Launching at 9 AM on the 25th... Planned Entry into the Chinese Market
Equipped with 200MP Camera... Confident in Durability Advantage
Available Only on Online Malls... Price 2,789,600 KRW
Samsung Electronics is launching the foldable phone ‘Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE)’ featuring reduced weight and thickness along with a wider large screen. This high-spec, highly refined new product comes as Chinese foldable phones rapidly catch up to Samsung. The product is expected to be introduced in both the Korean and Chinese markets.
Samsung Electronics announced on the 21st that the Galaxy Z Fold SE will be released from the 25th through Samsung.com and the official online malls of the three major mobile carriers. This announcement comes amid fierce competition as Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Honor have successively unveiled ultra-slim foldable phones under 10mm thickness. Samsung aims to reclaim its reputation as the ‘originator of foldable phones’ and defend its market share.
According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Huawei overtook Samsung for the first time in the global foldable phone market in the first quarter of this year. Huawei’s market share was 35%, while Samsung recorded 23%.
The Galaxy Z Fold SE is also an ambitious project of Samsung Electronics MX Division President (CEO) No Tae-moon. In July, he stated about the foldable phone development strategy, “Under the direction of ultra-modern and slim, we plan to develop designs that can realize this.”
This product enhances portability and usability with the thinnest thickness and lightest weight among all Galaxy Z Fold series to date. With a thickness of 10.6mm and weight of 236g, it is 1.5mm thinner and 3g lighter compared to the Galaxy Z Fold6. Although still thicker than the latest Chinese models, it is evaluated to have an advantage in technical completeness such as camera and durability.
While no previously unseen features were newly added, the overall specifications have been enhanced. It is equipped with a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera used in the Galaxy S24 series, supporting more vivid and clear photo and video shooting. Additionally, it features 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, providing an optimized ‘Galaxy Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ experience for foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold6 was equipped with 12GB RAM.
The main screen, usable when unfolded, features a 203.1mm (8.0-inch) display with a 20:18 aspect ratio, supporting the widest large screen among the Galaxy Z Fold series. The cover screen, usable when folded, has a 164.8mm (6.5-inch) display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering a more natural bar-type product usability and grip.
The application processor (AP) is Qualcomm’s ‘Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy,’ providing powerful performance and AI capabilities. The exterior features a stripe pattern with metal and glass materials, and it will be released in a single color, Black Shadow.
Sales will begin at 9 a.m. on the 25th through Samsung.com and the official online malls of the three major carriers (T Direct Shop, KT.com, Uplus.com). The price is 2,789,600 KRW. Compared to the existing Galaxy Z Fold6 (512GB model), it is about 400,000 KRW more expensive.
Samsung Electronics plans to operate pop-up stores for two weeks from the 25th at major department stores nationwide where customers can directly experience and purchase the product. Pop-up stores will be held at 15 locations including Shinsegae Gangnam and Main stores, Lotte Main and Jamsil stores, Hyundai Trade Center and Mokdong stores, and Galleria Luxury Hall.
Customers who purchase and activate the product by the 31st will receive discount coupons for Galaxy Ring, Watch Ultra, Buds3 Pro, and Tab S10 Ultra products. The Galaxy Z Fold SE is also expected to be released in China next month.
Im Seong-taek, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, described it as “a product that offers a slim and light foldable experience with sophisticated patterns and deep colors, featuring a refined design.”
The three major mobile carriers are conducting various events and promotions to coincide with the new product launch. LG Uplus will hold various events starting at 9 a.m. on the 25th, the launch day of the Galaxy Z Fold SE. From the 25th to November 15th, the first 100 customers who purchase and activate the product on Uplus.com will be entered into a draw to win prizes including a Prada backpack (1 winner), a Rimowa suitcase (1 winner), and Acne Studios wool scarves (98 winners). Purchases during the period will be automatically entered, and winners will be individually notified on December 13.
KT is also running a launch notification promotion on its online store ‘KT.com’ until the 24th. Customers participating in the event will be entered into a draw to receive prizes such as a 50,000 KRW KT.com mobile gift certificate and 3,000 Naver Pay points usable when purchasing the Galaxy Z Fold SE. Among customers who apply for launch notification and complete activation on KT.com, two will be awarded a two-person accommodation voucher at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel.
The first 300 customers to purchase will receive a one-year subscription to ‘Samsung Care+’ which provides damage protection, and all customers will receive a ‘Samsung Genuine 15W Super Fast Duo Charger.’ Samsung Care+ covers repair costs with only 30% of the cost borne by the customer in case of damage and includes on-site repair service. Among activated customers, 10 will be selected by lottery to receive a two-person weekend long brunch meal voucher at Andaz Hotel.
Customers who purchase on KT.com will also receive an additional 7% monthly fee discount. This 7% discount is applied on top of official subsidies and selective contract discounts but only applies to 5G plans; LTE and online-only plans such as ‘Yogo’ are excluded.
SK Telecom will operate an ‘In-stock Alarm’ service on ‘T Direct Shop’ starting from the 21st. To commemorate the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold SE, SKT is holding an event where 30 customers who purchase the product will be selected by lottery to receive a Shilla Hotel Executive Business Deluxe Room accommodation voucher. This event can be entered through T Direct Shop from the 25th to December 8th, and winners will be announced individually on December 27.
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