Samsung set to unveil foldable phones with higher prices

Samsung is preparing to launch its next generation of foldable smartphones next month, with new models expected to carry significantly higher price tags due to rising manufacturing costs. The company is anticipated to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip 8 at a Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 22, likely in London.

According to widespread industry reports and a leak from tech insider Lanzuk, verified sales channels in Asian and European markets have confirmed the upcoming price increases. The adjustment is attributed to a global surge in memory chip component pricing alongside escalating operational and logistics pressures. While final retail numbers could fluctuate, current rumors suggest the new, wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 could start near $1,800. The entry-level Galaxy Z Flip 8 may hover around $1,200, and the high-end Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could easily exceed $2,100, positioning it as Samsung's most expensive mainstream device to date.

There may be a partial exception for the Ultra model. Prior reports indicate the base 256GB storage tier of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could maintain the same introductory price as its...