Samsung is rumored to launch multiple high-end smartphones, including the Galaxy Fold 2 and the Galaxy Note 20 series, in August. Some features of these smartphones have been leaked already. Now, a new report coming out of South Korea states that Samsung is going to focus on offering 5G versions of its high-end smartphones across the world.
The new report states that Samsung will only launch 5G variants of the Galaxy Note 20 and the Galaxy Fold 2 around the world. However, we've found the existence of LTE variants of the Galaxy Note 20, and the company is already developing firmware for those devices. We haven't been able to spot any information regarding an LTE variant of the Galaxy Fold 2, though, so it is possible that the next-generation Galaxy Fold could only launch in a 5G version (but with the 5G connectivity disabled in some markets).
Samsung reportedly wants to remain the number one 5G smartphone brand so that it can retain its top position in the current global smartphone segment. The South Korean tech giant has been the world's biggest smartphone brand since 2011. This year, smartphone shipments are expected to contract. However, sales of 5G smartphones are expected to grow 20% to reach a total of 200 million units.
Samsung sold 8.3 million 5G smartphones in Q1 2020, while Huawei managed to sell around 8 million units of 5G smartphones. However, a bigger threat looms towards the end of 2020 as Apple is expected to launch four iPhone 12 models, and all of them are rumored to feature 5G connectivity. It remains to be seen how Samsung counters Apple's upcoming smartphones. The South Korean firm will also launch the Galaxy Z Flip 5G in August.
