Samsung anticipates a 77% increase in demand for its Fold5 and Flip5 phones in the GCC.

 

Samsung Gulf Electronics has released its new foldable smartphone devices in the UAE and anticipates demand to climb by 77% in the GCC, compared to its Fold4 and Flip4 models, as interest in the developing smartphone category develops, according to a company executive.

 

The redesigned Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5, which debuted at the inaugural Unpacked event last month in Seoul, had a tremendous reaction during the pre-order process, according to Fadi Abu Shamat, president of Samsung Gulf's mobile experience business.

"We are targeting a 77 percent increase [in demand] in our upcoming Fold and Flip, in anticipation of amazing demand from the local market, especially from our younger generation," Mr Abu Shamat told The National on Thursday, ahead of the launch.

According to DooHee Lee, president of Samsung Gulf Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone maker has also drawn inspiration from consumer feedback in the GCC acquired since the first Fold was debuted in 2019.

"The GCC markets' ever-changing and vibrant landscape emphasises the importance of providing an exciting mobile experience that also enhances the region's new growth chapter," he added.

The Saudi Arabia market is not overseen by Samsung Gulf.

Samsung Electronics, based in Seoul, hopes to maintain its dominance in the still-niche but rising foldable segment of the smartphone industry.

Both the Fold5 and Flip5 phones look identical to their predecessors and include minor updates. The clamshell-style Flip5 is perhaps the greater deal, with a cover screen reaching up to 3.4in, roughly doubling its predecessors and allowing for more flexibility and content to be seen.

Samsung's most costly device, the premium Fold5, is the slimmest and lightest in its line. Both devices include an updated Flex Hinge, which reduces the space between their folds and makes them simpler to use.

Foldable handsets are a niche segment in the total smartphone industry, but manufacturers are attempting to increase their availability as customer preferences change.

The rise in popularity of foldable smartphones has been ascribed mostly to Samsung, who launched the category in 2019 with the Galaxy Z Fold. The next year, the business released the Galaxy Z Flip.

Shipments of foldable smartphones are expected to treble by 2025 as original equipment manufacturers focus on the premium device market, according to a survey published last month by Counterpoint Research.

It is predicted that original equipment manufacturers would ship around 55 million foldable devices by 2025, into a premium smartphone category that grew by 1% last year, compared to a 12% fall in the total smartphone industry.

"We are excited to exceed this demand as we launch new devices in the market." "Throughout the year, we anticipate aggressive double-digit growth in our mobile ecosystem," Mr Abu Shamat added.

Samsung Gulf announced a cooperation with UAE global technology giant e&, formerly known as etisalat, and Emirates Nature-WWF to assist sustainability initiatives as part of the launch campaign.

The firm will donate a part of the earnings from the sale of the newest Galaxy devices through its website and e& channels to Emirates Nature-WWF, with the funds going to ocean-related programmes in the UAE.

Pre-orders for the gadgets close tonight, and they will be available in stores starting tomorrow. The Flip5 costs Dh3,899 ($1,069) and Dh4,349, respectively, while the Fold5 costs Dh6,799 and Dh7,249 for 256GB and 512GB, respectively. The Fold5 1TB limited edition costs Dh8,149.

Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Tab S9 series, which has been designed for productivity, as well as the Watch6, which consists of the Watch6 and Watch6 Classic and features enhanced health and activity capabilities.