Folding is not enough, Samsung is about to play big with a triple folding phone later this year

Having just launched the Galaxy S23 product line, the Korean tech giant is about to bring more surprises this year.

Samsung currently has a near monopoly in the folding screen market with more than 80% market share in 2022, according to data from Canalys. Its current product range includes two models, the book-fold Z Fold and the clamshell-fold Z Flip. However, this number may increase to 3 with a product called Tri-Fold, which has the ability to fold three.

According to a post from Analyst Yogesh Brar’s Twitter account, Samsung may launch a double-folding phone with a Z-shaped hinge by the end of 2023, alongside its flagship product line, the Galaxy Z. Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Previously, the company also filed a patent for this technology in 2020. At this year’s MWC, Samsung also had a booth used to display 2 folding screen phones and other unique products.

In the patent, it is revealed that the device will own not 1 but 2 hinges. In it, 1 hinge with folding mechanism in and one hinge with folding mechanism out. When partially folded, you will notice a hinge design similar to a Z shape. The most unique feature of this design will use part of the screen as a screen to use when needed, eliminating the screen part. sub-image inherent on the Galaxy Z Fold.

The advantage of this trifold form is none other than expanding the screen as much as possible, on par with large tablets but fits in a pocket.

However, this design also has its own problems. Samsung also needs to consider carefully because adding a screen is the complexity and thickness of the machine will be higher while the double folding machines like the Z Fold 4 also have a relative thickness.

Brar also mentioned that, “FE version fans should look for an alternative product” as there will be “no Galaxy S23 FE in the development chain”, in stark contrast to previous reports. .

According to a report from DSCC (Display Supply Chain Consultants), the folding screen smartphone market has experienced a decrease in sales for the first time. In terms of volume, shipments of foldable smartphones decreased by 48% in Q4 2022 compared to Q3 2022 and 26% year-on-year.

There were 3.1 million foldable smartphones shipped from the beginning of October 2022 to the end of December 2022. Although the number of shipments in the fourth quarter of 2022 had a decrease, the total number shipped in in 2022 increased by 62% to 12.9 million units. Samsung as usual is still the king in the folding screen smartphone market with 83% market share. This number has decreased when compared to 86% of Q3 and 96% of Q4 of 2021.

The reason behind Samsung’s quarter-on-quarter decline in market share can be attributed to a sharp 50% drop in foldable shipments in Q4 2022 following the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 in the third quarter. 2022. In addition, the release of Apple’s iPhone 14 series in Q4 attracted attention from Samsung’s folding screen phones, leading to a decline in the market share of the Korean tech giant.