Oppo has launched a foldable phone for international markets, as the Chinese smartphone maker looks to boost its business outside the country, CNBC reports.
The Find N2 Flip represents OPPO's attempt to make an impact in the premium segment of the smartphone market, and in the emerging foldable phone category.
And the "Find N2 Flip" - which was launched on Wednesday - folds in the middle like a traditional phone, and features two screens.
The 6.8-inch main screen appears when the device is unfolded and can connect to next-generation 5G mobile networks.
There is a second display on the outside of the phone when the device is folded, which Oppo described as "the largest cover screen of its kind."
The phone can withstand more than 400,000 folds and opens at standard room temperature (Getty Images)
The company said that the phone can withstand more than 400,000 folds and opens at standard room temperature, which is equivalent to opening and closing the device about 100 times a day for more than 10 years.
The foldable phone category - invented by Samsung - is still in its early stages, as shipments of foldable devices accounted for only 1.1% of total smartphone shipments in 2022, according to IDC, and it is expected to increase. to only 2.8% in 2026.
Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC by phone, "I think there's a bit of a hard way to accept foldable devices. Do we really know the size of the market?
OPPO is the world's fourth largest smartphone company by market share and has achieved success over the past few years by selling high specification and innovative devices at a competitive price.
Recently, OPPO has been looking to strengthen its presence outside of China and take a share of the high-end smartphone market like Apple.
Samsung dominance
Oppo's challenge will be around building its brand outside of China, where the company is still behind other names like Samsung, according to Wood.
The foldable phone is part of OPPO's efforts to build itself as a premium brand, and the company has priced its device at $849 to $1,024.
"This is a big bet for them," says Wood. "OPPO has clearly recognized that there is strong potential in the premium smartphone segment, and they have made no secret of the fact that they believe that foldable devices are one aspect of taking the brand to the premium level."
Outside of China, there are still very few foldable phones available for purchase.
Samsung owns the Galaxy Z Flip4, while Motorola offers the Razr 5G.
Find in 2 Flip is the official smartphone of the UEFA Champions League, the most famous European football competition (Getty Images)
"In terms of price, they've definitely become competitive," Wood added, adding that OPPO has to introduce the public to its brand.
On Wednesday, Oppo said, "Find N2 Flip" is the official smartphone of the European Champions League (UEFA) - the most famous European football competition - as it looks forward to marketing its devices and brand to a wide audience.
Given OPPO's large investments in marketing and advanced devices, Wood described 2023 as "the year of success or failure" for the smartphone maker, and said, "They are making a big bet on building their international business, and this requires a very large investment."