Samsung says foldables now make up more than 20% of its India flagship sales

Samsung says around 65% of its flagship smartphone sales in India come from tier-2, tier-3 and rural markets. The company expects handset prices to rise amid chip shortages, while offering interest-free EMIs of up to 30 months to support premium-device demand.

— Source publishedTue, 28 Jul, 2026, 15:33 IST·First seen Tue, 28 Jul, 2026, 15:45 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Samsung says foldables contribute over 20% of its India flagship sales, while 65% of premium-device sales come from tier-2, tier-3 and rural markets. It expects

Key facts

  • Foldables account for more than 20% of Samsung's flagship smartphone sales in India
  • Around 65% of flagship sales come from tier-2, tier-3 and rural markets
  • Interest-free EMI schemes are available for up to 30 months
  • Samsung introduced its first foldable smartphone in 2019
  • Galaxy Z8 is Samsung's eighth-generation foldable series
  • Samsung has absorbed rising costs for the past eight months

Why this matters

The expansion of premium demand beyond metros makes partnerships or acquisitions in regional retail, device financing and after-sales service strategically more valuable.

What to watch

  • Further chip, memory and display cost increases and the size/timing of Samsung India price revisions.
  • EMI approval rates, repayment delinquencies and whether zero-interest financing is manufacturer-, bank- or retailer-subsidized.
  • Foldable sell-through by city tier, especially whether the 20% flagship-mix figure holds after launch-period promotions fade.
  • Trade-in values and secondary-market demand for older Galaxy flagships and foldables.
  • Competitor responses, including Apple financing expansion, Vivo/Oppo foldable promotions and premium Android price cuts.
  • Repair claims, hinge/display service volumes and service-center expansion outside metros.
  • Expand foldable demo zones, service coverage and trained promoters in tier-2, tier-3 and high-income rural catchments.
  • Bundle foldables with trade-in guarantees, screen-protection plans and bank/NBFC-funded EMI offers to reduce perceived ownership risk.
  • Prioritize inventory allocation toward high-conversion non-metro markets while limiting exposure to slow-moving premium SKUs.
  • Use the foldable halo to upsell wearables, tablets, insurance and Samsung ecosystem services.
  • Defend against Apple and Chinese premium Android rivals with localized launch offers and faster repair turnaround times.