A fresh report straight out of South Korea reveals that Samsung is considering an entry-level model of its next-generation foldable phone. However, this isn’t the first time we are hearing about the South Korean brand rumored to be working on an affordable foldable. Last year, it was reported that the company could introduce Galaxy Z FE foldables after this year’s Z Fold 6. The latest development has a convincing reason for Samsung to launch a cheaper foldable variant.
Samsung may launch an entry-level variant of the next Galaxy Z Fold
As per Korean publication The Elec, Samsung is considering developing a low-cost version of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6. This does not mean that the South Korean brand will ditch the regular Z Fold 6. But it may just get a cheaper variant with toned-down specifications. It is said to debut in the second half of 2024 most likely along with the next-generation Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 at the company’s next Unpacked event in August. Hence, this could hint at the possibility of three foldables in total this year.
According to the report, the move to launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold is attributed to Samsung’s market share in China’s foldable smartphone segment. It is dominated by local players and the South Korean brand is in third place commanding a 19 percent share behind Huawei and Honor. The company has consistently clocked double-digit market share in the country’s foldable segment and this is also more than slab phones segment with less than 1 percent share. The entry-level Galaxy Z Fold 6 may result in to increased shipments or market share for Samsung in China.
The report also adds that Samsung is going ahead of the Z Fold line instead of the Z Flip because the later that have launched to date are established and selling much better. The Fold has a better potential in terms of form factor and productivity.
Samsung currently dominates the global foldable smartphone market. The cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 would give it an edge against its competitors. However, this move could also come at a cost adversely affecting Samsung’s profitability. This is due to the uncertain economic conditions and concentrated demand on premium products.
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