The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition stands out in a market filled with thinner, powerful foldables from brands like Honor, Oppo, and Huawei. Despite not being the thinnest, Samsung focused on durability and limited availability to set it apart.
Why Samsung Released the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
Samsung invested significant time in designing the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. However, it couldn’t match the thinness of its Chinese competitors while maintaining durability. Instead of compromising, Samsung chose to highlight its robust build and release it in select markets, including China. In China, it’s branded as the W25, flaunting a gold color and an even steeper price tag of $2,400.
Hinge Complexity Drives Up the Price
The high price of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition mainly stems from its complex hinge. The hinge features nearly 140 moving parts, double that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Partnering with KH Vatec, a Korean manufacturer, Samsung created a sturdy yet costly hinge, crucial for a device that is only 10.6mm thick when closed.
The reinforced hinge allows the foldable display to handle repeated folding without damage. This design choice, though expensive, ensures longevity and ingress protection—key selling points for the Special Edition.
Premium Materials: Titanium and Ceramic Options
Unlike the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Special Edition uses a titanium backplate, making it lighter and more durable. Samsung skipped the S Pen support to allow for this premium material choice, avoiding interference with the digitizer layer.
In China, the Galaxy W25 version features a ceramic backplate, adding a premium touch and an extra $400 to the price. The use of high-quality materials like titanium and ceramic significantly contributes to the overall cost.
Bigger Display and Enhanced Camera System
The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition boasts Samsung’s largest foldable screen yet—7.99 inches with a QXGA+ resolution of 2184 x 1968 pixels. It supports a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, outperforming the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in display specs.
The camera setup is another highlight, featuring a 200 MP main sensor, likely borrowed from the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This powerful sensor, combined with a 12 MP ultra-wide and a 10 MP telephoto lens, surpasses the Z Fold 6’s camera performance. While it lacks periscope zoom found in some Chinese foldables, it’s still Samsung’s best camera on a foldable device.
Why the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition Costs More
The higher price of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is justified by its advanced hinge, premium materials, and top-tier display and camera features. Initially, Samsung aimed to create a cheaper foldable without the S Pen digitizer, but competitive pressure led to an upscale design.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition represents its commitment to quality and innovation, even if it means a heftier price tag. The result is a sophisticated, durable foldable phone that caters to a niche market willing to pay for the best.
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