The Rise of vivo X Fold Series: Redefining Malaysia’s Foldable Smartphone Market

The Malaysian smartphone market has witnessed a seismic shift in recent years with the advent of foldable devices. Among the contenders, vivo’s X Fold series has emerged as a formidable player, blending cutting-edge technology with premium design. From the inaugural vivo X Fold to the upcoming X Fold 5 and the powerhouse X Fold 3 Pro, each iteration pushes boundaries in performance, display innovation, and user experience. This article delves into how vivo’s foldable lineup is reshaping consumer expectations, analyzing its technological leaps, market positioning, and what the future holds for foldable smartphones in Malaysia.

Technological Evolution: From X Fold to X Fold 5

The original vivo X Fold set the benchmark for foldable smartphones in Malaysia with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a robust 4600 mAh battery. Its quad-camera system, headlined by a 50 MP wide lens, demonstrated vivo’s commitment to photography excellence. Running Android 12 with Origin OS Ocean, the device delivered a fluid interface, while storage options of 12GB RAM paired with 256GB or 512GB catered to power users.
Fast forward to the anticipated vivo X Fold 5, slated for a December 2025 release. This model is rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, a leap in computational efficiency, alongside an 8.03-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. Storage configurations may include up to 1TB, appealing to professionals and multimedia enthusiasts. The camera setup is expected to refine vivo’s imaging prowess with a 50MP primary sensor and a 32MP front shooter. Priced at an estimated MYR 3,889, the X Fold 5 could democratize foldable tech, making it more accessible than its predecessors.

The Powerhouse Contender: X Fold 3 Pro

For users demanding uncompromising performance, the vivo X Fold 3 Pro stands as the current flagship. Armed with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a mammoth 5700 mAh battery, it excels in endurance and multitasking. The 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant ensures seamless operation for heavy applications and gaming. However, its premium specs come at a cost—priced around RM 18,377.57, it targets a niche segment willing to invest in top-tier hardware.
The X Fold 3 Pro’s success underscores a growing appetite for high-end foldables in Malaysia. Its superior battery life and processing muscle position it as a strong competitor against rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, proving that vivo is serious about challenging established players.

Market Impact and Consumer Adoption

The vivo X Fold series has not only introduced technological advancements but also influenced consumer behavior. The initial high price of foldables deterred mass adoption, but with models like the X Fold 5 expected at a lower entry point, vivo may attract a broader audience. The series’ emphasis on display quality—such as the X Fold 5’s adaptive refresh rate—caters to gamers and content creators, while camera innovations appeal to photography enthusiasts.
Moreover, vivo’s aggressive pricing strategy could pressure competitors to adjust their own foldable lineups. If the X Fold 5 delivers flagship-tier specs at a mid-range price, it might accelerate the mainstream adoption of foldables in Malaysia, much like how 5G devices became commonplace after initial premium positioning.

Conclusion: The Future of Foldables in Malaysia

The vivo X Fold series exemplifies how innovation and strategic pricing can disrupt a market. From the pioneering X Fold to the imminent X Fold 5 and the elite X Fold 3 Pro, each model addresses distinct consumer needs—whether it’s affordability, performance, or cutting-edge features. As foldable technology matures, vivo’s commitment to refining hardware and software ensures its place in the conversation alongside industry giants.
Looking ahead, the Malaysian market may see foldables transition from luxury items to everyday devices, driven by brands like vivo that balance premium specs with competitive pricing. The X Fold series isn’t just about bending screens—it’s about bending expectations, proving that the future of smartphones is flexible in more ways than one.