SamsungElectronics(005930)[Edaily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] Samsung Electronics’ new foldable smartphone, the “Galaxy Z8” series, recorded higher sales than its predecessor in the early days of its launch. The Galaxy Z Fold8 accounted for more than half of total sales and led the success.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research on the 9th, sales of the Galaxy Z8 series during the first two weeks after its launch increased by 8% compared to the same period for its predecessor, the Galaxy Z7 series.

The Galaxy Z8 series consists of the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8. Among these, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is estimated to have accounted for approximately 57% of the series’ total sales during the first two weeks after launch.

Lim Su-jeong, Associate Director at Counterpoint, explained, “The Galaxy Z Fold8’s strengths lie in its aspect ratio, which allows it to be used like a tablet when unfolded, and its multitasking capabilities.”

Although some retail channels experienced initial stock shortages, analysts projected that sales momentum would stabilize once supply returned to normal.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s strong performance stands out even more given the current state of the smartphone market this year. This is because rising memory prices have pushed up the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones, leading consumers to delay upgrading their devices.

SamsungElectronics also saw smartphone sales fall below the same period last year from Week 20 to Week 31 of this year, but sales surpassed last year’s levels again starting in Week 32, as pre-order volumes for the Galaxy Z8 translated into actual sales.

Counterpoint analyzed that demand for the newly introduced “passport-style” form factor contributed to the recovery in foldable sales.

However, competition in the foldable market is expected to intensify for SamsungElectronics. This is because Apple is reportedly set to unveil its first foldable iPhone in the second half of the year, which could spark full-scale competition between the two companies for the premium smartphone market.

Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint, said, “Apple is looking to leverage its vast base of iPhone Pro and Pro Max users and even attract some Android foldable users,” adding, “The key question is whether SamsungElectronics can maintain its existing foldable user base while continuing to attract premium Galaxy users to its foldable lineup.”