In Korea, there is speculation that Samsung is contemplating the release of a more affordable variant of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6. It’s important to note that this doesn’t imply a lower cost for the Fold6 itself, but rather the introduction of an additional, budget-friendly option. According to the source of this rumor, this marks the first instance of Samsung considering the development of a lower-priced foldable device.
Interestingly, the decision to focus on the Fold series for this initiative, rather than the Flip, is influenced by the significantly higher sales of the Flip models released thus far. Introducing a less expensive Fold could potentially rejuvenate interest in the Fold line.
This strategic move is viewed as a means for Samsung to gain a stronger foothold in the Chinese foldable market, which has been predominantly led by local competitors. Despite this, Samsung still maintains a double-digit market share in China for foldable devices, a notable contrast to its presence in the slab phone market, where it hovers around 1%.
The introduction of a more affordable Fold6 could not only bolster Samsung’s position in the Chinese market but also contribute to the overall expansion of the global foldable market. Currently leading in foldable technology globally, Samsung would gain an advantage over competitors lacking foldable offerings or those with limited market penetration.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that these plans are not set in stone. The potential launch of such a device may impact Samsung’s profitability. Additionally, the company appears to hold the belief that in the face of an impending economic downturn, demand may concentrate on premium, higher-priced products.
While this may seem counterintuitive, the rationale is that individuals with substantial financial resources will still have spending capacity, even if somewhat diminished, whereas those with less disposable income are unlikely to make new phone purchases during such economic challenges.
Published on 01/30/24 1:24 | by Rawa John