Samsung unveils new foldable smartphones as competition heats up
Samsung unveiled two upgraded folding smartphones on Wednesday with lower prices than last year, as the tech giant seeks to head off rising competition from Chinese firms in a fast-evolving market.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 offer sleeker designs, improved water resistance and more durable screens are available for pre-ordering for delivery later this month in the United States, Europe and South Korea.
The new devices come with Samsung facing heightened competition from Chinese manufacturers including Xiaomi, which grabbed the number two position in the second quarter.
The Flip3, with a 6.7-inch display, will start at $999, in line with other premium and flagship devices, and the 7.6-inch Fold3 at $1,799.
The Flip3 aims to offer an affordable foldable, and the Fold3 aims to replace the large-screen devices and will include a retractable pen than can be used on the screen.
A recent survey by the research firm Canalys showed Chinese electronics firm Xiaomi has overtaken Apple as the number two global smartphone maker in a market in turmoil due to a global chip shortage and consumers emerging from lockdowns.
The Canalys survey showed worldwide smartphone sales up 12 percent, with South Korea's Samsung holding its top position with a 19 percent market share.
Xiaomi meanwhile surged to the number two position for the first time ever with a 17 percent share as sales jumped 83 percent, according to Canalys.
Apple dropped to number three with iPhone sales up just one percent, after getting a lift from last year's new models.
Smartphone sales were up 11 percent from last year but down from the first quarter as manufacturers struggled with a global shortage of semiconductors, according to the research firm.
