Samsung’s foldable Galaxy Z Flip6 smartphone has seen a notable increase in sales, attributed to the “victory selfies” taken by athletes on the podium at the Paris Olympics. As a long-term Olympic partner, Samsung has provided athletes with the opportunity to capture these moments using its latest foldable device. The company reported a 23% spike in Flip6 sales on July 30, which coincided with a strong performance by Team GB, marking their best day for podium placements at the Games so far.
On that day, Team GB secured gold in team eventing and mountain biking, alongside silver in the men’s 10m synchronized diving. This surge in sales suggests a connection between the visibility of the device during these high-profile Olympic moments and consumer interest.
Samsung has also distributed a special Olympic edition of the Z Flip6 to all athletes participating in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. James Kitto, vice president and head of the mobile division at Samsung UK and Ireland, emphasized the “continued drive” for foldable phones. He also noted that pre-order figures for Samsung’s new phones and wearables, introduced last month, have surpassed those from the previous year.
Kitto highlighted the broader success of Samsung’s wearables, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which has seen a 37% year-on-year increase in demand in the UK. He linked this growth to the heightened focus on health and wellness during the summer of sports, reinforced by the ongoing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Moreover, Samsung UK has secured the top spot for Galaxy Z Series sales in Europe, with a 15% rise in popularity for the Galaxy Z Fold6. Kitto pointed out that the larger screen experience, coupled with unique Galaxy AI features, is driving this local demand. The Galaxy Z Flip6, particularly the 2024 Olympic Edition, has also gained traction, with nearly 17,000 athletes using the device, contributing to the growing consideration and purchase intent for Samsung’s foldable smartphones.
