Samsung today has unveiled its new Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 foldable display smartphones. The 3rd generation foldables add a few new features and big price cuts compared to previous models.  These devices help to maintain Samsung’s near-total dominance of the foldables smartphone segment in 2021 and H1 2022.

The Fold3 and Flip3 offer several (modest) changes from the prior generation models.  Upgrades include increased durability using Gorilla Glass Victus for the external displays, better polymer film covering the internal displays to protect from scratches, IPX8 water resistance, and for the Fold3, the ability to use Samsung’s S Pen stylus, previously only available for the (now discontinued) Samsung Note super phablet.

Pricing for the Fold and Flip has rapidly declined since the first generation was introduced. Samsung’s first-generation 4G Fold in 2019 came with a retail price of around US$1,999 and its second-generation model came in at the same price.  With its newest generation, the price drops to US$1,799. 

Samsung’s first-generation Flip 4G went on sale for around US$1,399 retail in early 2020, while the 5G version cost US$1,449 in late 2020.  The new Flip3 will be offered for just US$999.99, making it the first foldable display smartphone with a retail price under US$1,000.

Samsung’s Fold and Flip foldable display smartphones have steadily improved with each new generation, offering larger or better displays, increased durability, for lower prices. With each new generation, Samsung has delivered better value to customers.

We forecast Samsung will capture the vast majority of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2021. Samsung will significantly increase shipments in 2022, even as more competitors introduce their own rival models.  Samsung’s upgrades to Fold and Flip, combined with its early lead in the segment, means it will remain the vendor most readily identified with this iconic form-factor for at least the next year or two (until Apple arrives).

Clients of our Device Technologies service can read more about Samsung's newest foldables here.