Foldable smartphones have been a hot topic in the mobile industry for the past few years, with companies like Samsung and Oppo offering models that are priced higher than traditional smartphones. While many consumers are itching to buy a foldable device, Oppo recently explained why cheaper foldable phones may not be coming anytime soon.

Oppo explains why cheaper foldable phones aren’t coming anytime soon

According to Billy Zhang, Oppo’s vice president of sales and service, now is not a good time for sophisticated mid-range smartphones. The materials, engineering and hardware required for sophisticated devices are much more expensive than alternative phones with similar features.

Zhang believes that a successful mid-range sophisticated device cannot compromise on chipset or image quality. However, the folding screen requires splitting the motherboard in two, which requires a different chipset design.

Oppo’s vice president of sales and service emphasized that the main factor in falling prices will be the supply of foldable products. Increased sales will lead to lower costs in the supply chain. However, he noted that this process takes time.

Zhang also noted that Oppo prioritizes user experience when it comes to product development. As a result, the company will not compromise on quality for a lower price. However, it is worth noting that other Chinese manufacturers are working on sophisticated mid-range models. According to recent reports, Samsung plans to launch six foldable models in 2024. These devices will include the Galaxy Z Flex, Z Fold Ultra, Z Flip Ultra and Z Tab. Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip will also be part of this series.