Cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 could launch later to steal limelight from iPhone 16

Last month, we exclusively reported that Samsung will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2024. At this event, the company will launch its next-generation foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Some reports claim that Samsung will also launch a cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but its launch could be delayed by a few months.

Cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 launch could happen in September or October 2024

According to a new report from The Elec (via @Tech_Reve), Samsung will start the production of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 two to three weeks earlier than usual. So, the launch of those two upcoming foldable phones will likely happen two to three weeks earlier. This report lines up with our earlier report about an early launch. So, the launch of the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 will happen around the launch of the iPhone 16 series.

The mass production of Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 components will reportedly begin in early May 2024. Last year, Samsung ordered the mass production of Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 components in late May 2023. Samsung has reportedly set a sales target of 200,000 to 300,000 units for the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6. While the shipment numbers aren't high, it will divert consumer attention from the iPhone 16.

Cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 will lack S Pen and could be thinner than standard version

The report claims that the costlier version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will have a built-in S Pen slot, but the cheaper one doesn't. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is said to be thinner and lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the cheaper version will be even thinner.

Another report claimed that the affordable version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be priced at just $800, which makes it an enticing product. The standard Galaxy Z Fold 6 could have better cameras, a brighter screen, a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a slightly bigger battery.

The combined sales target of Samsung's upcoming foldable phones is around 10 million. The estimated sales figure for the Galaxy S24 series is around 35 million. So, the total sales of Samsung's high-end phones could be around 40-45 million units, an improvement over last year.

Author's Note: Samsung could launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE with an $800 price tag. It could have a weaker processor, a dimmer screen, and a smaller battery than the regular Galaxy Z Fold 6. Since a $1,800 foldable phone is too much for most people, a $800 foldable phone with a big screen could attract a lot of people, and some people might consider buying their first foldable phone. I wouldn't be surprised to see Galaxy Z Fold 5-like specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will most likely have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, more RAM, improved cameras, and a bigger battery.