Samsung's CEO just admitted why the Galaxy Z Fold 8 costs way more in the States

Samsung's newest foldables cost far less in South Korea than they do here, and now we know why. Co-CEO TM Roh addressed the gap alongside Galaxy Unpacked in London, confirming the cheaper home pricing on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is deliberate and staying, which shapes what the best foldable phones cost here.

Samsung's home market pays a lot less, and that is the plan

Roh Tae-moon, or TM Roh, is Samsung's co-CEO and head of its Device eXperience division, and he took questions on the sidelines of the July 22 event. The Korea Times, a Korean national daily that covers Samsung closely, published his comments the next day.

Here is the spread:

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, 256 GB: 2.58 million won in Korea, about $1,743 (via direct conversion), $2,099 in the US (20.4% higher), 2,199 euros in Europe (44% higher)
• Galaxy Z Fold 8, 256 GB: about $1,541 in Korea, $1,899 in the US (23.2% higher), roughly $2,281 in Europe (48% higher)

Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at $1,200 off

$899 ⁹⁹

$2099 ⁹⁹

$1200 off (57%)

Trade in an eligible device and save up to $1,200 on the new foldable phone from Samsung. With its refined design and large cover screen, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a top pick for foldable phone fans. You also get a $30 reservation gift and a $200 Samsung credit if you don't trade in a device.

Pre-order at Samsung

Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for up to $600 off

$599 ⁹⁹

$1199 ⁹⁹

$600 off (50%)

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is now available at the official store. It features an improved build and offers a fantastic foldable experience. Pre-order yours and save up to $600 at Samsung with a trade-in. Alternatively, you can get the phone with a $200 Samsung credit, no trade-in required.

Pre-order at Samsung

Roh credited Korean buyers for the brand's global standing.



He also admitted Samsung absorbs what it can of memory cost increases, with the rest folded into launch prices.

What that gap means if you are buying one here

For a US buyer, the $2,099 sticker is not purely a memory bill passed down the chain. Samsung is choosing thinner margins at home and holding firm elsewhere, and Roh says that is not changing.



This is not new either, since Samsung moved Korean prices on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S25 Edge in April without touching Western markets.

If you are cross-shopping the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or waiting on the first foldable iPhone, this may not affect your choice of daily carry, since neither runs a home market discount that lands in your favor.

Who this hits, and what you can do about it

US and European buyers cover the difference, and importing is not the workaround it seems. A Korean unit has no US warranty coverage, so that $1,743 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra specs sheet stops being a bargain the moment the hinge acts up.

Promos are the lever that works. T-Mobile is taking $1,900 off with a trade-in on the right plans, which closes the gap better than any customs form.

Honest answer, uncomfortable math

I appreciate that Roh gave a straight answer instead of hiding behind component costs. Still, hearing the difference is intentional lands differently than hearing it is unavoidable.

I would love to see Samsung push half that goodwill outward next year, since the Fold 8 is lovely to hold and only the price makes many people hesitate.

• Who the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is really for
• The pre-Unpacked US price leak that got it right
• Follow me @jojothetechie on X and Threads for hot takes and behind-the-scenes coverage

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile