“Promoting popularization with a fully completed foldable phone”
Samsung Electronics mentioned the direction of foldable phone development at the ’52th Regular Shareholders’ Meeting held at Suwon Convention Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do on the 17th.
On this day, Samsung Electronics said, “Last year, the’Galaxy Z Fold’ model was actively reflected and the’Galaxy Z Flip 2’was introduced, and a new foldable form factor of the clamshell (clamshell) type was introduced. We reinforced our foldable portfolio by releasing the’Galaxy Z Flip’. “Galaxy Z Fold solidifies its super premium positioning, and the Galaxy Z Flip meets the needs of millennials and female customers with a stylish design and competitive price. We will promote the popularization of the foldable category.”
He said that the foldable phone lineup released earlier was successful, and emphasized that he would introduce a more advanced new product. According to the actual market research company DSCC, last year’s global foldable phone sales amounted to 2.2 million units, an increase of about 1000% compared to 2019. During this period, Samsung Electronics took first place with an overwhelming market share of 87%. Last year, the most sold product in the global foldable phone market was Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Flip, which recorded a market share of about 50%. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was followed by a 37% market share.
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Expected to be released in 3Q.. What will happen?
In the industry, it is expected that Samsung Electronics will introduce at least three new foldable phones by the second half of this year. DSCC explained in its latest report, “Samsung Electronics delayed the release of the next-generation foldable phone until the third quarter,” and “We expect to release at least three new Galaxy Z foldable phones.” DSCC predicted that Samsung Electronics will release △’Galaxy Z Fold 3’△’Galaxy Z Fold Lite’ △’Galaxy Z Flip 2′.
First of all, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is expected to be equipped with the’Galaxy S Pen’ for the first time in a foldable phone. It is observed that the’AES’ pen using the active static electricity method will be applied in consideration of the durability of the flexible display used on the main screen of the foldable phone. The possibility of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 being the first Samsung smartphone to have an under-panel camera (UPC) is also raised. UPC is a technology that implements a’full screen’ by placing the camera under the screen. There is also an expectation that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have a technical feature that folds twice in a’Z’ shape instead of once.
The Galaxy Z Fold Lite is an entry-level product of the Galaxy Z Fold. Like existing products, it is expected that the front cover display will be attached in a form that folds left and right. Looking at the rendered image estimated to be the product, the internal display is 7.3 inches, the same as the Galaxy Fold. The front dual camera and rear triple camera are mounted inside the internal display, and another camera is attached to the exterior of the product, so a total of six cameras are installed. The estimated shipping price of the Galaxy Fold Lite, discussed in foreign media, is $1,100 (approximately 1.32 million won). It is much cheaper than the existing Galaxy Fold, which was $1980.
In the case of the Galaxy Z Flip 2, a change in the level of performance enhancement is expected rather than a big difference in design from the existing model. There is a possibility to increase the screen size a little and take a thinner thickness. It is an observation that there will be a change in white paper and color. In addition, it is known that additional collaboration discussions with luxury brands are in progress following the successful collaboration with Tom Browne in the existing model.