The new Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 could push Samsung’s foldable sales past those of its now extinct Note, T.M. Roh says in an interview with CNET.
Over the last four years, Samsung has been trying to convince consumers that foldable phones are the future. Now, almost half a decade after Samsung launched its first Galaxy Fold device, the company’s mobile chief says sales of foldables could outdo those of its once-popular Galaxy Note.
It would be an important milestone indicating foldables are indeed gaining traction.
«As we speak, they are almost on par,» T.M. Roh, the president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience division, said through a translator in an interview with CNET at the company’s headquarters in Suwon, South Korea. «And the expectation [is] that with the Flip and Fold 5, we will be able to finally surpass that.»
See also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Hands-On: Bigger Display, More Personal Customizations
Shipments of foldable phones still pale in comparison to those of regular smartphones. But the market is growing, with International Data Corporation estimating that worldwide shipments could reach 21.4 million units in 2023. Exceeding Galaxy Note sales would be an important benchmark because it would signal that foldables are inching closer to their breakout moment.
When the Galaxy Note debuted in 2011, it was largely seen as a niche device much like today’s foldables. The Galaxy Note was initially for those willing to pay a high price for a screen that was notably larger than those offered on standard smartphones at the time. But it eventually became a fan favorite and set the stage for Samsung’s more mainstream Galaxy S Ultra series. Not only did it influence Samsung’s own product lineup, but the Galaxy Note ushered in the era of large-screened phones we carry around today.
See also: Galaxy Z Fold 5 Hands-On: Same Phone, New Hinge
With the newly announced Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, Roh hopes foldables will take a similar route and surpass Galaxy Note sales this year.
