Samsung has announced that its latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, have surpassed the annual sales of the Galaxy Note series in Europe. This is a remarkable achievement for the company, as it shows that its foldable devices are gaining popularity and acceptance among consumers.
The rise of the foldable phones
Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable phone market, launching its first device, the Galaxy Fold, in 2019. Since then, the company has improved its technology and design, releasing the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in 2020. These devices offered a more refined and durable experience, with flexible screens that could fold and unfold without compromising quality or performance.
In 2021, Samsung unveiled its latest foldable models, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which broke early sales records, surpassing their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a compact and stylish phone that can flip open to reveal a 6.7-inch screen, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a tablet-sized device that can fold into a 6.2-inch phone. Both devices feature high-end specifications, such as Snapdragon 888 processors, 120Hz refresh rates, water resistance, and S Pen support.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are also more affordable than their previous versions, with prices starting at $999 and $1,799 respectively. Samsung has also offered various incentives and discounts to attract customers, such as trade-in programs, free accessories, and extended warranties.
The fall of the Galaxy Note series
The Galaxy Note series was one of Samsung’s most successful and innovative product lines, introducing the concept of a large-screen phone with a stylus in 2011. The Galaxy Note devices were popular among power users and professionals, who appreciated their productivity features, such as multitasking, note-taking, drawing, and editing.
However, the Galaxy Note series faced several challenges in recent years, such as the battery explosion scandal of the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016, which damaged the brand’s reputation and caused financial losses. The Galaxy Note series also faced increasing competition from other flagship phones, such as the Galaxy S series and the iPhone, which offered similar or better features and performance.
In 2020, Samsung decided to discontinue the Galaxy Note series, confirming that there would be no Galaxy Note 21 model. Instead, the company shifted its focus to its foldable phones, which it considered to be the future of mobile innovation. Samsung also transferred some of the key features of the Galaxy Note series to its other devices, such as the S Pen support for the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
The future of Samsung’s mobile strategy
Samsung’s announcement that its foldable phones have surpassed the Galaxy Note series in Europe is a sign that its mobile strategy is paying off. The company has managed to create a new category of devices that appeal to consumers who are looking for something different and exciting in their smartphones. Samsung has also demonstrated its leadership and expertise in the foldable phone market, which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Samsung is not resting on its laurels though, as it plans to expand its foldable portfolio and reach more customers around the world. The company has set a target to ship 10 million foldable devices globally this year, which would be a significant increase from its previous sales figures. Samsung has also hinted at launching more affordable and diverse foldable models in the future, such as a triple-folding tablet or a rollable phone.
Samsung’s foldable phones are not only replacing the Galaxy Note series but also redefining the smartphone industry. By offering new form factors and functionalities, Samsung is challenging the conventional wisdom of what a smartphone can be and do.
