Highlights
- Samsung plans to introduce an entry-level Galaxy Z Fold in 2024.
- Aimed to make foldable technology more accessible at lower price points.
- Strategy to compete in Chinese market dominated by Huawei and Honor.
- Balancing pricing and features critical to avoid cannibalizing premium models.
Samsung, a frontrunner in the foldable smartphone arena, is reportedly considering a strategic move to introduce an “entry-level” model of its popular Galaxy Z Fold series.
This potential addition to the Galaxy Z Fold lineup aims to address the high-cost barrier that has limited the accessibility of foldable technology to a wider audience.
Cost Considerations and Market Strategy
Foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, come with a hefty price tag, often starting at around $1800.
This pricing puts these innovative devices out of reach for many consumers.
However, according to South Korean publication The Elec (via 9to5Google), Samsung might be readying a more budget-friendly variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
This model is speculated to launch alongside the standard Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in the second half of 2024.
Competitive Landscape
Samsung’s move appears to be an effort to compete more effectively in the Chinese market, where foldables from Huawei and its sub-brand Honor more have gained significant traction.
As a matter of fact, Honor currently leads in foldable market share in China, followed by Huawei and Samsung.
An affordable version of the Galaxy Z Fold could provide a more accessible option for consumers interested in foldable devices, potentially boosting Samsung’s presence in this segment.
The Elec notes that general uncertainties in the mobile industry this year could pose challenges for this new Galaxy Z Fold variant.
Additionally, there’s also a risk that consumers might prefer the cheaper model over the premium version, potentially impacting the sales of the high-end foldables.
However, the prospect of a more affordable foldable phone aligns with the industry’s rapid adaptation to market demands and consumer preferences.
Pricing and Positioning Dilemmas
Determining the price for this potential low-cost Galaxy Z Fold model would be a complex challenge.
Samsung already offers the Galaxy Z Flip 5, a different form-factor foldable, at around $1000.
Balancing the pricing and features of the new model with existing offerings in their lineup will be crucial for Samsung to avoid market cannibalisation.
FAQs
What is Samsung’s new strategy for the Galaxy Z Fold series?
Samsung is reportedly planning to release a more affordable version of the Galaxy Z Fold in 2024, making foldable technology accessible to a broader audience.
How will the entry-level Galaxy Z Fold differ from existing models?
The proposed entry-level Galaxy Z Fold is expected to be priced lower than current models like the Z Fold 5, providing a budget-friendly foldable smartphone option.
What market is Samsung targeting with the affordable Galaxy Z Fold?
Samsung aims to capture a larger share of the Chinese foldable smartphone market, where brands like Huawei and Honor currently lead.
Will the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold affect the sales of premium models?
There is a risk that the more affordable Galaxy Z Fold might impact the sales of Samsung’s premium foldable models, a factor the company will need to consider carefully.
Will we see a Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE this year?
A new report from TheElec now claims that Samsung is considering launching a cheaper version in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 lineup later this year.
The aim is to increase shipments by bringing foldable phones at a more accessible price point.
The company is not sure about whether to go forward with its plan as the smartphone market conditions are still not very strong, and if the demand falls as it did in 2022 and 2023, it could hurt the profitability of Samsung’s foldable phones.
If Samsung goes through with its plan, there will reportedly be three phones in the Galaxy Z lineup this year: the Galaxy Z Flip 6, the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 variant, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
It isn’t clear what will be the name of the cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Fold
6 but from the recent updates it could be Galaxy Z Fold 6E.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 is reportedly quite thinner than Galaxy Z Fold 5.Details?
The report also claims that Samsung has reduced the thickness of the regular Galaxy Z Fold 6 after looking at the foldable phones released by Honor and Huawei.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is reportedly quite thin compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
It could entice a lot of buyers, but how big a battery the company could fit inside that thin chassis remains to be seen.
Will the Galaxy Z Fold 6 feature a new camera sensor?
No, it’s expected to keep the same 50MP sensor found in previous models.
How will the Galaxy Z Fold 6 compare in terms of thickness?
Rumors suggest it will have a slimmer profile compared to its predecessor.
Are there any major upgrades expected in Galaxy Z Fold 6?
Significant changes seem to be more on the design side, specifically in its slimness.
What about the Galaxy Z Flip 6 camera specs?
Reports suggest an upgraded 50MP primary rear-facing camera.
SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| Battery | 4700 mAh |
| Display | 7.8 inches (19.81 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | August 2, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v12 |
Performance
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| CPU | Octa core (3.2 GHz, Single core, Cortex X3 + 2.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A715 + 2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 4 nm |
| Graphics | Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
Display
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 7.8 inches (19.81 cm) |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 363 ppi |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass, Glass Victus |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 50 MP, Primary Camera 12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera 10 MP , Telephoto Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 12 MP, Primary Camera | |
Battery
| Capacity | 4700 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion |
| Removable | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Fast |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 256 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.2 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | Side |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer |
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Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 To Likely To Sport A Slimmer Profile Than The Current Z Fold 5