Samsung determined to develop world’s first foldable phone

Samsung determined to develop world’s first foldable phone. August. 14, 2018 07:40. by Jae-Hee Kim jetti@donga.com.
IT and Mobile Communications President Koh Dong-jin at Samsung Electronics has revealed his determination to release the world’s first-ever foldable smart phone in a press conference on Saturday in New York City. "Samsung will not only work to merely release a first-ever foldable phone, but also gear up to ensure innovations that consumers can find meaningful and embrace," he said, implying that the launch is just around the corner.

Global manufacturers including Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, and LG Electronics have rushed to develop foldable smart phones. In particular, Huawei has declared to launch its foldable product this November.

Even though the Samsung CEO did not mention the exact launch date, the new foldable smart phone is expected to be released much earlier than November, which Huawei stated, because the South Korean tech giant is eager to hold a title of the world’s first foldable phone.

Mr. Koh also revealed Samsung’s strategy to maintain a competitive edge in the global smart phone market. The Korean manufacturer intends to strengthen mid-priced line ups to top emerging markets such as India, Central and Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

"Samsung has put 60 to 70 percent of its energy into flagship models, but they take up small market shares in emerging markets," he said. "We have modified to apply new technologies first to mid-priced products, and later to flagship models.

According to Samsung’s blueprint, the Galaxy S and the Note series will be maintained in the flagship lineup while development efforts are put into models that cater to loyal customers. Given that as high as 60 percent of Galaxy Note customers make another purchase for the next model, Samsung will put opinions of big fans of the Note series above profit-making when it comes to product development.