Samsung slashes Z Fold 8 prices to $1,550 as Apple’s iPhone Duo nears launch

Key points

• The Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) is priced at $1,549.99 on Amazon, a $350 reduction from its original $1,899.99 cost.
• The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is available for $1,699.99, representing a $400 discount from its $2,099.99 launch price.
• Both devices are available in 256GB and 512GB configurations, with the Ultra featuring superior cameras and an 8.0-inch inner display.
• The discounts coincide with the anticipated US release of Apple’s iPhone Duo on October 23, which is expected to compete directly in the foldable market.
• The Z Fold 8 features a 7.6-inch inner screen and weighs 7.1 ounces, while the Ultra includes a 200MP main camera and 8K video recording capabilities.

Background

Samsung previously offered $250 to $300 discounts on these devices in September, but current Prime Day prices exceed those earlier reductions. In late September, Samsung saw a 10% sales increase in South Korea following the reveal of Apple’s iPhone Duo, suggesting that Apple’s entry into the foldable market is driving consumer interest in Samsung’s existing hardware. Apple’s iPhone Duo is scheduled to launch in the US on October 23, with pre-orders beginning on October 16.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge highlights the Z Fold 8 as the closest Android equivalent to the iPhone Duo, emphasizing its compact 'passport-style' design and 4:3 aspect ratio for media consumption. PhoneArena focuses on the Z Fold 8 Ultra, describing it as a 'powerhouse' with record-low pricing and emphasizing its 16GB of RAM and seven-year software support. Kotaku frames the deal as a value proposition for users seeking a large screen for gaming and media, noting the device's weight advantage over non-folding flagships. All three outlets agree that the discounts are significant, but they differ in emphasis: The Verge and Kotaku prioritize the standard Z Fold 8's portability, while PhoneArena stresses the Ultra's performance and camera specs.

Why it matters

The aggressive pricing from Samsung ahead of Apple’s iPhone Duo launch indicates a competitive strategy to capture market share in the emerging foldable segment. By offering record-low prices, Samsung aims to attract buyers who might otherwise wait for Apple’s device, leveraging the immediate availability of its foldables against Apple’s delayed release.

What to watch

Consumers can purchase the discounted Samsung foldables immediately through Amazon and Best Buy. Apple’s iPhone Duo is expected to go on pre-order on October 16 and release on October 23, which may further influence pricing and availability of Samsung’s devices as direct competition arrives.