Samsung Foldables Still Leading, But Android Competitors Gaining Ground – Find Out Who’s Closing the Gap!
The market for foldable phones has seen a significant increase in the third quarter of 2023, with a record 7 million foldable phones shipped, representing a 16% year-over-year growth. Samsung led the market, with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 capturing a 45% share and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 holding 24% of the foldable market. However, competition is on the rise as Huawei and Honor are expected to gain market share, with the Mate X5 and Magic V2 projected to take the #2 and #3 spots, respectively, in the fourth quarter.
According to DSCC CEO Ross Young, 2023 has been a mixed year for foldables, with Huawei regaining its footing and gaining significant market share, along with new entrants like Google, OnePlus, and Tecno. The report also notes that panel shipments are shifting away from Samsung Display, with BOE expected to become the top panel supplier in the fourth quarter, thanks to Huawei, OPPO, and Honor. This shift suggests that Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market is being threatened by more impressive options reaching consumers, particularly in China and Europe.
While Samsung continues to be a major player in the foldable market, the increasing competition from other Android OEMs highlights the shifting dynamics of the market. As more players enter the foldable phone space and offer improvements in device thickness, weight, and seam visibility, consumers can expect a wider range of options to choose from in the coming year. Despite the challenges, the growing popularity of foldable phones suggests that the market for innovative and flexible mobile devices is set to expand even further.