[News] Samsung is Considering to Cancel Launch of its Budget Model Galaxy Z Fold 6

---

---

Samsung’s planned launch of its budget model version for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 foldable phone may be cancelled, according to information obtained by South Korea’s media outlet TheElec.

According to sources cited by TheElec, component suppliers to Samsung, which were gearing up for mass production of parts for these foldable devices, indicated that they have not received orders for the budget model Fold 6.

Initially, the South Korean tech giant had planned to unveil three foldable phones this summer: the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and an affordable version of the Fold 6.

The Fold 6 features a digitizer layer on the screen to support the S-Pen stylus, but the budget model was intended to be thinner and omit this feature.

It is reported that Samsung, after conducting a durability test of 200,000 folds for the budget model, with water and dust resistance functions added, has founded out that the product turned out not to be thinner than its Chinese rival Huawei’s equivalent, thus lacking significant differentiating points from these rival products.

Huawei’s Mate X3 and X5, launched last year, were both around 11.08mm thick, according to information obtained on Huawei’s website. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 was 13.4mm thick, while Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 3 was 10.9mm thick.

According to analysis from TrendForce, global shipments of foldable phones reached 15.9 million units in 2023, marking a 25% YoY increase and accounting for approximately 1.4% of the overall smartphone market. In 2024, shipments are expected to rise to about 17.7 million units, growing by 11% and slightly increasing the market share to 1.5%. However, this growth rate remains below market expectations, with the segment’s share predicted to exceed 2% only by 2025.

Trendforce points out that the slowdown in the growth of foldable phones could be attributed to two main factors: Firstly, consumer retention is low due to frequent maintenance issues faced by first-time foldable phone users, leading to a lack of confidence in the product. As a result, users may opt for high-end flagship smartphones when considering replacements. Secondly, the current price points of foldable phones have yet to reach the sweet spot for consumers, making it challenging to meet sales targets based solely on pricing.

(Photo credit: Samsung)