Samsung’s Foldables May Cost More, But Galaxy Z Fold 8 Breaks the Pattern

Samsung’s next generation of foldables is shaping up to be more expensive overall, but the pricing picture is not as simple as a straight increase across the lineup. New leaks from South Korea suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will actually launch at a slightly lower starting price than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in its home market, even as the Ultra and Flip models move higher.

That split matters because it shows Samsung may be adjusting its strategy model by model rather than applying one uniform price hike. For buyers watching the foldable segment closely, the most affordable large-screen option in the new lineup could be the one that moves against the broader trend.

Leaked starting prices in South Korea

According to Bloter, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to start at 2,278,000 won. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is said to begin at 2,577,000 won, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is tipped to launch at 1,683,000 won.

ModelLeaked Starting PriceChange vs. Previous Model
Galaxy Z Fold 82,278,000 wonAbout 101,300 won lower than Galaxy Z Fold 7
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra2,577,000 wonAbout 197,700 won higher than Galaxy Z Fold 7
Galaxy Z Flip 81,683,000 wonAbout 198,000 won higher than Galaxy Z Flip 7

The same figures were also described as roughly equal to Rp 26,8 juta for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, around Rp 30,4 juta for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and about Rp 19,8 juta for the Galaxy Z Flip 8. These numbers are still unconfirmed, and Samsung has not announced official pricing.

Europe hints at a similar direction

Pricing leaks in Europe point to the same broader pattern. GSMArena reported that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra may start at 2,199 euro for the 256 GB version, which would be 100 euro higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at launch.

The 512 GB model is said to reach 2,399 euro, up 180 euro, while the 1 TB variant could hit 2,799 euro, up 280 euro. Samsung also appears to be preparing a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide for the region, starting at 1,999 euro for 256 GB.

Europe ModelStorageLeaked PriceReported Change
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra256 GB2,199 euroUp 100 euro
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra512 GB2,399 euroUp 180 euro
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra1 TB2,799 euroUp 280 euro
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide256 GB1,999 euroNot specified

For the wider Fold model, the 512 GB version is expected to cost 2,199 euro and the 1 TB version 2,599 euro. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is also said to be more expensive in Europe, with the 256 GB model at 1,299 euro and the 512 GB version at 1,499 euro.

What is pushing the price higher

The South Korean report points to rising component costs, especially for DRAM and NAND Flash memory. Those parts have reportedly jumped several times over the past year, placing pressure on smartphone makers that already operate with slim margins.

The report also says memory accounted for about 14 percent of the cost of an $800 smartphone in Q1 2025, and that share rose to around 40 percent in Q3 2026. If that estimate holds, manufacturers would have limited room to absorb the increase without passing some of it to customers.

That context is particularly important for foldables, which already sit at the premium end of the market. Samsung is expected to reveal official pricing, specifications, and availability at Galaxy Unpacked, which is said to take place in London on 22 July alongside the next Galaxy Watch lineup.

Source: tekno.kompas.com
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