Foldable smartphones have come a long way in a short time, but they still cost a lot† However, according to a new report, Samsung is working to release a foldable tablet for less than $800 within the next two years.
To date, Samsung has launched six foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Fold, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, and Z Flip 3. Prices have also dropped somewhat over time. The original Galaxy Fold cost $1,980, where the Galaxy Z Fold 3 now starts at $1,799 trade-in deals are applied† The Galaxy Z Flip launched for $1,379, while the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has cut that price down to $999.
The lower price of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 led to a boom in the popularity of foldable smartphoneswith the price tag of less than $1,000 clearly being a much easier pill to swallow for interested customers.
ETNews reports that Samsung is in development on an “entry-level foldable smartphone worth less than 1 million won.” Converted, that would bring Samsung’s target price for this foldable card to about $800 USD.
Samsung is apparently targeting 2024 as a potential release date for these smartphones – the company is working on “low-end” versions of both the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold.
How does Samsung plan to cut $200 off the price of its foldable devices? Apparently that includes “excluding premium features” and ensuring that “only core features are installed”.
if we had to guess, a few features that might be on the chopping block for a trimmed Galaxy Z Flip could be the external display, wireless charging and likely water resistance. The same could also be true for a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold device. Of course, a lesser chip would certainly be part of Samsung’s plans as well.
The model Samsung seems to be following is the same as its Galaxy A series of traditional smartphones. Those devices make up the bulk of Samsung’s smartphone sales, rather than the flagship Galaxy S series.
Another factor contributing to Samsung’s goal of having a more affordable foldable, in addition to growing consumer demand, is Apple. Where the iPhone giant is rumor has it that he is working on a collapsible one Samsung wants to maintain its place as the market leader in foldable devices, especially in China where the technology is especially popular.
With its existing premium-priced foldables, Samsung has apparently also increased its shipping forecasts, with plans to produce 15 million units instead of the previously expected 10 million.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 in mid-August, likely at similar prices to their predecessors. Rumor has it that both devices come with: updated hinge designs immediately less noticeable fold in the screen† The Fold 4 is also expected to include: a camera upgrade and a little more significant changes to the design of the device.
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