If you think you’ve seen all the smartphone industry has to offer in 2021, then you might be wrong. With the release of the Samsung Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 and Apple iPhone 13, we might just call it a wrap for 2021. But not for the smartphone companies.
Google is yet to debut its Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones and we also have rumors of the Xiaomi 12 on the horizon. However, the most interesting news of all is that Google, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi might still release foldable smartphones in 2021.
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Google, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi Might Still Release Foldable Phones In 2021
A tweet by a specialist from the DSCC Company suggests the above possibility. DSCC is a company that specializes in displays, and its specialist with the handle DSCCDave posted a table showing list of smartphones to be release in 2021 and foldable smartphones from Google, Oppo, and Vivo are included.
The table contains the list of devices with adaptive 120-hertz OLED displays and their suppose release period. On the table, the foldable smartphones from Google, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi are scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021 (a period ranging between October to December).
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This list also contains Xiaomi 12 and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Other smartphones on the list includes the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. And as we know, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro release date has been pushed forward while Samsung has announced that it won’t be releasing the Galaxy Note 20 series this year.
Maybe, this list was compiled early this year when the chip shortage saga has not hit the smartphone market. And when the Covid-19 pandemic has not disrupt the manufacturing chain of smartphones. Hence we have smartphones that are delayed and some that won’t be released this year.
The rumor of Google, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi launching a foldable smartphone in the last part of 2021 has been around for a while. But given that there is no official news yet, you might want to take these rumors with a pinch of salt.
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CounterPoint Research on Foldable smartphones
Recent reports from CounterPoint research, shows that the foldable smartphone market is expected to grow 3X in 2021 compared to 2020. About 9 million units of foldable smartphones is expected to be shipped out in 2021. However, it will still be a 3x growth over 2020, with Samsung dominating the segment with over 88% market share.
The shipment of foldable smartphones is expected to be 10x by 2023 and more OEMs are expected to enter into the foldable smartphone market. Samsung is also tipped to dominate the market with about 75% market share.
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Senior Analyst who leads the foldable research at Counterpoint Jane Park said; “With a significant price drop, improved design, and appearance; Samsung is likely to target younger customers with the new foldable Flip smartphone. The new Galaxy Z models will get S Pen support too; which can help absorb existing Note user.”
We’ll really like to the see the Samsung foldable smartphones get worthy rivals in the foldable smartphone market. Here is to hoping that Google, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi foldable smartphones brings the heat.
