Foldable Phone Market By Display Size(Under 6 inches, 6-7 Inches, 8 Inches & Above), RAM Capacity(8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB), Storage(256 GB, 512 GB), Price Range(US$ 500- US$ 1,500, US$ 2,000 & Above), Sales Channel (Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Multi-brand Stores), & Region – Forecast 2021 - 2031

Foldable Phone Market Snapshot

Recent technological advancements in speed and accessibility of mobile internet is encouraging individuals to shift from personal computers and laptops to foldable phone to perform various professional or personal tasks. Considering this, Future Market Insights (FMI) has forecast the market to register a year-on-year growth rate of 20.3% in 2021.

The global foldable phone market size is projected to surpass US$ 6.8 Bn in 2021. Between 2021 and 2031, the market is expected to exhibit CAGR of 25.2%. In addition to this, sales of 16 GB RAM capacity phones are set grow at a CAGR of 34.2% over the assessment period.

Key Points Covered in the Foldable Phone Market Report

• Foldable Phone Market Analysis and Refined Outlook 2015-2031
• Demand and Supply Assessment
• Foldable Phone Market Category and Segment-wise Analysis
• Company and Brand Share Analysis
• Regulatory Climate and Foldable Phone Innovations
• COVID-19 Impact Analysis
• Foldable Phone Consumption by Demographics

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2021-2031 Foldable Phone Market Outlook in Comparison to Sales Registered in 2016-2020

Foldable phones combine the portability of a smart phone with a large screen of tablets, which is expected to attract a huge customer base over the forecast period. Leading players in the market such as Huawei and Samsung have been at the fore of foldable phone technology and they are expected to continue releasing newer products in the market.

FMI has forecast the foldable phone market to rise at 25.2% CAGR between 2021 and 2031, in comparison to the 10.2% CAGR registered during 2016-2020.

Rapidly increasing demand for modern consumer electronics, along with high adoption of mobile devices in the entertainment and gaming sector are anticipated to bolster sales of foldable phones in the forthcoming years.

One of the chief drivers of the foldable phone market is advancements in the OLED display technology. Samsung, for example, uses OLED displays in mobile devices with foldable displays. Samsung's first foldable phone features two screens: a large 7.3" 1532x2152 (361 PPI) foldable AMOLED that folds inside and a smaller 4.5" 840x1960 AMOLED that is used when the phone is closed. The company branded the display as the Samsung Infinity Flex Display.

Growing demand for miniaturized electronic devices is influencing sales of foldable phones. Possession of these devices is considered as a status symbol, which encourages consumers to buy these products. 

In addition to this, sales of foldable phones are largely being driven by the millennial population, where individuals are willing to increase their spending to improve their workspace and living standards.

Further, increasing penetration of digital technologies due to urbanization  has increased  demand for aesthetically appealing and advanced products that serve the customer’s daily requirement. This is indicative of lucrative prospects for market players in developing nations.

How is Diversification of Technology Influencing Sales of Foldable Phones?

Technological advancements have caused a spurt in the availability of foldable phones. However, growing competition among brands is encouraging players to learn and emphasize on customers’ preferences to offer latest smartphones with advanced technological features.

For instance, in 2021, Samsung Group launched two new smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. These 5G-enabled devices were launched at comparatively lower prices, which served as a tablet when unfolded and could easily fit in pockets or bags when folded.

Moreover, growing trend of successful upgrades in the smartphone industry is compelling manufacturers to expand their product portfolios by incorporating the latest technologies. As consumers are seeking devices that match their lifestyle, brands are paying more attention on maintaining consumer relationships and brand storytelling. This is anticipated to continue bolstering sales of foldable phones over the forecast period.

What is the Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on the Foldable Phones Market?

The unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak has affected the global economy adversely, with manufacturing plants being hit hard. The global and regional supply chain, as well as imports and exports were suspended due to implementation of stringent restrictions. This affected operations in the overall smartphones industry.

However, the foldable phone sector is expected to witness significant growth over the assessment period. Owing to lockdown restrictions and remote work culture,  consumers are increasingly spending on upgrading their personal and professional devices, thereby resulting in increasing smartphone and laptop sales. This trend is projected to positively shape the demand outlook of foldable phones.

Besides this, COVID-19 has accelerated sales of numerous products through e-commerce. Social distancing has led to an increase in online shopping and has led to the introduction of new models such as click and collect, and third-party delivery. As a result, sales of foldable phones through online retail channels are projected to increase at a steady pace through 2031.

Country-wise Insights

How Will Foldable Phone Sales Fare Across China?

East Asia is predicted to be one of the most attractive markets during the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights. China is expected to account for over 42.7% of market share in through 2021.

Demand for foldable phones in China is projected to increase at a steady pace, owing to the presence of leading players such as Huawei, Lenovo, ZTE, and Xiaomi. These companies are at the forefront of innovation and advancements in smart phone technology, which is anticipated to bode well for the foldable phones market over the forecast period.

In addition, China is one of the major manufacturers of consumer electronics in the world. Rapid adoption of technological advancements in the manufacturing and assembly process of consumer electronics is expected to boost sales of foldable phones in the country through 2031.  

Why is Demand for Foldable Phones Increasing in the U.S.?

The U.S. is expected to account for over 79.5% of market share in North America in 2021. The presence of various smartphone companies in North America is resulting in easy availability of smartphones at a lower price.

Increasing popularity of smart homes equipped with connective technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) is spurring demand for foldable phones in the country. In addition to this, the introduction of 5G connectivity has enabled new opportunities for players in the smartphone industry to launch new devices that support 5G and provide customers with better and improvised smartphones. 

Will India Continue Registering High Demand for Foldable Phones?

In 2021, India is projected to account for over 32.1% of the market share in South Asia.

Leading companies operating in the foldable phones market are tapping into the India market by expanding their manufacturing capacities in the country. For instance, in 2018, Samsung Group had inaugurated the world’s largest mobile factory in Noida, UP, India. With this, Samsung India also launched its ‘Make for the World’ initiative, where it aims to export mobile handsets produced in India to overseas market.

Additionally, India is emerging as a popular outsourcing destination for global foldable phone brands owing to rising demand for consumer electronics and high adoption of handheld devices in the entertainment and gaming sectors.

Moreover, growing trend of digitalization has enabled players to conduct their routine follow ups, updates, problem solving, distribution, and other activities through various online platforms. This trend is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for regional and international players in India over the forecast period. 

Category-wise Insights

Which Display Size is more Feasible for Consumers?

In terms of display size, under 6 Inches segment is anticipated to hold  44.6% of the total foldable phones market share in 2021. These phones are convenient and  serve the basic functionality of a smartphone, while being handy at the same time.

However, the 8 inches and above segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of over 34.1% from 2021 to 2031. Growing demand for entertainment, gaming, and advancements is projected to propel sales of 8 inches and above display size foldable phones.

Sales of  12 GB RAM Capacity Foldable Phones to Remain High

On the basis of RAM capacity, the 12GB RAM segment is expected to command 46.2% of the total foldable phones market share in 2021. Greater capacity of RAM allows consumers to store data on their devices, further maintaining the speed and smoothness of activities in foldable phones.

Furthermore, in many regions, growing adoption of sensor technology such as wearables and AI-enabled devices, is boosting demand for fast data transfers and high storage capacity, which in turn is fueling sales of 16 GB RAM foldable phones.

Demand for 256 GB Foldable Phones to Continue Rising

In terms of storage, 256 GB is highly preferred among consumers, accounting for a notable share of 57.2% in 2021. This provides consumers with adequate storage space that enables smooth functioning of devices for a long time.

Moreover, there is a significant variation of price between 256 GB and 512 GB categories. In addition, various cloud storage providers are offering additional storage capacity on a subscription-based model. This is encouraging customers to prefer the base variant under the storage category.

Which Price Range Holds Accounts for Maximum Sales?

Foldable phone are still at a growing stage in the smartphone industry. Very few brands have launched their product line of foldable phone as of now. Currently, brands are collaborating and testing their products that are at the initial stages of production.

Thus, high demand and low availability of product has led to increase in the price range of foldable phone. Therefore, US$ 500-1,500 ranged foldable phones are likely to dominate the market with the revenue share of 49.5% in 2021.

Online Retailers to Record Highest Revenue Share

Store-based retailing is still dominant in terms of sales channel, with multi-brand stores accounting for 28.2% of the global market in 2021. Brick-and-mortar retailers will continue attracting buyers who prefer to buy electronic appliances physically from retail stores. Customers get a firsthand experience in physical stores, and the tangibility of the product may lead to quick purchasing decisions.

Online retailers, on the other hand, are expected to grow at a prolific CAGR of around 38.1% over the forecast period. E-commerce websites are preferred by buyers due to their ease of use and competitive pricing.

Competitive Landscape

Companies operating in the foldable phone market are aiming at strategic collaborations and partnerships with other manufacturers to expand their product portfolio to address the demand of an expanding pool of consumers. For instance:

• In 2020, Samsung, announced the launch of Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable smartphone, at an introductory price of USD 1,999. The new foldable phone pairs a bold design with exciting features to improve the mobile experience for users.

Scope of Report

Market by Category

By Display Size:

• Under 6 inches
• 6-7 Inches
• 7-8 Inches
• 8 Inches & Above

By RAM Capacity:

• 8 GB
• 12 GB
• 16 GB

By Storage:

• 256 GB
• 512 GB

By Price Range:

• US$ 500- US$ 1,500
• US$ 1,500- US$ 2,000
• US$ 2,000 & Above

By Sales Channel:

• Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Multi-brand Stores
• Independent Small Stores
• Online Retailers
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)