Samsung working on two more foldable smartphones, eyeing early lead in new market segment
- The South Korean firm is developing a clamshell-like device and one that folds away from the user like Huawei’s Mate X
Samsung Electronics is working on a pair of new foldable smartphones to follow its Galaxy Fold, seeking to seize an early lead in the new market segment.
The South Korean technology giant is said to be developing a clamshell-like device, and another that folds away from the user similar to Huawei Technologies’ Mate X, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified discussing internal plans. The US$1,980 Galaxy Fold that Samsung plans to release in April folds inward like a notebook.
While it is still too early to gauge how much demand there will be for handsets with flexible screens, Samsung and other rivals are eager to gain an edge over Apple in the US$495 billion smartphone industry, especially amid cooling sales.
Xiaomi Corp is working on a dual-folding smartphone, according to a video released in January. The iPhone maker, however, has not announced any plans for a similar gadget.
“No one knows what the ideal design is yet,” said Bryan Ma, vice-president of devices research at IDC. “The time is ripe for experimentation. Many of these designs won’t be successful, but industry players will learn valuable lessons along the way.”