Samsung Rumor: Budget Z Fold Cancellation

It was expected that Samsung would launch at least two foldable phones this year. However, according to recent rumors, there has been a change in their plans.

There have been reports suggesting that Samsung is developing a less expensive model of its anticipated foldable device, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This device was originally anticipated to be released alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.

According to an article by South Korean source TheElec, the affordable version of the Galaxy Fold 6 may not be released in 2024. Although the report does not explicitly mention if the phone has been postponed or scrapped, reputable Samsung insider Revengus asserts that the phone has indeed been cancelled altogether.

Yes, it is canceled https://t.co/nNM0tNZnGf

— J. Reve (@Revegnus1) May 13, 2024

Despite rumors that Samsung was forced to reconsider their plans for a thinner and more affordable Z Fold 6 due to concerns about product differentiation and performance uncertainty, this does not necessarily indicate that they were unable to include enough features to distinguish the budget version from the regular Galaxy Fold 6. There is still a possibility that Samsung will introduce a less expensive option for their Galaxy Z Flip 7 in the upcoming year.

According to the Korean publication, Samsung had already put the budget version of the Galaxy Z Gold 6 through the 200,000-fold test to test its durability.

Initially, it was stated that this budget foldable phone would have a thinner design compared to the Z Fold 5 as it may not include a digitizer. A digitizer is a supplementary layer situated beneath the screen and is essential for S-pen compatibility. However, if the phone were to be dust and water-resistant, its size would have been thicker than originally planned.

Despite facing tough competition from Chinese smartphone makers, Samsung has been focused on delivering foldable devices that are both durable and thin. However, it seems that the rumored budget Z Fold 6 did not meet the company’s internal expectations, leaving a noticeable gap in the market for an affordable foldable device.