What They Say
TrendForce of Taiwan gave its views on folding smartphones and said that it expects the segement to reach 1.1% penetration in 2022 but should expand to be more than 2.5% after 2024 as handsets get improved specifications and lower prices. The firm, in its blog post summarises the pros and cons of in- and out-folding designs and looks at screen size and refresh rate development. It also covers the developments in LTPO and colour filters to replace polarisers.
The firm points out that Xiaomi uses a carbon fibre hinge that reduces the weight by 35% compared to metals and also reduces thickness with a teardrop-shaped hinge. The average thickness is reduced by 18% compared with other models, making the thickness of the entire folded device very close to the thickness of an iPhone 13. The moto razr 2022 uses a double-rotating teardrop-type orbiting shaft. Due to the large space required by the double-shaft structure, the radius of the folded teardrop can be set at 3.3mm, which makes crease generation difficult. It also supports multi-angle hovering in addition to seamless folding.
SDC dominates the supply, with BOE trying hard, but TrendForce expects Visionox to ‘break through the pack’. After Xiaomi’s cooperation with CSOT on the Mix Fold, the company seems to have turned its attention to Tianma this year and more foldable products from Tianma are expected for release, the firm said.
What We Think
These displays and handsets are all in the very premium segments of the market, so revenue share will be much higher than units.
The Mix Fold 2 has an impressive specification but for now is only available in China. On Twitter, Ross Young said that really Xiaomi has low targets for the model, while Motorola has big volume targets for the latest Razr foldable. (BR)
