Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 could see price cut as part of 'very strong' launch

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 battery life
(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 could be available in much bigger numbers than their predecessors, according to an analyst report. And when the next Galaxy Z Fold does arrive, a leaker claims it will feature a more compact design.

The best part? The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 could see a price cut, which would be key to making these foldables appeal to the masses. 

Let's start with the tweet from Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, which claims that Samsung will produce double the Z Fold 4/Z Flip 4 units in July compared to what it made for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 last year. If production stays steady from this rate, this year could feature the biggest launch Samsung's had for its foldables in terms of units sold.

See more

Galaxy Z Fold 4 possible price cut

The Z Fold desperately needs a price cut. Even after the Galaxy Z Fold 3 saw a price reduction, it still cost $1,799.

That's assuming people want to buy Samsung's foldables, of course. And they may want to more than previously, as Young also claims that Samsung might cut the price of the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. 

This is something the Z Fold desperately needs. Even after the Galaxy Z Fold 3 saw a price reduction, it still cost $1,799. The Z Flip 3's $999 price is more reasonable, but lowering its price would also make sense given that beyond the folding ability, the Galaxy Z models don't have the cameras or the battery life of Samsung's Galaxy S lineup.

By comparison, Apple's most expensive iPhone is the $1,099 iPhone 13 Pro Max, though there's a rumor that the iPhone 14 Pro Max could start at $1,199 this year, matching the Galaxy S22 Ultra

Apple does not offer a foldable iPhone, but rumors point to Apple offering an iPhone Flip or similar device. The bad news is that the first iPhone foldable is not expected until 2025. So Samsung could win over more fans — and possibly even some iPhone switchers — with a more competitively price Z Fold 4. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: smaller and lighter design

That's not the only speculation surrounding the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Leaker Ice Universe has claimed that the foldable will be smaller and lighter, and feature a narrower display bezel when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 3. That phone increased in weight, height and thickness compared to the already bulky Galaxy Z Fold 2, so moving back in the other direction seems like a good call.

See more

However, making the Galaxy Z Fold 4 smaller could cut both ways. While it might make the Fold easier to handle and keep in small pockets or bags, it could make the narrow front display even less pleasant to use. Samsung might also have to opt for smaller battery to fit the more compact design, which could impact battery life.

We won't know for certain until launch day, though. That's probably coming in late summer/early fall Samsung's now-established foldable launch window, when we'll also see if the Z Fold 4 gets a 108MP main camera and its S Pen remains a separate accessory as rumored.

Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.