New renders of the anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, a budget-friendly alternative to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, have surfaced online. Notable leaker Evan Blass shared these images on Phone Arena, indicating that the FE—short for Founders Edition—aligns with Samsung’s strategy to provide devices with moderate specifications at lower prices. Previous iterations of the FE series, like the Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE, successfully targeted consumers looking for value without compromising too much on features. The leaked renders suggest that the Z Flip 7 FE will come in classic black and white colorways and will bear a striking resemblance to its predecessor, although it may substitute the Snapdragon chipset for a Samsung-made Exynos processor. The combination of a familiar design and potentially new internal hardware could tempt consumers looking for an entry point into foldable devices.
Alongside the Z Flip 7 FE, Blass also unveiled renders of the flagship Galaxy Z Flip 7, which appears to feature a more modern design. Notably, the new model eliminates the camera cutaway, opting instead for an edge-to-edge display, much like the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025. This design shift might attract users interested in a more streamlined aesthetic while showcasing Samsung’s efforts to keep pace with competition in the foldable space. The apparent updates in design and functionality underline the rapidly evolving nature of foldable smartphones, with manufacturers vying to capture consumer interest through innovation.
Despite the excitement surrounding new foldable models, the overall market remains relatively small compared to traditional smartphones. Trendforce had predicted that approximately 17.8 million foldable units would ship in 2024, constituting only about 1.5% of the total smartphone market. However, recent data indicates a downturn, with a reported 1% decline in Q3 shipments—the first of its kind for the foldable segment. This decline has been partially attributed to the underwhelming sales performance of the Z Flip 6, which offered minimal advancements over its 2023 predecessor. Samsung currently holds a commanding 56% market share in foldable phones, but shipments of both the Z Flip and Fold 6 models fell by 21% due to increasing competition from exciting new offerings from Chinese manufacturers.
Consumer sentiment may be leaning away from foldable phones, as reflected in recent survey findings. A Kantar report from 2023 highlighted that 55% of early adopters of foldables eventually reverted to standard slab phones, citing concerns such as lower battery life and software reliability. Additionally, a YouGov report found that 56% of younger consumers viewed durability as a significant factor when contemplating foldable devices. These aspects suggest that while technological advancements continue to emerge, manufacturers must address critical consumer concerns to foster broader acceptance of foldable smartphones.
Interestingly, some competitors are redefining affordability within the foldable segment. The recently announced Motorola Razr 2025 aims to provide a more accessible entry point, starting at around $700. If the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE can match or even undercut this price, it may present a strong incentive for budget-conscious consumers looking to transition into the foldable market. Adjusting pricing strategies while maintaining quality could be key for Samsung to capture attention amid rising competition.
As the foldable phone market evolves, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE represents Samsung’s commitment to appealing to a diverse range of consumers. While the render leaks provide a glimpse into the potential design and features of the device, the success of this budget-friendly alternative will rely on its ability to offer a competitive price point alongside satisfactory performance. Samsung’s experience as a market leader could lend credibility to the Z Flip 7 FE, but it will need to navigate consumer perceptions and competition carefully to ensure that this new model stands out in an increasingly crowded space.
