Samsung Electronics’ new foldable phones are now available in 40 countries around the world.
In an attempt to bring foldable smartphones into the mainstream, the South Korean tech giant is aiming to sell 10 million of its latest fourth generation Galaxy Z Flip and Folds.
Eum Ji-young has more.
Samsung is ready for another mainstream hit,
Its latest fourth-generation Galaxy Flip and Fold series phones have been released in 40 countries.
(KOREAN- )
“We are doing everything we can to sell more than 10 million foldable phones this year.”
And of course, I couldn’t miss out on what the company calls “the most durable and most powerful Galaxy foldable yet.”
(Stand-up)
“Here in my hands, I have two brand new Samsung devices, a Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4. So let’s start the unboxing and check them out.”
The Z Flip 4’s design is nearly identical to the previous model but with slimmer frames and hinges.
It also comes with a bigger battery that lasts up to four hours longer than the previous model.
(Stand-up)
“I have a Galaxy Flip 3 of my own, an easy-to-pocket clam-shell that opens up into a full-size smartphone, and I’ve pretty much enjoyed using it over the last year.
But the Z flip 4’s cover screen is much more useful compared to the previous model.
It lets you make calls, reply to texts and even take selfies in portrait mode without needing to open the phone.”
The new Galaxy Z Fold 4 is also lighter with a slimmer hinge.
It comes with a wider main and cover screen, 45 percent more durable main display, upgraded cameras both on the back and under the display.
With all these new features and despite soaring costs of production and shipping, Samsung has managed to keep price tags steady at the same levels as last year.
Retail prices start at 999 U.S. dollars for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and 1,799 dollars for the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
I went out to a local Samsung store to see how people are finding them.
(KOREAN- )
“The Fold 4 costs around two million won and so I did weigh up whether the monthly payments would be a bit of a burden. But what’s more important is whether the device fits my needs for the next two or three years.”
(KOREAN- )
“The Flip fits inside small bags when folded. It’s bigger than other smartphones when opened and the colors are pretty too.”
According to a global industry analysis firm Counterpoint, despite slowdowns in major economies, the global foldable smartphone market is expected to grow by 73 percent this year compared to 2021.
Samsung has the highest market share of around 62 percent, followed by some firms from China. But one expert says, Samsung’s biggest competitor will be Apple.
(KOREAN- )
“We expect Apple to enter the foldable phone market in 2024 or 2025 at the latest.”
He added affordable prices will lead to larger sales for Samsung.
Another expert says, handset design and what technology they offer are also key factors.
(KOREAN- )
“As a first mover, Samsung Electronics should be leading the foldable smartphone market in order to survive. It should be overwhelmingly greater than other competitors in terms of design and technology.”
Eum Ji-young, Arirang News.
Source: http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=306435