Folding phone market slows: Will Samsung surprise with an affordable option?
The growth of folding smartphones has slowed in recent months, with sales stalling after an initial surge. While Chinese manufacturers are producing innovative models, most remain confined to the Chinese market. Samsung, the world leader in this niche category, struggles to differentiate its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip models, leading to waning consumer interest and higher prices that deter new buyers. The primary strategy seems to be aimed at retaining existing customers by offering updated versions.
A Trifolding Future?
The race for innovation continues. Huawei has already made waves by announcing the Mate XT, a first-of-its-kind ultra-thin phone that folds in three. Rumors suggest Xiaomi and Samsung are following suit.
Samsung’s tri-folding phone, anticipated for the quarter 3 of 2025, will likely launch alongside a refresh of existing Galaxy Z devices.
“Initial launch of this phone is expected to take place in early 2026,” says Ross Young, an analyst with DSCC specializing in display technology. Speculation is rife about the relative maturity of this groundbreaking technology soon.
Samsung may prioritize other projects, pushing the tri-folding phone further down the pipeline. The decline of interest in current models will likely see the company launch its Galaxy S25 smartphones early next year, as well as introduce connected glasses slated to hit the market mid-2025.
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Balancing Act: Innovation Versus Affordability
With a $1,000 price tag (excluding deals) they are not affordable, a more budget friendly Galaxy Z device is on the table—whether a lighter version of the Fold or Flip.
Samsung is Ghana at a crossroads between pushing revolutionary models at a premium and catering to a larger audience with more affordable options this could define
Samsung needs a to think about.
What factors are contributing to the slowdown in the foldable phone market?
## Folding Phone Future: Can Samsung Break the Price Barrier?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. We’re seeing a slowdown in the foldable phone market, with sales plateauing after that initial burst of excitement. Today, we have tech analyst, Alex Reed, joining us to discuss this fascinating trend. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** So, the excitement around foldable phones seems to be waning. What’s behind this slowdown?
**Alex Reed:** There are a few things at play here. While brands like Honor and Oppo are pushing boundaries with exciting new designs, these models often stay within the Chinese market. In the global market, Samsung leads the pack, but they’re struggling to stand out with their Fold and Flip series. The constant incremental upgrades aren’t captivating new customers, and the high prices are certainly a deterrent. [[1](https://www.stuff.tv/review/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-review/)]
**Interviewer:** Right, tipping the scales at well over a thousand dollars, these phones aren’t exactly accessible. Could this be Samsung’s undoing?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a risk for sure. Retaining existing customers by offering updates year after year might not be enough to sustain their dominance. To truly reinvigorate the market, they need a breakthrough product that caters to a wider audience.
**Interviewer:** Do you think an affordable foldable from Samsung could be the answer?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. If Samsung could crack the code and offer a foldable phone at a more approachable price point, it could reignite interest and attract a whole new wave of buyers.
**Interviewer:** Exciting times ahead then! [Alex Reed name], thank you for your insights.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
**Interviewer:** And that’s all the time we have for today. Stay tuned for more tech discussions.
