China’s Foldable Phone Market is Booming – And Samsung is Losing Ground
Forget incremental upgrades. The future of smartphones may very well be folding, and that future is currently being written in China. While global shipments of foldable phones are on the rise, the Chinese market is experiencing explosive growth, with shipments expected to near 10 million units by the end of 2025. But here’s the twist: Samsung, despite launching its latest and greatest Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, is struggling to compete with homegrown brands, holding just 4.3% market share in the world’s largest smartphone market.
Huawei Dominates, Signaling a Shift in Power
According to the latest IDC China report, Huawei currently commands a staggering 68.9% of the Chinese foldable market. This isn’t just a lead; it’s a dominance rarely seen in the fiercely competitive smartphone industry. Honor follows with 11.2%, Vivo with 5%, and Oppo with 4.9%. Samsung’s 4.3% share, while a significant improvement from being lumped into the “Others” category, highlights a clear challenge. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, touted as Samsung’s best-selling foldable yet, simply hasn’t been enough to overcome the momentum of Chinese manufacturers.
Why is Huawei Winning?
Several factors contribute to Huawei’s success. A strong national brand preference plays a role, but it’s more than just patriotism. Huawei has aggressively focused on innovation within the foldable space, offering compelling designs and features tailored to the Chinese consumer. They’ve also benefited from a relatively open domestic market, allowing for rapid iteration and deployment of new technologies. Furthermore, the company has effectively navigated geopolitical challenges, maintaining a strong presence within China despite international restrictions. This contrasts with Samsung, which faces a more complex landscape navigating trade relations and consumer preferences in the region.
The Rise of Foldables: From Niche to Notable
The numbers tell a compelling story. Foldable shipments in China reached 2.63 million units in Q3 2025, a 17.8% increase year-over-year. Over the first three quarters of the year, a total of 7.62 million foldable devices were shipped – a 14.3% jump compared to the same period in 2024. This growth isn’t just about early adopters anymore; it’s a clear indication that foldables are transitioning from a luxury novelty to a viable smartphone option for a growing segment of the population. This trend is fueled by improvements in durability, software optimization, and increasingly competitive pricing.
What’s Driving the Demand?
The appeal of foldables extends beyond their futuristic aesthetic. The larger screen real estate offers enhanced productivity for multitasking, immersive entertainment experiences, and a unique user interface. Chinese consumers, known for their embrace of innovative technology, are particularly receptive to these benefits. The form factor also caters to the growing demand for mobile gaming and content creation. As foldable technology matures and prices become more accessible, we can expect even wider adoption.
The iPhone Fold Factor and Global Implications
The potential entry of Apple into the foldable market with a rumored iPhone Fold is a game-changer. Apple’s influence on the smartphone industry is undeniable, and its foray into foldables could legitimize the form factor for a broader global audience. Analysts predict that if Apple launches a foldable device in 2026, it could significantly accelerate the growth of the global foldable market. This would likely intensify competition, driving down prices and spurring further innovation. Samsung will need to adapt quickly to maintain its position, potentially by focusing on differentiation through software and unique features.
The Chinese market serves as a crucial testing ground for foldable technology. The successes and failures of companies like Huawei and Samsung will provide valuable insights for the industry as a whole. While the long-term viability of foldables remains to be seen, the current trajectory suggests that this innovative form factor is here to stay, reshaping the future of mobile computing. What are your predictions for the future of foldable phones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
