Oppo is again putting pressure on its competitors in the smartphone market. Currently, Oppo will produce a folding smartphone. We'll look at the next article.
The overall smartphone market in 2022 experienced a decline in sales, but the market for folded mobile phones showed considerable growth both worldwide and in China. And Oppo puts foldable phones at the heart of its global strategy. With increased sales and strong market reactions, the decision to expand the folded portfolio into the global market becomes simple.
Oppo intends to produce foldable devices in general, as well as the Find N2 Flip in particular, according to Billy Zhang, Oppo's President of Sales and Foreign Services.Zhang explains why their global market for more than $1,000 phones will be focused on folding phones. "We are confident in the evolution of this product and the technology associated with foldable phones."
Therefore, in the future, we will set foldable phones as our top priority in product strategy, product investment, sales, and marketing.
Oppo has been working on six prototype devices as part of a five-year investment program to reach this point. Most have been done closely, but more than 1600 patents in this field have been published, so some progress has been seen.
It is worth noting that this is a time scale similar to Samsung's; although the first Galaxy Fold launched in March 2019, Samsung has made a lot of public progress. Samsung started its portfolio with the Galaxy Fold, which resembles a tablet.
Oppo takes a different approach to its global release, using a small Z-style flip phone that opens to a very standard-looking candy bar smartphone screen.
Why is it important for Zhang and Oppo?
"When it comes to the user experience of the flip phone, this phone provides an experience that is familiar with traditional bar-type phones while providing incredible pocket-sized and attractive designs."That is, there are no learning costs for users to enjoy a new experience.
Folding phones have opened up new form factors and new areas where manufacturers can innovate and showcase their technical excellence. As you can see, they also boost sales compared to global smartphone trends.
Zhang does not feel this is innovation for innovation.
"Today's mobile phones are a little heavier and thicker than remote phones because they can be folded.""We believe that with our advanced technology, there’s a chance to continue to reduce the weight and thickness so that it’s close to the level of a bar-type phone."
The iPhone Pro sits in the premium room and attracts considerable attention and sales.
How do manufacturers like Oppo face that dominant power?
"Every manufacturer needs to innovate." We have to compete with Apple, and Apple holds the majority of the market share in the premium segment. It is important for Android manufacturers to find some differences.