Though foldable phones haven’t been around that long the industry has definitely taken a liking to them. While I personally am still not sold on the idea, phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold are on a lot of enthusiasts’ wishlists. However, a report has detailed that sales and demand for foldable phones isn’t too high in lower income markets and, as such, manufacturers are pulling out.
It makes sense, of course: regions where most folks buy budget phones won’t see demand for devices that are inherently more expensive than traditional counterparts. Not to mention that the fragility and complex nature of foldable phones means more expensive repairs as well. Lastly, the tech itself is more prone to defects, something budget manufacturers won’t necessarily want to take risks with.
Three budget manufacturers have allegedly halted all plans to design and produce foldables. These companies are:
Those names might not seem too familiar to Western consumers but they dominate the market share in certain Asian countries.
Huawei recently showed off a tri-foldable phone with a ludicrous price tag. | Video credit — Huawei
Oppo or Vivo to also exit foldable industry
If these companies do abandon foldables buyers in lower income markets will be left with much more expensive alternatives. And when these alternatives fail to sell in these markets there will come a divide between richer and poorer regions and how they approach smartphones.
At least for now Xiaomi is still making its Mix Flip phones so consumers on a budget still have that option to turn to.