Samsung has 'no plans' to launch a cheap Galaxy Z Fold phone, but it definitely should

Date:
Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:13:52 +0000

Description:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold FE isn't on the way according to Samsung itself.

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If like me you were hoping we might see a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold FE i.e. an affordable alternative to Samsungs pricey foldable phones then I have some bad news. According to Samsung itself, theres no plans to launch a cheaper foldable for the time being.

Samsung has just launched a new foldable; specifically its a new Galaxy Z
Fold 6 Special Edition with some exclusive upgrades such as wider displays, a 200MP main wide camera, and a thinner and lighter body than the base Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 . These upgrades come at price, however, with the device costing 2,789,600 won (or roughly $2,000 / 1,550 / AU$3,000).

Its also exclusive to South Korea with the rumored China launch remaining unconfirmed.

As for a cheaper alternative, Samsung appears to have no plans to make a cheaper foldable, with an official saying to Korean outlet Sisa Journal (translated for Korean), As of now, we have no plans to release a separate product with a lower price.

It doesnt really get any clearer than that. The wrong move? The Galaxy Z Fold 6 was already a step up in price (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Admittedly theres still a non-zero chance Samsung is working on some kind of Galaxy Z Fold FE to match other cheap Fan Edition Samsung handsets as the statement is a little non-committal. The sort of non-promise either way that Samsung might mike if it has nothing to announce at this time (and teasing a cheap phone right before launching a mega pricey one likely isnt a good business move).

And I seriously hope it has something less pricey up its sleeve, as the last thing foldables need to be is more expensive.

Yes the technology is awesome, I had an absolute blast using the regular Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 when it launched, but its tough to justify $1,899.99
/ 1,799 / AU$2,749 for a smartphone when a $799 / 799 / AU$1,399 Galaxy S24 does a lot of the same stuff. Its especially a tough pill to swallow when you consider the non dustproof Galaxy Z Fold 6 design makes it less durable, meaning you could end up ruining your expensive gadget with one trip to the beach.

At, say $1,200-ish 1,200 / AU$1,800 or around two-thirds the price a Galaxy Fold would be a heck of a lot more appealing, even if that does mean Samsung has to make some sacrifices on the hardware side of things.

Well have to wait and see if Samsung changes course, but for now it looks
like the best we can do is start hoping for some amazing deals in this years Black Friday sales if you want a cheap foldable. You might also like The latest OnePlus 13 teaser reveals the announcement date and the phone's full back in a trio of colors The latest Samsung Galaxy S25 leak hints at the dimensions for all three phones Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leak hints at the colors you'll be able to choose from



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-has-no-plans-to -launch-a-cheap-galaxy-z-fold-phone-but-it-definitely-should


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