Samsung has shipped nearly 10 million Z Fold and Flip phones

Samsung’s phones have undoubtedly carried the flag for innovation in the foldable segment since the first Galaxy Fold was released three years ago. According to the head of the company’s mobile division, TM Roh, this momentum will continue in the years to come thanks to impressive sales.

In an official blog postthe Samsung executive notes that the company shipped “almost 10 million” foldable phones in 2021, recording 300% growth from 2020. Another interesting trend is that nearly 70% of Samsung foldable phone buyers have opted for the Flip clamshell model, while the rely on the pricey Fold line of hybrid tablets.

TM Roh at the Unpacked 2021 event. (Samsung)

Teasing “new Samsung Galaxy Foldables” making an appearance at the upcoming Unpacked event scheduled for August 10, Roh also hinted at the phone’s new capabilities that will make the most of the foldable form factor. It would be interesting to see what Samsung brings this time around, especially from a software feature standpoint, as the leaks only suggest a modest iterative update for next-gen foldable phones.

The upcoming collapsible slate

Samsung’s revelation that 70% of foldable phone buyers opted for the Flip model is intriguing, but not entirely surprising. Clamshell foldables are considerably cheaper without making any noticeable concessions in raw firepower. Moreover, the nostalgia of the flip phone, complemented by a pleasant pocket size and vibrant colors, make them more attractive.

Alleged renders of the Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Leaked Galaxy Z Flip 4 renders. (OnLeaks/91Mobiles)

Take, for example, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and its Tailored Edition, which earned accolades for its foldable novelty, solid build quality, reliable performance, and great looks. If the leaks have anything to do with it, the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 4 won’t deviate much from its predecessor’s design and will focus more on internal upgrades.

Of course, it remains to be seen if Samsung maintains the same asking price as its predecessor. At $999, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 was a bargain on its own, and given Samsung’s aggressive foldable strategy, its successor will likely follow in the same footsteps.

Things are set to change with Samsung’s flagship foldable phone this year – the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Leaks suggest a sleek design that borrows its looks from the Galaxy S22 Ultra, and a few camera upgrades are also said to be on the way.

Front of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Alleged renderings of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. (OnLeaks x SmartPrix)

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 will keep things going inside, while photography will be handled by an improved 50-megapixel primary that’s already delivered solid results on the Galaxy S22 lineup. Samsung is also said to improve zoom performance, thanks to a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom output.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 will be the premium foldable sibling, showcasing all the innovation Samsung has to offer. Roh boldly proclaims that “the mainstream moment for foldables has arrived”, and it will be interesting to see what Samsung does to actually make them more accessible.

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