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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Samsung was rumored to be preparing a lower-cost Galaxy Z Fold6 for September or October 2024, near the iPhone 16 launch. The reports described a possible second book-style foldable, sometimes called the Galaxy Z Fold6 FE—not a confirmed Samsung product. No cheaper Fold6 was officially announced, and Samsung later said it had no plans for a separate lower-priced Fold.
What the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold6 rumor claimed
In early 2024, reports described a second, less expensive book-style foldable that would sit below the standard Galaxy Z Fold6. Coverage variously called it the Galaxy Z Fold6 FE, an entry-level Fold, or simply a cheaper Fold6. Samsung did not confirm the FE name, specifications, price, launch date, or intended markets. Early reporting on the possible model discussed a thinner design, but no final product details were established.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, 512GB, Jet Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $1,128.10 | Buy on Amazon |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB Graphite | $2,299.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Why September or October—and the iPhone 16—entered the story
The reports suggested Samsung would move its regular Fold and Flip launch earlier in the year, then introduce a cheaper Fold later, in September or October. That would place it in the same broad launch season as Apple’s next iPhones, rather than establish a same-day event. A lower-priced large-screen phone could have drawn attention to Samsung’s foldables while Apple promoted the iPhone 16, but the competitive motive was speculation, not a stated Samsung plan. The reported timing and iPhone competition theory also included a leak-based shipment estimate of 200,000 to 300,000 units; Samsung did not confirm that target.
How much was the rumored Fold supposed to cost?
Some coverage suggested a price around $800 or below, but Samsung never announced an MSRP for this unconfirmed device. The figure was especially tentative given the U.S. launch prices of Samsung’s book-style flagships: the Galaxy Z Fold5 started at $1,799.99, while the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold6 started at $1,899.99. The Fold6 price is from Samsung’s U.S. announcement and is not a current offer or a price for every market. Coverage of the sub-$800 price speculation framed it as an estimate, not a confirmed price.
#1 Best Overall
- A premium foldable smartphone featuring an 8.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 6.5" cover display, 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, 4,400mAh battery, and a slim 215g design.
What compromises were rumored?
To reach a much lower price, reports floated reductions in several areas. None became verified specifications for a released Fold6 FE.
- No S Pen support: Reports said the model might omit stylus input. One proposed cost-saving explanation was that doing so could remove the digitizer layer and related hardware, not merely the cost of supplying a pen. That was an explanation of a rumored design, not a confirmed Samsung bill-of-materials decision. See the report on possible digitizer savings and reporting on the alleged FE timing and stylus omission.
- Lower-tier processor: Some reports named the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, rather than the flagship chip in the standard Fold6. This was a leak, not an announced specification.
- Camera, display, and battery cuts: Rumors also suggested less capable cameras, a dimmer display, and a smaller battery, with some hardware potentially closer to the previous-generation Fold5.
- A thinner body: A thinner design was also discussed, though how it would coexist with a lower price and the other rumored changes was not established.
These trade-offs illustrate the challenge behind the rumor: reducing cost could broaden access, but cuts to the screen, cameras, battery, or durability could weaken the appeal of a large-screen foldable. A cheaper model could also compete with Samsung’s own premium Fold or compromise the line’s positioning. Those are market considerations, not reasons Samsung publicly gave for its decisions.
What Samsung actually announced in 2024
Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 on July 10, 2024. The company’s official U.S. announcement set general availability for July 24 and a $1,899.99 starting price for the 256GB Fold6; Samsung said both new phones used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Dates and prices vary by region. See Samsung’s global announcement and its U.S. announcement and availability details.
Rank #2
- SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
- MULTITASKING MADE SMARTER WITH AI: Stay one step ahead with AI² that suggests which apps you might need next. Then view those multiple windows side by side on the large screen of your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- ANY SHOT, ALL THE DETAILS: Dive into the details of any image with our best camera on a foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra boasts a 200MP camera — and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens — for both stunning wide shots and extreme close-ups.
- ELITE CHIPSET. FLUID GRAPHICS: Experience what’s possible with our most advanced Galaxy Z Series processor. From immersive gaming and speedy multitasking to the latest Galaxy AI³ features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything running seamlessly.
- THE BATTERY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It’s the battery you’ve been wanting in a foldable cell phone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra packs a powerful ultra-sized⁴ battery in an ultra-slim design. Plus, with Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵, charge up faster than ever before.
Apple announced the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus on September 9, 2024. Preorders began September 13, with retail availability starting September 20, according to Apple’s announcement. No cheaper Galaxy Z Fold6 was officially launched alongside that cycle.
What happened to the alleged Fold6 FE?
The rumored September–October product did not materialize as described. In October 2024, Samsung was reported as saying it had no plans to launch a separate lower-priced Galaxy Z Fold. The report relied on coverage of a Korean interview, including machine translation, so it is best understood as Samsung’s reported position at that time rather than a claim about every future Fold. The October report directly undercut the earlier FE speculation.
Samsung later introduced the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in a limited market. It was positioned as a more premium model, not an affordable FE, so it did not fulfill the budget-Fold rumor.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
