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New Samsung Foldables Launch With Higher Price Tags
23 Jul
Summary
- Samsung's new foldables are $100 more expensive than last year's models.
- Increased memory and component costs, driven by AI demand, are cited.
- New models feature Titanium Flex displays, larger batteries, and better cameras.
Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, and Z Flip 8, all carrying increased price tags compared to their 2025 predecessors. These new devices are $100 more expensive, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starting at $1,900 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra at $2,100, while the Z Flip 8 begins at $1,200. Samsung attributes these higher costs to industry-wide increases in memory and component expenses, significantly influenced by the burgeoning AI sector.
The company highlights improvements in the new models, including advanced Titanium Flex displays, larger battery capacities, and upgraded 50-megapixel ultra-wide cameras. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider screen format, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra offers a taller design with a telephoto camera and a 5,000-mAh battery. The Z Flip 8, a clamshell model, remains lighter and thinner, now powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
The global RAM shortage, driven by AI data centers, is a primary factor pushing up memory prices. This leaves manufacturers with the choice of raising prices or reducing specifications. Samsung's decision to increase prices on its premium foldables positions them even more firmly in the niche luxury market, a trend mirrored across the smartphone industry as manufacturers grapple with rising production costs.
