In a surprising twist for the smartphone industry, Motorola has emerged as the dominant player in the US foldable phone market, capturing roughly 50% of sales according to recent IDC data. This achievement, driven almost entirely by its popular Razr clamshell lineup, has left Samsung trailing in the world’s largest Western market despite the Korean giant’s long-standing leadership in foldables.
The shift marks a significant moment in the evolution of foldable smartphones. Once considered a niche Samsung playground, the category is now seeing real competition from more accessible options — and Motorola has capitalized on consumer demand for practical, affordable flip-style devices.
Motorola’s US and Regional Dominance
Motorola’s success in the United States stems from strategic moves that addressed early pain points in clamshell foldables. Starting with the 2023 Razr+, the company enlarged the external cover screen (reaching up to 3.6 inches or more in recent models), making it far more usable for quick tasks without unfolding the phone — an area where Samsung’s early Galaxy Z Flip models fell short.
Combined with aggressive pricing, strong carrier partnerships, and stylish, nostalgic-yet-modern designs, the Razr series has resonated strongly. Entry-level and mid-range Razr models often start in the $400–$700 range, broadening appeal beyond ultra-premium buyers.
This momentum extends beyond the US. Motorola commands about 55% of the foldable market in Latin America and has grown its global share notably in recent periods, reaching around 14% in some recent IDC assessments. In Europe, it has also posted respectable double-digit shares in certain markets.
A standout moment came in Q2 2025, when Counterpoint Research reported Motorola surging to 28% global foldable share (up from 14% the prior year) after the Razr 2025 launch. During that quarter, Samsung’s share dipped to 9%, placing it third behind Huawei’s China dominance.
Samsung’s Global Resilience and Rebound
While Motorola has stolen headlines in the US, Samsung remains the overall foldable leader in most global metrics. In Q3 2025, for instance, Counterpoint data showed Samsung rebounding to 64% of worldwide shipments, well ahead of Huawei (15%) and Motorola (7%). Samsung’s dual approach — offering both premium clamshells (Galaxy Z Flip) and book-style devices (Galaxy Z Fold) — gives it broader appeal, especially for productivity-focused users.
Samsung benefits from superior cameras on its flagships, longer software update promises in many regions, ecosystem features like DeX, and continuous improvements in durability, hinge design, and display technology. Its scale, marketing muscle, and R&D investment have helped it maintain dominance even as competition intensifies.
Globally, foldable shipments grew in the mid-teens percent range for full-year 2025, setting the stage for stronger expansion ahead.
The Road Ahead: Apple’s Entry and 2026 Outlook
The foldable war is far from settled. Both IDC and Counterpoint Research forecast significant growth in 2026, with worldwide shipments projected to rise 20–30% year-over-year. The biggest catalyst? Apple’s anticipated first foldable iPhone, expected in the second half of 2026.
Analysts predict Apple could capture 22–28% of the global market in its debut year, with an even larger slice (potentially 46% in North America per some Counterpoint estimates) thanks to its premium positioning and loyal customer base. Samsung is forecasted to hold onto the top spot at around 31%, but faces pressure as Motorola expands into book-style foldables with the upcoming Razr Fold.
Motorola’s first mainstream book-style device, teased and recently shown at events like MWC, could help it compete more directly with Samsung and Apple in the premium segment — though it will face stiff challenges in cameras, software longevity, and brand perception.
Why This Matters for Consumers
Motorola’s rise demonstrates that foldables don’t have to be ultra-expensive to succeed. Its focus on usable cover screens, value pricing, and fun designs has made the technology more approachable, accelerating adoption in key markets.
Samsung, meanwhile, continues to push the boundaries of what foldables can do, particularly in productivity and high-end photography.
The increased competition — now including Motorola’s expansion, Huawei’s strength in China, and Apple’s looming arrival — is excellent news for buyers. Expect better hardware, more features, and potentially lower prices as brands fight for share.
In the US, a recent Motorola Razr remains one of the strongest value picks for those wanting a flip phone. For book-style versatility, top-tier cameras, or deep ecosystem integration, Samsung’s Galaxy Z series is still hard to beat.
The foldable category is maturing rapidly, and 2026 promises to be its most exciting year yet. Whether Motorola can sustain its US momentum against Apple and a resurgent Samsung will be one of the biggest stories to watch.
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