotal year, with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 a you Galaxy Z Flip 3. On these two models, in addition to having revised its prices, Samsung has also made the foldable screen and the hinge mechanism more resistant.
And this week, as it prepares for the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4, it is releasing new sales data.
“Last year we saw nearly 10 million foldable smartphones shipped globally. That’s an industry increase of over 300% from 2020, and I predict this rapid growth will continue. We are coming at a time when these foldable devices are going mainstream and claiming a bigger place in the overall smartphone market.”writes TM Roh, head of Samsung’s mobile division, in a statement.
Samsung also indicates that 70% of folding smartphones sold were “Flip” devices, so folding clamshell smartphones. Smaller, these devices also cost less compared to the “Fold” which are smartphone/tablet hybrids.
While devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 3 emphasize aesthetics, the form factor of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is more focused on productivity. The successors to these two models, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Glaxy Z Flip 4, will be unveiled by Samsung at an Unpacked event scheduled for August 10.
Samsung is preparing to launch its next folding smartphones
TM Roh did not mention the technical characteristics of these two devices, but some rumors are already circulating on the web. For example, according to some sources, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 should be the most powerful Samsung smartphone on the market (more powerful than the Galaxy S22 Ultra), since it would use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, which is an upgraded version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 used by the Galaxy S22 series.
It is also expected that the Korean giant will again improve the resistance of the foldable screen, as well as the hinge mechanism.
“At our next Unpacked on August 10, you’ll see that the impact of our innovation isn’t just about what technology can do. It’s about what you can do. We have once again drawn inspiration from the most important source – Galaxy users – to push the boundaries of what is possible”said TM Roh.
And while Samsung’s folding smartphones are becoming more popular in the premium segment, rumors are already circulating about the next stage of development for this category of devices. According to these, Samsung would consider launching affordable folding smartphones for the mid-range segment.
At the same time, Samsung is also exploring new formats, such as smartphones or tablets with roll-up screens.