Samsung’s upcoming Foldable Unpacked event (whenever Samsung plans it) will be an interesting event. Although foldable products are becoming increasingly popular in the premium segment, Samsung is currently facing competition in the global market from brands such as Huawei, Oppo and OnePlus. According to recent leaks, Samsung could be well on its way this year by adding a new layer to its portfolio of book-style foldable devices. The Korean manufacturer is reportedly preparing to release two foldable models, one of which will be called “Ultra” later this year. On the other hand, there are also rumors about a budget foldable model, but apart from rumors that Samsung is developing such a budget model, little is known about it. Further information on the cost-effective book-style folding model will now come from industry and supply chain sources.
According to a South Korean publication called Sisa Journal, Samsung plans to launch an affordable foldable phone in 2024. This follows previous reports that Samsung is delaying the launch of its affordable foldable device until a later date, leaving only the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra in the usual six-month window. Remember I mentioned it might be released at some point. Event.
Additionally, the report states that Samsung will have to reduce the processor, display and battery and lower the specifications for this affordable foldable device. However, citing supply chain and industry sources, the source claims that the cheaper foldable model’s camera specifications will remain the same as existing foldable models, which currently only includes the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This means that Samsung’s cheaper foldable models reduce their raw power but still have plenty of powerful (or fancy) cameras.
The new affordable model is expected to feature a dual camera module, partially adopted from existing foldable devices. The report also claims that the supply chain for Samsung’s sixth-generation foldable devices will remain intact (or the same). However, the industry is expecting an increase in production as affordable models are expected to outperform luxury models.
As for the price, industry sources say the phone will cost around $800 (approximately Rs 66,000 before taxes), which is much less than what most of us expected in 2024. It is much lower than the price of a cheap flip phone. Half the price of the cheapest Galaxy Fold 5 in India.
Since Huawei also recently released several models designed to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5, it certainly makes sense to look for an affordable foldable device. This is true. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is still much thicker compared to newer devices like the OnePlus Open that launched globally. Late last year, the company expanded to markets such as India.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.