Samsung Planning Affordable Galaxy Z Flip FE, S25 Slim for 2025: Reports

Samsung is reportedly hoping to make foldable phones more popular with a lower-cost model next year. While the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 were launched earlier this year starting at ₹1,64,999 and ₹1,09,999 respectively, other companies including Motorola, Tecno, Infinx and Oppo have entered the market with more affordable options. While Samsung continues to sell older models such as the Galaxy Z Flip3 in India at lower prices, a more modern yet lower-positioned flip phone could help it fend off its competitors. 

The rumoured Galaxy Z Flip FE, which could also be called the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, would follow a series of “Fan Edition” variants of the popular Galaxy S models, which Samsung has released over the past few years. These typically offer high-end features and are positioned above the Galaxy A series, coming in at significantly lower prices than the current flagship Galaxy S model.

A purported affordable flip phone from Samsung could be based on a mid-range processor and feature weaker cameras and a less capable exterior screen than the Galaxy Z Flip6. Samsung could also offer lower base storage at 128GB, compared to 256GB for its current flagships. However it would still be compact, with an expansive interior screen. 

No specifications or other details such as a launch timeline have yet been leaked. The source of the reports is a Korean blogger, yeux1122, who has also referenced a purported “Galaxy S25 Slim”.

Following rumours that Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup in late 2025 will feature an ultra-slim model, it looks like Samsung wants to get in with an early lead. The rumoured Galaxy S25 Slim could be announced in April next year, and might be an add-on rather than replacing one of Samsung’s existing models. Korean media reports suggest that Samsung could launch this as a limited edition or only in specific territories, and might alter the designs of its Galaxy S26 series the following year based on market response like it has done with the Galaxy Z Fold6 Special Edition this year.

The Korean smartphone giant might be looking to shake up its product portfolio as it is more and more difficult to differentiate newer smartphones. Incremental increases in performance and camera quality might not be exciting to buyers anymore, and foldables are still a niche category thanks to high costs.