Cheaper and thinner Galaxy Z Fold 6 could be canceled

As usual, Samsung will launch Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 in the second half of this year. However, there has been a lot of confusion regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and its possible variations. Some reports claim that Samsung will launch a cheaper (Fan Edition?) Galaxy Z Fold 6, while others claim the South Korean firm will launch a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, possibly with better cameras. A new report claims the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 could be canceled.

Cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 without S Pen compatibility reportedly canceled

According to a new report from TheElec, Samsung is reexamining its plans to launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 this year. The South Korean firm reportedly planned to launch the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, it is said to have lacked the digitizer required for S Pen functionality, which means it lacked S Pen compatibility. The company is said to have recently completed the testing of the device, featuring an IPX8 rating and 200,000 folds rating, but it wasn't any thinner than foldable phones from rival Chinese firms. The mass production of Galaxy Z Fold 6 components is scheduled to start this month.

Due to insufficient product differentiation and market uncertainties, Samsung reportedly plans to cancel its launch. Per the report, only the standard Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be launched.

Watch our review of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in the video below. The story continues after the video.

Cheaper Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be launched in 2025

According to the report, Samsung plans to launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip 7 version next year. While the company's overall smartphone market share is less than 1% in China, its foldable smartphone market share is in the double digits. So, Samsung is trying to increase its market share with cheaper foldable phones.

Samsung MX CEO TM Roh said that over 100 million foldable phones could be shipped annually in the next five years. However, the company has fallen behind in the race. Foldable phones from Chinese firms have bigger and brighter screens, bigger camera sensors, bigger batteries, and faster charging. The company plans to be more competitive by releasing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with better cameras, a thinner body, and improved durability.