A recent report by DSCC (Display Supply Chain Consultants) revealed a significant shift in the foldable display market during Q4 2023. BOE, a Chinese display manufacturer, dethroned Samsung to claim the top spot in terms of shipment volume, while Huawei secured the leading position for purchase volume.
Chinese Manufacturer BOE Overtakes Samsung in Foldable Panel Market
Samsung, having dominated the foldable market since its 2019 entry, held both shipment and purchase leadership until Q4 2023. BOE’s ascent saw its market share climb to 42%, while Samsung’s share plummeted from 76% to 36% in the same period. Notably, Samsung’s foldable panel shipments experienced a staggering 70% decline compared to the previous quarter.
Analysts attribute BOE‘s rise primarily to surging sales of Huawei foldable smartphones. DSCC reported a 122% increase in Huawei’s foldable panel purchases during Q4 2023. Suggesting a strong focus on expanding their foldable device offerings.
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Samsung’s decline, on the other hand, coincided with underwhelming launch sales of their Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 5 models released last year. Industry experts point to these lackluster results as a significant contributor to their market share dip.
However, the foldable market’s future might hold a comeback for Samsung. DSCC predicts a potential return to the top spot for the South Korean giant in Q1 2024. This optimism stems from rumors of a more affordable foldable phone in the pipeline, potentially released within a year. Such a strategic move could reignite consumer interest and propel Samsung back into the leadership position.
The foldable display market is in a dynamic state, with new players like BOE emerging as strong contenders. While Samsung faces a temporary setback, its potential foray into the mid-range foldable segment could be a game-changer. Ultimately, the competition between these display giants will likely benefit consumers with wider choices, potentially driving down prices and accelerating foldable technology adoption.
