Chinese smartphone manufacturers are now leading the way in foldable phone innovation, surpassing Samsung in both design and technology, according to a recent analysis. The findings come just days after Samsung launched its latest foldable devices—the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7—on July 9, 2025, during its Galaxy Unpacked event in New York.
While Samsung introduced improvements such as thinner bodies, lighter builds, and reduced screen creasing, experts say Chinese brands like Oppo, Huawei, and Honor are setting higher standards.
For example, Oppo’s Find N5, launched earlier this year, offers stylus support on both displays, a more powerful 5,600 mAh silicon-carbon battery, and much faster 80-watt charging. In comparison, Samsung’s Z Fold7 features a smaller 4,400 mAh battery and only 25-watt charging.
Huawei also made headlines with its Mate XT, released in late 2024, which features a trifold design and a 10.2-inch tablet-like screen—something Samsung is not expected to match until the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Honor’s Magic V5 was unveiled just before Samsung’s event, offering a slightly thinner body at 8.8 mm compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7’s 8.9 mm.
The report highlights that two-thirds of global foldable smartphone sales happen in China, where consumers are highly receptive to innovative devices. Chinese brands benefit from close ties with local display suppliers like BOE and receive strong government support, allowing them to innovate more quickly.
Despite being a pioneer in foldables, Samsung now faces increasing pressure, particularly as its updates are seen as incremental. The company is focusing on established markets such as the United States, Europe, and South Korea, where Chinese foldables are less common due to trade restrictions and lower demand.
The analysis also points to China’s broader advances in technology, especially in semiconductors, suggesting that Western tech brands may face greater competition in the future.
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