At Samsung’s summer Unpacked event, the company unveiled its first ‘budget’ foldable device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE. However, the price tag of $899.99 raises some eyebrows-while lower than the regular Z Flip 7, it’s far from what many would consider ‘budget.’ For comparison, the Z Flip 7 still retails at $1,099.99, so the FE’s pricing is a notable drop, but not by much.
The Galaxy Z Flip FE resembles the Galaxy Z Flip 6 I reviewed last year, with a design and functionality that stay quite similar. 
However, it doesn’t support the same full-screen apps on the smaller outside screen as the Z Flip 7 does, making it a less flexible option for those who want the full experience. The FE version also comes in only two colors-Black and White-lacking the vibrant hues that make the Z Flip 7 stand out.
Despite being marketed as an entry-level foldable, the $899 price tag doesn’t scream ‘budget.’ In fact, it reflects the ongoing trend of $1,000+ smartphones, a phenomenon we’ve been accustomed to since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017. While foldables are still in their own niche, with devices like the Z Fold 7 starting at a staggering $1,999.99, it’s clear that Samsung is not trying to introduce a ‘budget’ model in this category.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE does offer some appealing features, such as a 50MP camera and a powerful Exynos 2400 chipset. While it lacks the latest Exynos 2500 chip in the Z Flip 7, it still provides solid performance. Its 10-core CPU is built on a 4nm process, compared to the 3nm process in the Z Flip 7’s 2500 chipset. This difference may affect efficiency and battery life slightly, with the Z Flip FE sporting a smaller 4,000mAh battery (compared to the Z Flip 7’s 4,300mAh). So, while the Z Flip 7 FE could be a great choice for anyone willing to use a case and wants an entry-level foldable, calling it a ‘budget’ option feels a bit off.
At the end of the day, foldable phones are a luxury item, and the Z Flip 7 FE is likely the most affordable foldable for those looking to dive into this category. But $900 for an ‘entry-level’ device still feels like a stretch. As prices for everything continue to climb, we may have to accept that what used to be considered a ‘budget’ phone now comes at a much higher cost.