What to know

  • Samsung says they are no plans for a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold model.
  • People hoping for Galaxy Fold FE would be disappointed by this news.
  • Current Galaxy Z Fold 6 pricing remains at $1,899, creating a significant barrier to adoption.
  • Samsung’s stance comes despite struggling growth and competition from Chinese manufacturers.

Samsung has officially reaffirmed its position against developing a more affordable version of its flagship foldable device, according to a report from SisaJournal. The announcement comes at a time when the company faces increasing pressure to make its foldable technology more accessible to mainstream consumers.

In a statement to SisaJournal, Samsung emphasized that while they are focused on expanding options for consumers, they have “no plans to release a separate product with a lower price.” This stance maintains the premium positioning of the Galaxy Z Fold series, which currently retails at $1,899 for the latest Fold 6 model.

Wise decision or not?

The company’s decision is particularly noteworthy given that Samsung has been experiencing stagnant growth in its foldable segment. Most of their current customers are upgrading from previous Galaxy Z Fold models rather than being new adopters of the foldable form factor.

This strategy stands in contrast to the success seen with the Galaxy Z Flip series, which saw significant market growth after pricing was set below $1,000.

The pricing disparity is even more evident with the recent release of the Galaxy Z Fold “Special Edition” in Korea, which comes at an even higher price point – approximately $300 more than the standard Fold 6.

Industry observers note that Samsung’s position may be challenging to maintain, especially as Chinese competitors like Honor, Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo continue to release thinner, lighter foldable devices with competitive specifications. These manufacturers are increasingly putting pressure on Samsung’s market leadership in the foldable segment.

The decision to maintain premium pricing comes at a crucial time when Samsung has already lost its position as the global leader in foldable smartphone sales to Huawei. Trend observers are eager to see how this strategy will affect Samsung’s market relevance in this growing segment.

Featured image via: Samsung