Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, has announced plans to manufacture its high-end Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 smartphones in India, according to a senior company official. The move is aimed at catering to local demand and the devices are set to be produced at Samsung’s Noida factory in India. JB Park, President and CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, confirmed the news on Thursday.
The company is gearing up to launch these premium devices in India on August 18, with pre-bookings and special offers commencing from July 27 at midnight. This decision follows the successful local manufacturing of the Fold 4 and Flip 4 series, which began in December, four months post their launch.
According to the latest analysis by market research firm TechRepublic, the future of foldable smartphones, encompassing both traditional foldable designs and flip models, appears promising. It is projected that these innovative devices will contribute to over 1.8% of the total smartphone revenue in 2023, indicating a growing market share and consumer interest in this emerging category.
However, it’s worth noting that even though foldable smartphones are projected to generate substantial revenue, their sales volume is expected to be relatively modest. According to TechRepublic, these innovative devices are estimated to make up less than 0.5% of the total sales volume in the smartphone market. This indicates that while the revenue they generate will be noteworthy, their adoption and market penetration may still be in the early stages of development. In other words, while foldable smartphones show promise, they may not have reached widespread popularity just yet.
In terms of the Indian market, TechRepublic predicts that approximately 6.35 lakh units of foldable smartphones will be sold in the country during the year. This figure highlights the relatively niche nature of the foldable smartphone market, as it represents a fraction of the total smartphone sales volume in India. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that this number signifies a growing interest and demand for foldable smartphones among Indian consumers, indicating a potential for future expansion in this segment.
Overall, even though foldable smartphones are only anticipated to make up a small part of the money generated by smartphones in 2023, their importance resides in its potential to spur innovation and influence the direction of mobile technology. As the market continues to evolve and consumer preferences evolve, it will be interesting to observe how foldable smartphones gain traction and establish themselves as a viable option in the ever-competitive smartphone landscape.
Raju Pullan, Samsung India’s Senior VP of Mobile Business, expressed confidence in the Indian market’s response to the “Made in India” Galaxy Fold 5 and Galaxy Flip 5. He noted that Indian consumers seek value for money, aspirational products that enhance their lifestyle. This trend is observed even in rural markets, and when such products are available, they witness strong adoption rates.
According to recent research conducted by CMR, it has been suggested that the foldable smartphone market in India is poised for remarkable growth, with a potential year-on-year increase of over 65%. This projection highlights the growing demand and interest among consumers for these innovative devices that offer a unique and versatile user experience.
Despite the intensifying competition within the foldable smartphone market, Samsung, with its well-established brand prominence and market leadership, holds a distinct advantage. Ram, an expert from CMR, emphasizes that Samsung’s strong foothold in the industry positions them ahead of their competitors, enabling them to maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market landscape. This recognition of Samsung’s brand strength underscores the significance of their reputation and market presence in driving their success in the foldable smartphone segment.
Counterpoint Research, another market research firm, projects a significant increase in global foldable smartphone shipments, from 78.6 million in 2026 to 101.5 million in 2027. Samsung is expected to continue its dominance in this segment.
Alongside the exciting range of new foldable devices, Samsung has some more treats in store for its customers. On the same date, they will be launching the highly anticipated Galaxy Tab S9 series, which will be available at prices ranging from Rs 72,999 to Rs 1,33,999. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 6 series will also make its debut, starting at a price of Rs 29,999. These new offerings from Samsung promise to deliver cutting-edge technology and a seamless user experience.
In terms of market performance, Samsung has been a frontrunner in the Indian smartphone industry. According to recent market research, they secured a 20% share in the first quarter of 2023, solidifying their position as a market leader. Not only that, but Samsung also takes the crown for 5G shipments in India, boasting an impressive 24% share. These figures highlight Samsung’s continued dominance and popularity among Indian consumers, reaffirming their reputation for delivering high-quality products that cater to the evolving needs of the market.