For the first time ever, Samsung has launched a separate variant for a foldable phone dubbed the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition with a slimmer profile and better camera. Rumors suggest that Samsung plans to release additional variants, including a cheaper one, but that may not be happening anymore.
Sammobile, citing an unnamed Samsung official, reports that the company has no plans to release a less expensive version of its Galaxy Z Fold device.
Here is the official statement from Samsung Electronics:
Rather than considering it (Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition) a premium product, it’s a product released to expand your options. You can choose according to your taste. As of now, we have no plans to release a separate product with a lower price.
This doesn’t mean Samsung never considered the possibility. Earlier this year, reports surfaced claiming Samsung had delayed plans for a purported Z Fold 6 FE, a potential candidate for a more affordable foldable offering.
An early production run of Samsung’s rumored Z Fold 6 FE reportedly yielded disappointing results, contributing to the device’s cancellation. According to reports, the test devices failed to significantly improve the thickness and weight of competing foldable phones from Chinese manufacturers.
Furthermore, the absence of a stylus digitizer, eliminating S Pen support, proved a critical drawback. Coupled with market uncertainties, these factors ultimately led Samsung to shelve the project.
Hence, for the time being, a more affordable Galaxy Z Fold seems unlikely.
