Samsung’s Foldable Future: The New Flip4 & Fold4 Launch
Samsung has dropped the “last‑year” pricing on its flagship foldable lineup, slinging the Galaxy Z Flip4 at $999.99 (US) and the 5G‑ready Galaxy Z Fold4 with its snazzy 7.6‑inch main display starting at $1,799.99. No surprise—chips, batteries, and the five‑year‑old price tags are all staying the same, but the buzz… that’s a different story.
Why This Matters
- Those clamshells and folding screens went from “edge‑case” to everyday, now millions of users are unlocking them.
- Samsung’s TM Roh notes: “We’ve turned a radical concept into a mainstream staple.”
- Came‑as‑a‑team tactic: Galaxy Z Flip4, Z Fold4, and the new Buds2 Pro ear‑buds hit shelves on August 26 across the US, parts of Europe, and good ol’ South Korea.
Market Outlook & Competition
Drop the tough numbers but keep the vibes: Foldables will grow to 16 million units this year—only 1.2% of the entire smartphone pie—but that’s a leap from 9 million last year. Even as the overall market shrinks, the quirky form factor, giant screens, and convenience of foldables keep folks intrigued.
Shifts in Share
- In the first half of 2022, Samsung ruled at 62% of the foldable market, leaving Huawei 16% and Oppo 3% in its dust.
- In the second half? Samsung’s share is projected to climb to an 80% dominance bubble.
- Goal: make foldables outsell the old‑school Galaxy Note in the next half.
Apple in the Foldable Spotlight
Counterpoint’s Jene Park warns, “Apple is the next big rival, and we expect a foldable from them either in 2024 or 2025.” Apple’s cover‑story? Samsung’s edge with the Foldable, leaving Apple to catch up in an inch‑wise dance.
Fun Fact
The new models give you a seamless app experience, making Instagram scrolls feel like a right‑hand “slide‑and‑snap,” and Outlook look less like a boring desktop nightmare. Now that’s an upgrade!
There’s a Sweet Spot
Samsung says that these new devices keep things “easy‑to‑use,” so whether you’re a graphic design guru or a daily Insta‑sharer, the Fold4’s 7.6‑inch screen means you won’t have to wear a megaphone to read emails. And the Flip4’s pocket‑friendly size? You can fit it under your hoodie—no, seriously, try it! Some people are already calling it the “phone ninja”.
So, folks: fold up, power on, and let the future of phones roll right into your palm.
