Amid intense competition from Chinese companies in a rapidly growing market, Korean electronics giant Samsung has unveiled two enhanced models of foldable smartphones. The new foldable smartphones are the "Galaxy Z Fold 3" and the "Galaxy Z Flip 3." Both devices feature sleeker designs, better water resistance, and more durable screens, according to Agence France-Presse.
The "Galaxy Z Flip 3," which has a 6.7-inch display, is priced starting at $999, in line with other high-end phones, while the "Galaxy Z Fold 3," with a 7.6-inch display, is priced at $1,799. According to the French agency, these new models come at a time when Samsung is facing fierce competition from Chinese smartphone manufacturers, with "Xiaomi" taking the second spot in the market in the second quarter of this year.
TM Roh, Head of Mobile Communications at Samsung, stated that the company is "once again expanding the possibilities offered by foldable smartphones that give users the flexibility and versatility needed in our fast-paced world," according to AFP. The aim of the "Flip 3" is to provide an affordable foldable phone, while the "Fold 3" replaces larger screen devices and comes with a stylus that can be used on the screen.
A recent study by research group Canalys revealed that Chinese company "Xiaomi" has overtaken American company "Apple" for the second position in the global smartphone market, which is facing disruptions due to chip supply shortages and lockdown measures affecting consumers. This study indicated that global smartphone sales rose by 12%, with Samsung maintaining its market lead with an estimated market share of about 19%. Xiaomi advanced to the second position for the first time with 17% market share, and an 83% increase in sales, according to Canalys. While Apple fell to third place, Chinese companies "Oppo" and "Vivo" ranked fourth and fifth, each holding about 10% market share.
It is noteworthy that smartphone sales rose by 11% compared to last year, but they declined after the first quarter of this year due to a global semiconductor shortage, according to the research group. Pre-orders for Samsung's new phones are available now, with deliveries expected later this month in the United States, Europe, and South Korea.
