For the president of Samsung’s mobile division, folding smartphones are a real success, as evidenced by the increase in their sales figures. However, his company sold 30 times more classic phones last year.
Folding smartphones have established themselves among the general public. This is the message that Samsung, pioneer and leader of this niche, wants to send a few weeks before its August 10 event, during which the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 should show off their hinges.
Even though the sales volumes of this type of phone remain minimal after several years of effort, the South Korean manufacturer is once again trying to convince itself of their real potential. As proof, these “radical” terminals, as described by the president of the company’s mobile branch, TM Roh, have won “the preference of millions of people”. “It soon became apparent that this revolutionary and flexible design fit perfectly into modern lifestyles”adds the leader.
But then, how many folding smartphones has Samsung sold in the last three years? The firm does not say so, but TM Roh assures that all the telephone manufacturers who have tried the folding experience have, during the year 2021, sold more than 10 million units of these devices. This corresponds to a fourfold increase in sales compared to 2020.
Figures from independent firms are a little less enthusiastic. IDC estimates the number of foldable smartphones sold in 2021 at 7.1 million, when DSCC speaks of 7.9 million devices sold.
Be that as it may, even if Samsung outrageously dominates this market segment (nearly 9 out of 10 folding smartphones sold are stamped with its name), recording very strong growth, it is necessary to recall other figures putting into context these claims: the brand sold 272 million smartphones in 2021.
The global growth in sales of foldable smartphones should continue in the years to come, IDC expecting 28 million units sold in 2025. he vast majority of consumers will not choose one of these models when renewing their phone. The attraction of a very large screen once unfolded does not outweigh the concerns about the reliability of the hinges, in a context where the high selling price of these smartphones remains one of the first brakes mentioned.