Samsung’s new idea to sell more foldable smartphones

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In the US, Samsung is launching a 100-day trial period for its foldable smartphones, to encourage more users to buy. Will a similar offer be available in Europe?

Samsung is ahead of other brands when it comes to foldable smartphones. Indeed, the manufacturer launched its first foldable screen device in 2019, the Galaxy Fold. Then, in 2020, it launched the Galaxy Z Flip (then a 5G version), as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 2. In addition, the Korean giant has an advantage since it produces its foldable screens itself, via the Samsung Display subsidiary.

But for the moment, it is clear that foldable smartphones are not really taking off. And to push sales of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G and Galaxy Z Fold 2 a bit in the US, Samsung has launched a new initiative: a 100-day trial period.

In essence, Samsung intends to tempt more customers by offering them to test its foldable smartphones for a long time, instead of the 15 days that are normally scheduled. “Take the Galaxy Z Flip 5G or Galaxy Z Fold2 5G home with you and we’ll give you 100 days to make sure these models are right for you,” read the manufacturer’s US site. This offer will be valid until April 1.

For the moment, we do not know if the Korean giant intends to offer the same offer in Europe.

Samsung: rumors are already circulating about its next foldable smartphones

In any case, Samsung intends to continue betting on devices with foldable screens, even if these do not sell for the moment as well as smartphones with conventional screens. In fact, currently, rumors are already circulating about the next foldable screen smartphones that the Korean giant may launch.

For example, according to some sources, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be the first Samsung smartphone with an invisible front camera (like that of the ZTE Axon 20 5G). On the other hand, this model could also support the S Pen, like the Galaxy S21 Ultra launched earlier this year.

Samsung could also launch a more affordable model. Rumors were circulating about this in 2020. And in a post published in December, TM Roh, the boss of the mobile division of the group, almost confirmed these rumors by writing: “True to our heritage to stay one step ahead with pioneering mobile technology, we will expand our portfolio of foldable products, so that this revolutionary category is more accessible to everyone. “

More brands to launch their first foldable smartphones in 2021

Otherwise, it should also be noted that in 2021, those who want to buy a foldable smartphone should have the choice between several models. Indeed, other brands may launch their first foldable screen smartphones this year.

Among these is Xiaomi, which has already shown its interest in this technology, but has not yet launched a business model to date. Oppo has also signaled its interest in foldable smartphones.

And Google could also launch its first foldable screen smartphone in 2021. This is in any case what is suggested by the 9to5Google site, which indicated, last year, that it was able to access documents suggesting that the first Google Pixel’s foldable smartphone could launch at the same time as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 XL.

In addition, these manufacturers may well source foldable screens from Samsung. So far, Samsung Display’s foldable screens are reserved for Korean-branded devices.

But according to rumors, starting this year, Samsung Display may finally supply these displays to other companies. And it would be very likely that Google, Xiaomi and Oppo would use the products of this subsidiary of the Korean giant.

In contrast, Apple fans may wait a very long time to see the first foldable iPhone. Indeed, if Apple also seems to be interested in this technology, the Cupertino company would not launch its first foldable screen smartphone before… 2024. On the other hand, it would still hesitate, because it is not sure whether a foldable iPhone can make huge profits.