In 2022, Samsung led the foldable smartphone market with close to 12 million devices shipped, a figure that accounted for roughly 85 percent of global foldable sales. This snapshot comes from GizmoChina, which references a market study by analysts Stephen Kiernan and Yongsub Eric Shin. The broader year also saw a total of about 14.2 million foldable units being moved worldwide, highlighting the early momentum of bendable screens in mainstream mobile devices. Other key players occupying significant market share alongside Samsung include Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor, each contributing to a diverse ecosystem of foldable options that appeal to different consumer needs and price points.
Industry experts continue to view the foldable segment as resilient, even as shipments faced a dip during the fourth quarter of 2022. The performance of this category has been notable, particularly given the wider decline in overall smartphone sales driven by economic headwinds. Analysts point to the foldable form factor as a driver for premium devices and aspirational upgrades, attracting early adopters and tech enthusiasts who seek innovative design and new user experiences beyond traditional slabs. The trajectory suggests that foldables are transitioning from novelty to more established product lines within major manufacturers’ portfolios, reinforcing a pathway toward broader adoption in coming years as durability and cost come into balance.
Kiernan and Shin projected a doubling of foldable shipments in 2023, reaching around 30 million units. A substantial portion of this growth was expected to come from Samsung, which analysts anticipated would account for about half of the total. The expectation highlights Samsung’s continued emphasis on investment in hinge technology, display durability, and software optimization to maximize the distinct advantages of foldable devices. This is particularly relevant as the company iterates on form factors that combine larger flexible displays with practical usability features in daily life, from multitasking to compact carry when folded. While other brands pursued parallel advances, Samsung’s market leadership in 2022 set a strong foundation for the proposed expansion in 2023 and beyond, signaling a durable interest from consumers in premium foldable experiences.
Reports from outlets such as former socialbites.ca mentioned that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 would introduce a new hinge design described as a protective “drop” mechanism. This refinement aims to improve durability and opening stability, addressing one of the critical concerns often raised about foldable products. As the foldable category matures, manufacturers appear to prioritize hinge resilience, screen protection, and seamless software integration to reassure shoppers who weigh the benefits of larger screens against potential mechanical wear. While the exact specifications may vary by model, the emphasis remains on delivering a cohesive experience that maintains the essence of portability without sacrificing screen real estate. In this competitive environment, product longevity and real-world reliability are becoming central to buyer decision making, alongside brand trust and ongoing software updates.