The praise came in response to a tweet from OPPO and OnePlus PR executive Ryan Fenwick. Ryan posted a GIF of the OPPO Find N saying how foldables are breaking the stereotypes that today’s Android smartphones are “all the same” and “boring”. The GIF showed the OPPO foldable opening to reveal its full screen. “Pretty ah-mazing!,” the Samsung Mobile US Twitter handle replied, along with a “star-struck” emoji. However, Samsung’s praise for the OPPO Find N could be unintentional. Perhaps it’s a mistake from the person handling the Samsung Mobile US Twitter account. They might have thought it’s the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which also sports a book-like form factor. It’s otherwise very rare for smartphone companies to openly praise a rival product like that. While we’d never know whether Samsung genuinely meant the compliment or it was a mistake, the Korean brand has played it cool by allowing the tweet to stay. However, Twitterati was quick to remind the company that it was not the Galaxy Z Fold 3 but one of its rivals. Even OPPO Malaysia jumped into the conversation, responding to Samsung’s praise with “ah-thank you! [wink].”
— Samsung Mobile US (@SamsungMobileUS) March 24, 2022
The foldable market is getting more competitive
Foldable smartphones have existed for three years now. But in those three years, only Samsung has been actively making these unconventional smartphones. It’s no wonder the Korean brand occupies a lion’s share in the global foldable market. Its Galaxy Z Flip 3 sold more than all other foldable smartphones combined last year. However, Samsung will have more competition in the market this year. OPPO’s Find N is currently exclusive to China but is already winning the hearts of foldable enthusiasts all over the world with its design. Should it come outside China, it may eat a lot of Samsung’s market. Several other OEMs, including Vivo and Google, are expected to launch foldable smartphones this year. Motorola could also make a comeback with a new foldable Razr model in 2022. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges as the biggest threat to Samsung.
