Samsung and its new concepts
Samsung showed two new concept models on MWC 2025: Flex G and Flex S. Both devices are equipped with three screens and have unique folding methods. Flex G consists of both inward and outside, reminding the book, while Flex S thanks to two hinges takes the shape of the letter “S”.
Although the company emphasizes that these are only prototypes and will not go on sale yet, they show what future smartphones may look like. Their design aims to increase the screen surface while maintaining compact size after folding.
The industry is looking for a new direction
Since the premiere of the first iPhone in 2008, the smartphone market has become quite predictable. Most devices have a standard, rectangular shape with a touch screen, which many refer to the standard.
However, companies try to break this pattern, offering more innovative and outstanding products. An example would be the British Startup Nothing, which presented the Phone (3A) model with a unique design and LED backlight reacting to notifications. According to the company’s co -founder, Akis Evangelidis, consumers are increasingly looking for smartphones that offer not only functionality, but also engage emotionally and are aesthetic.
Chinese competition and new ideas
Chinese companies also invest in the development of folding smartphones. Huawei has recently released Mate Xt, a smartphone with three screens, costing EUR 3499. The startup Tecno, on the other hand, presented the Phantom Ultimate 2 model, which consists of the “S” shape, just like Flex S from Samsung.
Although manufacturers are more and more boldly experimenting with the form of devices, the folding phones still remain niche on the market. According to IDC data, in 2024 this segment accounted for only 1.6% of global sales of smartphones, despite 6.4% year -on -year growth.
Challenges of folding smartphones
Despite the growing popularity, the folding phones encounter several problems. First of all, they are thicker and heavier than standard models, which can be scared by some users. The second barrier is the price – the average price of a folding smartphone is $ 1218, while the traditional model costs an average of $ 421.
However, manufacturers are working to make folding phones more available. An example is the Oppo FIND N5, which despite the folding design is much thinner than competitive models.
Who dominates the remedy phone market?
Samsung is the leader of this segment – in 2024 he had a 32.9% share in the market of folding smartphones. Huawei came second (23.1%), and Motorola (17%) took the third position.
Despite high prices, manufacturers believe that consumers will be willing to pay for innovation and more advanced technologies. In the coming years, you can expect further development of this category and introducing more and more practical solutions for users.
