Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo has launched its latest flagship foldable smartphones, X Fold 2 and X Flip, in an effort to expand its presence in the burgeoning foldable segment. The Fold X is a phone that can work as a tablet, while X Flip is Vivo’s first clamshell-style flip phone, which will help the company compete with Samsung’s Z Flip foldable smartphone.
Huang Tao, Vice President of Products at Vivo, said that the company’s principle for creating foldable screens is to not compromise on quality. For a long time, choosing a foldable screen phone has meant trade-offs and compromises in terms of basic experiences such as performance and battery life. Vivo aims to change that, Huang said.
According to a report by market research firm Counterpoint Research, global foldable smartphone shipments grew 73 percent year-on-year to 16 million units last year from 9 million units in 2021, and the figure is projected to rise to 26 million units in 2023. Foldable smartphones are still the fastest-growing smartphone product category this year, and the strong growth defies current economic headwinds as the high-end phone market shows resilience and steady demand.
Vivo’s X Flip offers top-of-the-line specifications with a flagship Qualcomm chipset, copious amounts of storage, and a bright and beautiful inner display complemented by one of the largest cover displays. Vivo’s push into the foldable smartphone market is a strategic move as the market continues to grow, and the company seeks to compete with established players like Samsung.
Despite an overall decline in the smartphone market, the foldable segment has continued to grow, with many manufacturers seeking to tap into the potential of foldable devices. As more companies enter the market, it will be interesting to see how this affects the growth of the segment and whether foldable devices will become the norm in the smartphone industry.
The X Fold 2 is Vivo’s answer to the trend of larger foldable devices that can work as both a phone and a tablet. It features an 8.2-inch foldable OLED screen, with a 6.45-inch cover display that can be used when the device is folded. The X Fold 2 also boasts a triple rear camera setup and a 5,000mAh battery with 55W fast charging.
Vivo’s push into the foldable smartphone market comes as no surprise, as the segment has seen significant growth over the past few years. However, with increased competition, Vivo will need to ensure that its devices stand out in terms of design, features, and price to attract consumers.
As the market continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more innovation in the foldable smartphone space, with manufacturers experimenting with new designs, features, and form factors. The success of foldable devices will depend on how well they can balance functionality and durability, while also appealing to consumers with their unique designs and capabilities.
Overall, Vivo’s launch of its X Fold 2 and X Flip devices is a significant move into the foldable smartphone market, as the company seeks to establish itself as a major player in the space. With a strong focus on delivering high-quality devices with top-of-the-line specifications, Vivo may well be able to carve out a niche for itself in the growing market for foldable smartphones.