Global smartphone sales have been on a decline for an extended period, and this downward trend persists. According to research from Counterpoint, sales are projected to experience a 6% drop in 2023, reaching 1.15 billion shipments, marking the lowest smartphone sales in a decade.
The smartphone market in China witnessed a decrease due to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, even before the pandemic, there was already a declining trend. The pandemic further worsened this decline, and smartphone sales are still not meeting the desired performance.
One of the main reasons for the decline is that innovations in phones are no longer as groundbreaking as they used to be, the phone market is offering what people need completely, people do not want to change their phones, and when they buy a new phone, it does not bring anything huge compared to the old one. This has led to an increasing interest in foldable phones, driven by the desire for a unique experience.
Chinese foldable smartphone sales
Foldable form factor devices are preferred because they fulfill the function of both a phone and a tablet, and they can offer the function more easily during any multitasking actions.
Samsung is the first company to introduce the foldable form factor in 2019, but Samsung no longer creates innovative designs like other Chinese foldable manufacturers. The Fold 5, in contrast to other book-style foldable devices, is slightly thicker. All the top selling foldable devices in China are Chinese origin.
OPPO Find N2 Flip ranks first among the top foldables selling in China. After Find N2 Flip, Huawei Mate X3, Huawei Pocket S, Huawei Mate Xs 2, Huawei P50 Pocket, OPPO Find N2, Huawei Magic V5, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and vivo X Flip come.
Chinese OEMs are evident among the most successful firms. A newcomer to the foldable scene is Motorola, which attracted attention with its razr 40 series, introduced this year.
According to the latest research by TechInsights, global shipments of smartphones featuring foldable displays saw a 24% year-on-year increase in the second quarter of 2023. Motorola distinguished itself in this quarter, achieving a huge 2135% year-on-year growth with their latest moto razr 40 series foldable phones.
A major advantage of the razr 40 series is its fresh design approach. The razr 40 Ultra boasts the largest cover display among Flip-style phones, measuring 3.6 inches. Another reason for the success of the razr 40 series is its affordability in comparison to other foldable options in China.