[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] Ahead of the unveiling of the next-generation foldable smartphone by SamsungElectronics(005930), sales of existing Galaxy Z series models are reportedly on the rise in the used phone market.

Analysts note that a clear consumer trend is emerging: people are selling their existing devices from the same product line before upgrading to the new model ahead of the launch.

LG Uplus(032640) On the 20th, “Sello,” a used phone trading platform operated by subsidiary MediaLog, announced that an analysis of used phone purchase data from July to August over the past two years revealed that the top five best-selling models each year were all from the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.

The top five best-selling models in 2024 were the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3, and Z Flip 5, while last year’s rankings were the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 4, and Z Fold 4.

Cello explained that for the second consecutive year, sales of existing foldable models have surged around the time new foldable models are unveiled. Considering that sales of previous S Series models also increased immediately after the launch of new Galaxy S Series devices, analysts suggest that the trend of consumers selling their existing devices before purchasing new smartphones is also reflected in the used phone market.

This trend is expected to become even more pronounced following “Galaxy Unpacked 2026,” which will take place on the 22nd (KST) in London, UK.

SamsungElectronics is expected to unveil three new foldable models at this event: the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The company is expected to expand its product lineup from the existing two-model system (Fold and Flip) to a “three-model system” by adding a standard Fold model and a top-tier Ultra model, thereby broadening consumer choice.

In particular, with the anticipated debut of the “Wide Fold 8,” featuring an improved aspect ratio, and the “Fold 8 Ultra,” equipped with top-of-the-line specifications, the industry expects replacement demand among existing foldable users to increase.

However, with forecasts suggesting that the price of the Fold 8 Ultra could exceed 3 million won, demand is also expected to rise among consumers looking to reduce the financial burden of purchase by selling their used phones.

Cello advises that if you are planning to replace your smartphone, it may be advantageous to check the optimal timing for selling your device in advance, taking into account fluctuations in the used market price around the time of the new product launch.

Cello offers a contactless service where users can request a sale online and have their device picked up for free at a location of their choice. After inspection, users can review the final purchase price and decide whether to proceed with the sale; if they cancel, the device will be returned free of charge. The company also provides a certificate confirming the deletion of personal information to alleviate users’ security concerns.

A Cello representative stated, “During the new product launch season, interest in the timing of selling existing smartphones also increases,” adding, “We will continue to analyze consumer sales patterns and market changes that occur during smartphone replacement periods to provide a more reliable environment for used phone transactions.”