- vivo’s X Fold 3 is the thinnest and lightest foldable so far, aiming to win over premium bar-type phone users.
- The X Fold 3 series is also priced aggressively. The X Fold 3 model is about 22% cheaper than the previous generation, while the X Fold 3 Pro sports the same price as the X Fold 2 with upgraded specifications.
- With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the X Fold 3 Pro embeds a 7B AI model on the device together with a 70B generative AI model on the cloud to provide generative AI services.
On Wednesday, vivo updated its book-type foldable product line with the X Fold 3 series, emphasizing the devices’ thinnest and lightest ever design to attract premium bar-type phone users. In 2023, China’s foldable market grew 108% YoY, with its book-type foldable segment growing 126% YoY, according to Counterpoint’s Market Pulse Service. However, foldable sales constituted only 2% of the overall smartphone sales in China 2023.
Cumbersome design, durability concerns and high prices have been major factors driving customers away from foldables. The vivo X Fold 3 series attempts to address these concerns. Weighing just 219 gm, the vivo X Fold 3 model is claimed to be the thinnest book-type foldable smartphone available. The X Fold 3 Pro weighs 236 gm, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 221 gm. The smartphone measures 4.65 mm in thickness when opened and 10.2 mm when folded, in contrast to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 8.3 mm. This achievement was made possible by using lightweight materials such as
carbon fiber.
Despite their thinner and lighter body, the X Fold 3 devices still prove durable. The hinge can endure 50,000 folds. The inner screen is protected with Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), while the outer screen is covered with specially designed Armor Glass, claimed to be 11 times more resistant to drops. The vivo X Fold 3 Pro also boasts IPX8-level dustproof and waterproof capabilities.
The battery life is robust as well. vivo has partnered with ATL to develop a semi-solid state battery for the X Fold 3 series, significantly improving performance in low-temperature environments.
As for pricing, the vivo X Fold 3 is $277 (RMB 2,000) lower than its predecessor, while the X Fold 3 Pro costs the same as the vivo X Fold 2. This also marks the first time vivo has introduced a Pro model to its foldable product line.
Compared to the X Fold 3, the X Fold 3 Pro features a decent upgrade in SoC and photography. The X Fold 3 is powered by the Snapdragon Gen 2, while the Pro version boasts the latest Snapdragon Gen 3. Moreover, the X Fold3 Pro is equipped with a 7B AI model on the device with a 70B AI model on the cloud to provide customers with generative AI services.
The X Fold 3 includes three rear cameras – 50MP OIS main camera (Sony IMX920), 50MP ultrawide camera (Samsung JN1) and 50MP 2X portrait camera (IMX816). The Pro model’s main camera uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor (OV50H) with an f/1.68 aperture. It also features a 64MP telephoto camera (OV64B) and a 50MP ultrawide camera (JN1).
The X Fold 3 elevates the book-type foldable experience, making it more akin to a bar-type smartphone but with a second large screen. With a lower launch price, it has the potential to increase vivo’s presence in the premium market.
