Foldables will become common in 2023. We have seen Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4 ironing out problems and there has been a massive upgrade in the software deparment, besides improved hinges. Next year, expect even better foldable phones but the best part of the deal would be that pricing will match those of “flat” smartphones. It will still be a small part of the millions of phones expected to be shipped in 2023 but expect sales to increase significantly. Foldables saw sales double from last year to 16 million devices in 2023. We are expecting the Flip4 to be the first foldable smartphone for many. There may also be brands other than Samsung bringing foldable phones to markets beyond China.
‘Flat’ smartphones
Folding and flat smartphones, that’s how we will see it from now on. Android phones will continue to improve its cameras and Samsung may offer us a 200MP camera in its upcoming Galaxy S23 Ultra phone, according to tech “leaker” Ice Universe, up from the 108MP main camera in this year’s S22 Ultra. The other changes may come from Google on the Pixel 8 series on which more new software features are expected. This year we saw Photo Unblur. The other changes will be more like improvements — better chipsets and more phones supporting wireless charging.
Also expect Android phones to cut fewer corners this year. As smartphone prices increase, companies will look at entering the premium segment to maximise profit margins.
In the iPhone camp, we should see more phones having the Dynamic Island hardware feature and Apple may swap out Lightning ports for USB-C as an EU-imposed deadline nears. The other big features remain a secret because Apple still knows how to keep people guessing.