Samsung‘s July 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event showcased the new Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, but these releases only highlight how Chinese manufacturers have surged ahead in smartphone innovation. While Samsung struggles to maintain its foldable leadership, Chinese brands have revolutionized the market with groundbreaking technologies that leave traditional players scrambling to catch up.
The Foldable Revolution Led by China
Chinese brands such as Huawei, Vivo and Honor dominate sales in China — the biggest market for foldable phones, according to Counterpoint Research. Huawei beat Samsung to the punch in 2024 when it released a new type of foldable phone that bends in two places like an accordion, providing an even larger screen nearly the size of an iPad when fully unfolded.
The stark contrast is evident: while Samsung showcases prototypes at trade shows, Chinese manufacturers deliver revolutionary products to consumers. All of China’s top five phone makers have new foldable phones confirmed for 2025, including Oppo’s Find N5, Honor’s Magic V4, Vivo’s X Fold 4, and Huawei’s Mate X7.
Market Dominance Through Innovation
Mainland China’s smartphone market shipped 70.9 million units in Q1 2025, marking a 5% year-on-year growth. This growth was supported by government subsidy policies that specifically benefit domestic innovation.
China Smartphone Market Performance (Q1 2025)
| Brand | Market Share | Units Shipped (Millions) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | 19% | 13.3 | +40% |
| Huawei | 18% | 13.0 | +18% |
| OPPO | 15% | 10.6 | +5% |
| Vivo | 15% | 10.4 | +3% |
| Apple | 13% | 9.2 | -8% |
AI and Operating System Breakthroughs
Chinese innovation extends beyond hardware. Innovations such as GenAI, system development and restructuring—such as Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT and Xiaomi’s HyperOS—as well as in-house chips and foldable form factor breakthroughs, have consistently captivated high-end users.
AI-capable smartphones account for 22% of Mainland China’s shipments in 2024, projected to exceed 40% in 2025. This rapid AI adoption showcases China’s commitment to next-generation technologies.
Samsung’s Uphill Battle
Despite launching the Galaxy Z Fold7 with improved thinness, Samsung faces intense pressure. Foldables still account for less than 2% of the broader smartphone market, while Chinese competitors continuously push boundaries with innovative designs and competitive pricing.
The Chinese government’s subsidy program further accelerates domestic brand adoption, creating additional headwinds for international competitors like Samsung.
Canalys predicts that smartphone shipments in Mainland China will exceed 290 million units in 2025, driven by continued innovation in foldables, AI capabilities, and enhanced user experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Chinese brands are leading foldable innovation?
A: Huawei, Honor, Vivo, OPPO, and Xiaomi all have advanced foldable devices, with Huawei’s tri-fold Mate XT leading innovation.
Q: How much has China’s smartphone market grown?
A: China’s market grew 5% in Q1 2025, supported by government subsidies and domestic brand innovation.
Q: What makes Chinese phones competitive against Samsung?
A: Advanced AI features, innovative foldable designs, competitive pricing, and strong government support drive Chinese brand success.
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