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Samsung is one of the first manufacturers to have entered the folding smartphone market. And it would seem that these early efforts are starting to bear fruit, according to a study delivered by the firm Omdia.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Introductory price 1059 €
Rakuten599.00
Cdiscount Marketplace608.99
Fnac.com marketplace610.00
Darty Marketplace615.99
Amazon Marketplace729.00
Fnac.com Used Marketplace748.00
Used Amazon Marketplace762.50
La Redoute Marketplace934.98
Darty.com1,059.00
How the pricing table works
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Fnac.com Used Marketplace
1,135.00
- Rakuten
1,185.00
Amazon Warehouse1,222.95
- Cdiscount Marketplace
1,263.99
- Fnac.com marketplace
1,265.00
- Used Amazon Marketplace
1,278.01
- Amazon Marketplace
1,349.00
SFR1,609.00
Shopping street
1,689.00
Amazon1,699.00
Fnac.com1,699.00
baker.com1,699.00
- Darty.com
1,699.00
RED by SFR1,699.00
- La Redoute Marketplace
1,699.00
crossroads1,699.00
Cdiscount1,703.99
eBay1,703.99
Samsung1,799.00
LDLC1,807.90
Materiel.net1,807.90
Topbiz.fr
1,990.27
How the pricing table works
The folding smartphone may remain a niche market, but it should become more popular in the years to come. In any case, this is what the enthusiasm of certain industry giants for this format seems to indicate. Among them, Samsung reigns supreme. In 2021, the South Korean giant has already released its third generation of folding device with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3. Convincing devices, which have been able to erase some of the flaws of the previous generation.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Omdia research firm has looked into the matter and is providing interesting data on this booming market. We thus discover that, according to his estimates, shipments of folding smartphones have increased by 309% compared to the year 2020. This represents 9 million devices for 2021. 8 million of them (i.e. 89%) have been sold during the second half of the year, which shows that the phenomenon is changing rapidly. Omdia also estimates that global shipments could increase by 55% in 2022, which would equate to 14 million devices.
Since the launch of its first mobile of this kind, Samsung has sold more than 10 million units. This currently represents 88% of a market spread over nine different models.
Sales of premium smartphones like the Galaxy S and Note have been declining for a few years. In order to remain competitive on the high end against Apple and Chinese manufacturers, Samsung has chosen to bet on its folding smartphones. A decision that allowed him to take a big lead on this market against his rivals.
Far from a flop
One smartphone nevertheless seems to have particularly distinguished itself within this range: the Galaxy Z Flip 3. The study indicates that the firm has sold 4.6 million, which represents 52% of the folding market in 2021. This 5G model enjoying a good finish was indeed launched at 1059 € with us, a price significantly lower than the Galaxy Z Flip (1509 €). This price difference was therefore a real springboard for wider adoption by the public. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 meanwhile sold 2.5 million copies while the Huawei Mate X2 completes the podium with 600,000 units sold. Figures that obviously pale in comparison to sales of rigid screen models.
The Oppo Find N offers a compact and pleasant format
Samsung has therefore positioned itself well in this promising market. But the competition is getting organized. Oppo recently presented the very attractive Find N, which offers a particularly interesting format. Xiaomi also released its Mix Fold, but limited itself to the Chinese market, which logically limited its distribution.
The firm therefore expects to see this market evolve rapidly, even if it expresses some doubts as to the fact that it is completely standardised.