Samsung has been leading the foldable charge and while the premium models like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are the ones that dominate the market, rumors suggest they are now working on a more affordable foldable phone. Called the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE, this one is supposed to bring foldable to the masses. Here’s what we know so far about Samsung’s budget clamshell.
Design & Display: Compact and Affordable
No official renders or images of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE have surfaced yet but earlier leaks have given us a glimpse of its dimensions. According to reports in April 2024, the Z Flip FE will measure 84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9–17.1mm when folded and 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9mm when unfolded. If true, this would put the device close to the recently launched Galaxy Z Flip 6, so compact and portable.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While it’s likely the Z Flip FE will have a similar design, the “FE” branding means Samsung might use cost-cutting design changes to make the device more affordable. For example, the main display might retain the large size but omit advanced features like LTPO technology.
Performance: Snapdragon or Exynos?
Early rumors suggested the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE would have the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, a chip designed for upper mid-range phones. However, more recent leaks suggest Samsung might use the Exynos 2400 SoC for this foldable, which is the same chip rumored to power the flagship Galaxy S24 series.
Using the Exynos 2400 chipset would be a big performance boost for a budget device. That’s in line with Samsung’s strategy of balancing affordability with the latest tech to appeal to consumers who want a premium experience at a lower cost.
Features & Specifications: Still Under Wraps
Details about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE’s camera, battery, charging and storage are still under wraps. Given it’s a “Fan Edition” we can expect toned-down specs compared to flagships. But Samsung might surprise fans by retaining some high-end features from the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7.
For example, Samsung might go for a dual camera setup like its predecessors, focusing on strong selfie and video capabilities, given the foldable form factor is perfect for content creators. Battery and charging speed might be slightly downgraded to keep it affordable without compromising the overall experience.
Launch Timeline & Pricing: Budget-Friendly Foldable
Samsung hasn’t officially announced the Galaxy Z Flip FE but industry insiders expect it to launch in 2025. It could be alongside the next-gen foldables like Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 or shortly after.
Pricing will be key to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE’s success. Rumors suggest it will be under $900, much lower than current foldables which are above $1,000. This could attract new users who were previously priced out of foldable.
What’s Next for Samsung Foldables?
The Galaxy Z Flip FE is Samsung’s attempt to make foldable tech more accessible. By having an entry point in the foldable lineup, Samsung can expand its user base while staying ahead in innovation.
Until we get more details, it’s clear the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE can change the mid-range smartphone game by giving a feature-packed foldable at an affordable price. Stay tuned.