Key Points
- Samsung confirms no immediate plans to release a budget-friendly foldable device like a Galaxy Z Fold FE.
- Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, which is priced around $2,000 and features exclusive upgrades, including a 200MP camera and thinner design.
- The Special Edition is exclusive to South Korea, with a rumored China release still unconfirmed.
- Samsung’s statement on a cheaper foldable leaves some room for speculation, suggesting that future developments could be possible.
Fans of foldable smartphones hoping for a more affordable option from Samsung may be disappointed, as the company has confirmed there are no plans to release a budget-friendly foldable device. This news comes amid the launch of Samsung’s new premium offering, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, which introduces several exclusive upgrades but remains firmly in the high-end price bracket.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, currently exclusive to South Korea, comes with enhanced features such as wider displays, a powerful 200MP main wide camera, and a thinner, lighter body compared to the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, these improvements come at a steep cost, with the device priced at 2,789,600 won, or roughly $2,000 / £1,550 / 3,000. While there are rumors of a potential release in China, nothing has been officially confirmed outside of South Korea.
For those hoping for a more budget-friendly foldable, Samsung has dashed hopes for a Galaxy Z Fold FE (Fan Edition). An official from the company stated, “As of now, we have no plans to release a separate product with a lower price.” It leaves the foldable market dominated by high-priced devices, and Samsung’s current stance suggests that an affordable foldable won’t be available soon.
However, the statement remains somewhat ambiguous, leading some to speculate that Samsung could still work on a cheaper foldable model behind the scenes. The company may withhold such an announcement until after the high-end Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition launch, as promoting a cheaper model alongside a premium one might hurt sales. Additionally, the foldable market is still relatively niche, and the costs of developing durable, advanced foldable technology have kept prices high.
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series continues to push technological boundaries, it remains a costly investment. The base Galaxy Z Fold 6 is already priced at $1,899.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,749. Though it delivers an excellent foldable experience, its lack of dustproofing and general durability issues make it a risky purchase for some users.
A potential Galaxy Z Fold FE, priced around $1,200 / £1,200 / AU$1,800, could strike the perfect balance between innovation and affordability, allowing more consumers to experience the foldable form factor. Until then, Samsung foldable fans must look toward sales events like Black Friday for potential discounts on these high-tech devices.
