There are times when you hope rumors are incorrect or misinterpreted, and that’s the case with the latest I’ve read about Samsung’s new foldables. There are leaks from overseas suggesting the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 will receive price hikes. Both European and UK prices may see a sizable increase from the previous generation, which is concerning. We’ve seen different pricing in other regions before, but a year-over-year increase suggests that Europe won’t be the only area affected.
Samsung just increased prices last year, and another hike could prove disastrous. Folding phone sales were soft in 2024, and the company forecasts it will produce 40% fewer devices this year. Making the phones more expensive only makes wider adoption less likely. If Samsung is serious about getting its Z Fold and Z Flip lineup to work, prices need to stay where they are.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 needs two variants
Ultra needs to mean more than just experience
It’s unclear whether Samsung will release or hint at a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra at Galaxy Unpacked on July 9th. Still, either way, the company desperately needs a second tier of book-style foldables. I’m not interested in a more expansive cover screen and better cameras if it means the Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at close to $2,000. Samsung is focused on the wrong things. Some vocal enthusiasts might clamour for “flagship” cameras, but more casual buyers who drive mass adoption didn’t shy away from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 because it didn’t take good photos.
If Samsung really wants to offer a supped-up version of the Z Fold, then release a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra with highline specs and a price to match. But I’d also enjoy seeing a less expensive variant that makes book-style foldables more attainable. People are curious about the form factor. I’ve heard from many buyers who finally gave the original Google Pixel Fold a chance once the price on the secondary market dropped to around $600. Give people a Galaxy Z Fold 7 option that’s slightly more expensive than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and you’ll have more takers.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is more complicated
Samsung gives us other clamshell options
The conversation becomes significantly more complicated when discussing the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Motorola released a monster Razr Ultra with top-of-the-line flagship specs, but a wallet-punishing $1,300 price tag. So, Samsung would be justified in increasing prices if it offered a similar hardware experience. However, we’ve heard rumors that Samsung plans to use the Exynos 2500 chipset in the Z Flip 7.
I’m not a benchmark snob, and I question why we need a Snapdragon 8 Elite to power a clamshell folding phone. The Exynos 2500 will most likely do the job and provide a snappy experience, but it’s hard to charge a premium for it in the face of more powerful competition. Motorola “gets away” with the Razr Ultra because it has three variants in its Razr lineup. I can easily tell people to dismiss the high-priced Razr Ultra and recommend the more practical Motorola Razr+ and base Razr 2025. Samsung doesn’t have that luxury.
Sure, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE will help, providing users with a Galaxy clamshell phone entry point at around $800. However, for those who want a premium experience, there will be no choice but to pay up if Samsung raises prices again this year.
Samsung needs to make a decision
We’re at a crossroads this year
Samsung’s foldables need to decide what they want to be when they grow up. If the company unveils what I expect at Galaxy Unpacked, this should be the most impressive lineup of Galaxy Z devices yet. However, that still may not translate to sales. I’m curious to see how well people take to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, as that will give us the best indication yet of whether people are interested in folding phones. I love using the Motorola Razr Ultra, and the base Razr 2025 is an excellent value. Still, Samsung has yet to capture that same excitement with its foldable offerings.
If Samsung wants to sell phones to a few enthusiasts and diehards, then it’s on the right course with the expected spec sheet and pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. If the company wants to attract casual users, it needs to maintain its current pricing.
We won’t have to wait long to find out
I’ve disagreed with Samsung often in 2025, but I’m an enthusiast at heart, so I’m looking forward to what the company does at Galaxy Unpacked. Other Android manufacturers have vacated the field, leaving Samsung and Google as the only companies selling book-style foldables in the US. Based on leaks, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t much of a departure from its predecessor. Samsung will have plenty of open field in front of it. Let’s hope it doesn’t fumble.
