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Budget Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Lite may not arrive this year

Published: Apr 11, 2021, 4:06 PM

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Budget Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Lite may not arrive this year

Samsung is only going to launch two foldable smartphones this year, according to SamMobile.

The outlet claims that the South Korean giant will only release the successors of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Flip 5G and it doesn't look like the rumored Galaxy Z Fold Lite and dual-hinged device are on the cards for 2021.

Samsung evidently has high hopes for its foldable phones. The chaebol has decided not to launch a Note phone this year, presumably to replace it with foldable Z series handsets. Reports also allege that the company wants sales of foldable phones to reach Note series levels, something which analysts don't see happening.

Foldable phones are still something of a niche product and they are prohibitively expensive. A cheaper foldable handset could help Samsung target a wider audience. Reports had suggested that Samsung's relatively affordable bendable phone would cost between $900 and $1,100.

A budget foldable phone could also help Samsung maintain its dominance in the face of new competition from Xiaomi, and supposedly Google, Oppo, and Vivo.

A research company had reported last year that the Galaxy Fold Lite would be here by March 2021. That report was contradicted by an industry insider, who said the company will launch a stripped-down Z Flip in the second half of the year.

A recent report had said that a dual-folding Samsung smartphone was under development and it might arrive by the end of 2021. It now appears that its release has been pushed to an indefinite date.

In short, as far as novel form factors are concerned, Samsung will likely only release the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 this year. Per rumors, they will be unveiled in July.

Chip shortage could be the reason behind the delay in the release of the Galaxy Z Fold Lite

Samsung is unlikely to release an affordable foldable smartphone in 2021

It's unclear why the rumored Galaxy Z Flip Lite / Fold Lite has been delayed, but the ongoing chip crisis could be behind it. Samsung is already struggling because of the shortage and the Google Pixel 5a will apparently have a very limited release due to the the same issue.

If it's any solace, Samsung has permanently reduced the prices of the Z Fold 2 and the Z Flip 5G and their successors are unlikely to start higher. The baseline Z Fold 2 now costs $1,799 and the entry-level Z Flip 5G goes for $1,199.

At one point there were also reports that Samsung will launch a rollable phone in 2021. Those rumors have since died down.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.