Foldable smartphones, often associated with cutting-edge tech and premium price tags, are undergoing a transformation.

Leaks suggest Huawei is developing an affordable foldable smartphone in the P Pocket series, challenging Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Z FE.

The Leak and Expectations

Reliable tipster Revegnus has shared insights about Huawei’s upcoming entry-level foldable smartphone.

This new phone is set to join the P Pocket series, known for its flip-style foldable design. Huawei’s Pocket S, launched in China in November 2022, is considered a budget-friendly foldable smartphone, starting at around CNY 5988 (approximately Rs 68,000).

The leaked details indicate that Huawei’s entry-level foldable smartphone may be priced at $735 (about Rs 61,000) or potentially less.

Huawei Launch Timeline

Revegnus suggests that Huawei’s entry-level foldable smartphone will debut in the first half of 2024, a significant step toward providing a budget-friendly option in the foldable smartphone market.

Samsung’s Response with the FE Variant

Huawei’s pursuit of an affordable foldable smartphone has prompted a response from Samsung. Samsung is reportedly working on an FE (Fan Edition) variant for its Galaxy Z Flip or Z Fold series.

These FE devices from Samsung are cost-effective iterations of their flagship counterparts.

However, Samsung’s FE variant is not expected to launch immediately. Revegnus suggests it will follow the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, expected in the latter half of 2024, potentially positioning Samsung’s offering as a later arrival.

The Evolving Foldable Smartphone Market

The foldable smartphone market has experienced remarkable growth since Samsung’s Galaxy Fold debut in 2019. Despite initial hurdles, Samsung’s innovation has led to impressive foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Market research firm Counterpoint reported a trend, with Samsung’s Flip 5 outselling its counterpart by nearly double in global sales during Q3 2023. This data underscores the growing interest in foldable smartphones, even with high price tags.

Over the past year, smartphone manufacturers like Oppo, Google, Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have ventured into the foldable smartphone arena, primarily in the premium price range.

Both Huawei and Samsung exploring more affordable foldable alternatives signal a potential shift in the foldable smartphone landscape. The pursuit of accessible foldable devices appears to be on the horizon.

In conclusion, Huawei’s P Pocket series foldable smartphone is a stride toward democratizing foldable technology. Paired with the potential introduction of Samsung’s FE variant, it ushers in a new era in the evolution of foldable smartphones, making them more attainable for a wider audience.