The recently launched Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 are the best foldable smartphones to date. They are expected to make the foldable category mainstream. It is evident from the initial sales numbers. According to a report by DSCC, this niche category of phones will explode in the coming quarters.
According to DSCC (Display Supply Chain Consultants), a record 819K foldable smartphones were sold in Q2 2021. The numbers were up by 147% QoQ and 0.8% YoY. The research firm predicts massive growth in the remaining two quarters of this year.
The newly published report by DSCC says that the sales of foldable smartphones will increment by 215% QoQ and 480% YoY to 2.6M units. The growth figures will stand at 46% QoQ, 450% YoY, and 3.8 million units in Q4 2021.
The firm’s updated estimation comes from the launch of Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 with features like water resistance, stylus support, UPC (Under Panel Camera), and more. As per the report, Samsung reportedly spent a whopping $2 billion for marketing and promotions of these phones to create awareness regarding foldables among consumers.
The new estimated figures also account for upcoming foldable smartphones from OEMs like Google, HONOR, HUAWEI, OPPO, vivo, and Xiaomi in Q4 2021 and Q1 2022. The numbers also take account of cost reduction in the production of foldable panels and UTG (Ultra Thin Glass).
DSCC now predicts the shipments of foldable smartphones to increase 232% in 2021 to 7.5 million units. In 2022, these numbers will be 112% and 15.9 million units, followed by 51 million units in shipments in 2026.
The firm anticipates Samsung to hold a lion share of 85% in the foldable smartphone category in 2021, followed by HUAWEI with a 10% share. Further, the Galaxy Z Flip3 will be the best-selling foldable smartphone of 2021.
Lastly, Samsung Display’s market share in the foldable display market is projected to increase from 83.5% in 2020 to 83.9% in 2021. The panel shipments will surge from 3.2 million units in 2020 to 10.4 million units in 2021.
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