Key Takeaways
1. Vivo is expected to launch only one foldable device, the X Fold 4, instead of two like the previous year.
2. The X Fold 4 will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset instead of the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Elite.
3. The X Fold 3 had higher sales compared to the Pro model, indicating consumer preference for value in foldable phones.
4. Honor may not release a mid-range foldable this year, giving Vivo an opportunity to dominate the 6,999–8,999 Yuan price range.
5. The X Fold 4 is predicted to launch in the third quarter of this year, with a less crowded market potentially benefiting all companies.
Last year, Vivo introduced the Vivo X Fold 3 and the X Fold 3 Pro, utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. While the Pro model was aimed at the high-end market, the standard version offered excellent performance for a more budget-friendly price. Early rumors about the upcoming Vivo X Fold 4 series suggested that the company would launch only a single foldable device this time instead of the previous two. A recent leak from tipster Digital Chat Station indicated that the X Fold 4 will come with the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, not the Snapdragon 8 Elite as initially expected. Another source, Experience More, shared insights on why this choice may be reasonable and also provided information on when to expect the release of the X Fold 4.
Pricing Insights for Vivo X Fold 4
To remind, the Vivo X Fold 3 was sold for a price range of 6,999 yuan to 8,999 Yuan (around $1,240), while the starting price for the X Fold 3 Pro was 9,999 Yuan (approximately $1,380). The tipster mentioned that the X Fold 3 had significantly higher sales compared to the Pro model, reflecting a consumer preference for value rather than just high-end features in the foldable phone market.
Competing Brands and Market Dynamics
Last year, Honor also launched two foldable devices styled like books. The Magic Vs3, which has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, was priced between 6,999 Yuan (~$960) and 8,999 Yuan (~$1,240). In contrast, the Magic V3, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, had a price range of 8,999 Yuan (~$1,240) to 10,999 Yuan (~$1,515). However, this year, it seems that Honor might skip releasing a successor for the Magic Vs3, with plans to launch the Magic V4 that will include the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
Market Strategy and Predictions
According to the tipster, with Honor likely not introducing a mid-range foldable this year, Vivo has a chance to dominate the price range of 6,999–8,999 Yuan (~$960 – ~$1,100). However, postponing the launch or choosing to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite could lead to losing market share to rivals like Oppo and Honor, especially with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 set to release in October this year. The tipster believes it makes sense for the Vivo X Fold 4 to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in the third quarter of this year. He also noted that a less crowded market could help all companies, allowing each model to sell more units successfully.
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