Foldable Phone Battle: Samsung Leads, But Motorola & Google Close In
The Foldable Smartphone market is heating up in Europe, with Samsung currently holding a significant lead. However, Motorola and Google are aggressively challenging that dominance, setting the stage for intense competition.
Samsung’s Leading Position
As of Q1 2025,Samsung held a comfortable 26-percentage point lead over Motorola in foldable phone sales,according to Phone Arena. This significant margin gives Samsung an possibility to solidify its position further.
Motorola’s Strategic Response
Motorola is not standing still. Following the April unveiling of the Razr 60 (also known as the Razr (2025) family), Motorola aims to replicate the Razr 50 series’ success with new launches planned for FY26.
Google Enters the Foldable Ring
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also poised to heighten competition, particularly in the premium foldable segment. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s sales have sharply increased over the last 12 months,indicating growing momentum for Google’s high-end devices,despite its starting price of $1,799 in the US and €1,899 in European markets like France and Germany.
Europe’s Foldable Market: Growth and Challenges
Europe’s foldable smartphone sales experienced a 4% year-over-year growth in Q1 2025. However, foldable phones still represent only 1.5% of the total smartphone sales in the region, indicating significant room for expansion.
Did You Know? According to Counterpoint Research, the global foldable smartphone market is expected to grow 52% YoY in 2024, reaching 28.8 million units.
Planned Device Launches
Samsung is expected to launch between two and five Z Fold and Z Flip devices in July. This launch is viewed as a strategic move to counter the increasing competition in the foldable smartphone arena.
Key Players in the Foldable Market
Here’s a speedy comparison of the key players:
| Company | Flagship Foldable | Starting Price (USD est.) | key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy Z Fold/Flip | $1,000 – $1,800 | Market leader, established brand |
| Motorola | Razr | $800 – $1,200 | Aggressive pricing, innovative design |
| Pixel fold | $1,800 | Premium features, software integration |
The foldable smartphone market is still in its early stages, but the entry of major players like Google and the strategic moves of Samsung and Motorola suggest a dynamic and competitive future. How do you think smaller brands can have an impact on the top 3 companies?
The Future of Foldable Phones
The foldable phone market represents a significant shift in smartphone design, offering larger screens in a more compact form factor. As technology improves and prices become more competitive, foldable phones are expected to gain wider acceptance among consumers.
The ongoing competition between Samsung, Motorola, and Google will likely drive innovation in display technology, hinge design, and software optimization, ultimately benefiting consumers with better and more affordable foldable devices. What are your thoughts about the durability concerns regarding foldable phones?
Frequently Asked Questions
Share your thoughts and comments below! Which foldable phone are you most excited about?
