Galaxy Z Flip 7 to Feature Majority of Hinges from Chinese Supplier

It looks like Samsung is diversifying its supply chain for components for the upcoming Galaxy foldable lineup. An earlier report claimed that Samsung Electro-Mechanics has entered the silicon capacitor supply chain for clamshell foldables alongside the existing Japanese component giant Murata. Now, Korean media reports that the Chinese company Huanli will be supplying a large number of hinges for the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Chinese firm Huanli overtakes Korean rival KH Vatec in Galaxy Z Flip 7 hinge deal

The hinge is an integral part of foldable phones that plays a key role in the folding and unfolding mechanism. The South Korean company KH Vatec has been the main hinge supplier for Samsung’s foldable phones over the past six generations. However, according to a report from The Bell, Huanli has overtaken KH Vatec to become the key hinge supplier this year. The Chinese firm received an order for 60-70% of the initial volume of hinges for the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Huanli joined Samsung’s hinge supply chain with the Galaxy Z Flip 5, breaking KH Vatec’s long-time dominance. Samsung gave more hinge orders to Huanli with the Galaxy Z Flip 6, though KH Vatec still led the supply. Now, with the seventh-generation Flip model, the Chinese hinge maker has secured a large order for hinges and has become the main supplier.

Industry watchers believe Huanli won this large order because it sells hinges at lower prices than competitors, thanks to support from the Chinese government. The publication says Huanli is now planning to supply hinges for Samsung’s Fold series in the future. We will learn next year if the company succeeds in securing those deals.

Meanwhile, Samsung is setting the stage for its much-awaited Unpacked event, which takes place on July 9. The new foldable lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE, will take center stage. Stay tuned as we will bring you full coverage of the event.

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