China Ahead on Foldables: Why Samsung’s Latest Phones Feel Like They’re Playing Catch-Up

Samsung just dropped its new foldables—the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7. They’re slick, a bit thinner, slightly better. The usual. And yeah, they’ll cost you more.

But here’s the thing. While Samsung keeps polishing the same idea, Chinese brands are flipping the game—literally and figuratively. They’re pushing out fresh designs, charging tech that doesn’t sleep, and foldables that look like something out of a sci-fi show. And guess what? You don’t have to imagine it. These phones are already here. In Kenya.

That’s the part we don’t talk about enough: China is ahead on foldables, and we’re not on the sidelines anymore—we’re right in it.

Foldables in Kenya? Yep. Already Happening.

A couple of years ago, if someone pulled out a foldable in Nairobi, it was either a demo unit, a duty-free purchase, or something they bought abroad. Now? Different story.

Late 2023, the OnePlus Open arrived quietly. Then came Infinix’s ZERO Flip last October for around KES 86,000. Not long after, the Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 showed up for about 130K.

Then this year, OPPO brought in the Find N5. That’s not just another foldable—it supports a stylus on both screens, charges in under 40 minutes, and has a massive 5,600 mAh battery. And yes, you can get it in Nairobi right now.

Foldables aren’t hype anymore. They’re happening. In Kenya. And they’re mostly Chinese.

Samsung Is Safe. China? They’re Just Doing It.

Samsung’s Fold7 looks sharp. But here’s the truth—it removed S Pen support, still has the same 4,400 mAh battery, and charges slower than some midrange phones. Not bad, but nothing wild.

Now compare that to Oppo’s Find N5. It’s faster, more flexible, and way more ambitious. And it’s already in stores here.

And then there’s Huawei’s Mate XT. This phone folds twice. You start with a 6.4″ phone, flip it open to a 7.9″ screen, and then again into a full-on 10.2″ tablet. It sounds over the top—but it works. It’s out.

Samsung? They say a trifold might come “later this year.” China’s already selling it.

So Why Is China Pulling Ahead?

Simple. They’re moving fast, taking risks, and listening to what people actually want.

First, China’s phone market is super competitive. People upgrade often, and they want something new—not just newer.

Second, brands there aren’t scared to try stuff. Honor’s Magic V5 launched just before Samsung’s Fold7—0.1 mm thinner, just to make a point.

Third, Chinese brands control more of their tech. Companies like BOE build the displays for these foldables—and even for Apple now. They don’t have to wait on anyone.

That’s how China got ahead on foldables—by moving, not hesitating.

What’s Holding Everyone Else Back?

In the West, foldables are still a niche thing. A lot of people think they’re fragile, or too expensive, or just a gimmick. So companies play it safe. Make small changes. Hope Apple does something.

But while Apple stays quiet, Chinese brands are building version after version. By the time Apple launches a foldable—maybe in 2026—Huawei and Oppo will be on their sixth or seventh iteration.

That gap? It’s only getting wider.

Foldables Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Phones aren’t the only thing China’s going big on.

EVs? BYD is coming for Tesla. Displays? BOE is making screens for everyone. Chips? They’re going hard on local production. Even AI and quantum computing are getting state-level support.

Economists are calling it “China Shock 2.0”. First time around, it was about manufacturing. This time? It’s about tech.

And foldables? They’re just one signal that China’s not waiting around.

Kenya’s Not Left Behind

Here’s what’s cool—we’re not watching this from a distance. We’re part of it.

Kenya has a tech-loving, phone-obsessed population. We care about what our devices can do—and how they look doing it. Foldables deliver that. And Chinese brands are noticing.

They’re not sending us old stock. We’re getting current models. Fresh off the launch cycle. Sometimes, even before Europe.

And yeah, KES 240,000 for a phone like the Find N5 isn’t cheap—but the Infinix ZERO Flip and Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 show that foldables don’t have to break the bank. Options are growing.

Bottom Line

Foldables aren’t the future. They’re the now. And the brands leading that shift? They’re not coming from California or Korea—they’re coming from Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Samsung may have kicked off the foldable trend, but right now, China is ahead on foldables. And Kenya? We’re not waiting around. We’re buying, using, and shaping the market too.

So don’t be surprised when your next phone folds shut—or opens up like a book. The future already landed. It just came with a Chinese passport.

Mark your calendars! TechTrends Pulse lands in Nairobi this August! Join top tech leaders, innovators & AI experts for a half-day of keynotes, showcases & sharp insights on business transformation. RSVP now -limited slots available! Register here.

Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke