If, like me, you were hoping for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold FE, an affordable alternative to Samsung’s pricey foldable phones, then we have bad news for you. According to Samsung itself, it has no plans to release a cheaper foldable model for the time being.
Samsung just launched a new foldable device. Specifically, the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition with some special upgrades, including a wider display, 200MP main wide camera, and a thinner and lighter body than the base Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, these upgrades come at a price. The device costs 2,789,600 won (or approximately $2,000 / £1,550 / AU$3,000).
It’s also exclusive to Korea, but a rumored Chinese release remains unconfirmed.
As for cheaper alternatives, Samsung doesn’t seem to have any plans to create a cheaper foldable model, a source told South Korean media Sisa Journal (translated into Korean): price. “
It doesn’t get any clearer than that.
Wrong move?
Admittedly, this statement lacks a bit of commitment, so it’s still not entirely possible that Samsung is working on some kind of Galaxy Z Fold FE that will rival other cheaper Fan Edition Samsung devices. If Samsung has nothing to announce at the moment, it might take a non-committal attitude anyway (and teasing a cheap phone just before launching a very expensive phone is probably a business mistake) (This is not a good move.)
And since I definitely don’t want foldable products to be expensive, I sincerely hope that something cheaper will come out.
Yes, technology is great. I really enjoyed using the regular Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 when it was released, but it costs $1,899.99/£1,799/ for a smartphone when the Galaxy S24 costs $799/£799/AU$1,399. It’s hard to justify AU$2,749 for so much of the same thing. This is an especially tough pill to swallow, considering the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s non-dustproof design makes it less durable, and a single trip to the beach can ruin your expensive gadget. .
For example, at around $1,200, or $1,800 at £1,200/AUD, or about two-thirds of that, the Galaxy Fold is better, even if Samsung has to make some sacrifices in terms of hardware. It would be much more attractive. .
We’ll have to wait and see if Samsung changes its tune, but for now, if you want a cheap foldable device, it seems best to start hoping for great deals during this year’s Black Friday sale. .
