Widespread foldable adoption will be difficult at high prices.
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 phones could be getting price increases, if information posted on Twitter is to be believed.
Samsung’s next line of foldables are set to be revealed on Aug. 10 at the company’s Galaxy Unpacked showcase. Both foldable phones may see a price bump, according to word Wednesday from Steve Hemmerstoffer, whose Twitter handle is OnLeaks.
The prices posted are in euros and show increases across all devices. Last year, the base Z Fold 3 launched at €1,695. This year, Hemmerstoffer says, that price will go up to €1,799 (about $1,840) for the 256GB version, a 6% increase in price. The 512GB model will cost €1,919 (about $1,963), according to the leaked figures. The conversion to dollars is based on the prevailing exchange rate.
The Z Flip 3 launched at €999 last year. If Hemmerstoffer’s numbers are correct, then the Z Flip 4 128GB model will cost €1,109 (approximately $1,136), an 11% bump on the previous phone’s pricing. The 256GB model is reported to cost €1,169 (about $1,198).
The rumored Galaxy Watch 5 will purportedly see a price hike as well, from €309 to €329 (approximately $337) for the base 44mm model, which would be another 6% increase. The 4G model will cost €379 or $388, according to OnLeaks, while the rumored upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm will start at €469 ($481) and cost €499 ($511) with 4G.
Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
A rise in foldable prices could be linked to a multitude of issues around the global supply chain, as the world is currently dealing with supply side inflation. Manufacturing issues caused by the pandemic are making parts difficult to come by. With increased demand and short supply, the cost of components has increased. For instance, while global PC shipments were down 3% in the first quarter of 2022, PC revenues increased 15%, suggesting PC makers are making more money while selling fewer products.
Here’s a rundown on how to watch Samsung’s Unpacked event next week.