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Foldable phones had a breakout year in 2019 as the first models from Samsung, Huawei and Motorola began to hit the market. With Samsung, Motorola and Google rumored to be developing new flexible phones, another milestone moment may be coming soon.
Samsung’s next foldable phones may be just around the corner. The tech giant is holding its next Unpacked event on August 10, where it’s rumored to release the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4. That’s assuming Samsung follows its previous launch pattern, which entailed announcing the Galaxy Z Flip 5G in the summer of 2020 and the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 in August 2021.
Sales of foldable phones are growing, but they still aren’t nearly as ubiquitous as standard phones. Shipments of foldable smartphones are said to have increased by 264.3% in 2021 compared to 2020, according to International Data Corporation. But IDC estimates that just 7.1 million foldable phones were shipped in all of 2021, compared to 362.4 million phones shipped in just the fourth quarter of last year.
Here’s a look at the rumored foldable phones from Samsung, Motorola and others that are said to be in the works.
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Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid is reportedly due for an upgrade this year. Based on the leaks and rumors that have emerged so far, it looks like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will be a moderately improved version of the current Z Fold 3. It could have a sleeker design, thanks to a slimmer hinge according to prolific leaker Ice Universe, as well as an improved camera on par with that of the Galaxy S22. Qualcomm’s recently announced Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 will reportedly power the device, the source also claims.
But what I’m really hoping to see for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a cheaper price. The current version costs $1,800 without a trade-in, making it one of the most expensive phones around. But display analyst Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, speculates Samsung’s next-generation foldables will get a price cut.
Samsung typically unveils its new foldable phones in August, so we’re expecting to hear more soon. Check out our full story for more details about what to expect from the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Samsung is also expected to launch a new version of its clamshell, flip phone-style Galaxy Z Flip this year. Similar to the rumors about the Z Fold 4, leaks about the Z Flip 4 indicate it will be a refresh of the current model rather than a dramatic change.
The Z Flip 4 is expected to get a larger cover screen according to Young, the display analyst, and Yogesh Brar, a writer for the site 91mobiles who claims to have received a full list of the Z Flip 4’s specifications.
