If you’ve been eyeing a clamshell foldable as your next primary device but don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount, you’re in luck. Samsung just unveiled its latest Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and while it isn’t a ‘cheap’ or ‘budget’ foldable in the truest sense, it does bring a rewrapped version of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 at a cheaper $900 pricetag.
$900, by no means, is cheap, and you’d normally be able to spread those payments across months to make the price a little more digestible. Although that’s still possible with the Z Flip 7 FE, you’ll have to rely on Samsung’s financing options or other retail partners.
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The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is not available via US carriers, essentially locking users out of the most popular financing strategy.
It’s not like major carriers are offering the device, and not offering financing — US carriers, including giants like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon are not offering the new Fan Edition foldable outright, as pointed out by SamMobile. This is despite said carriers heavily promoting and offering financing options for the flagship Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Those looking to finance a Z Flip 7 FE can still do so via Samsung and Best Buy.
Awaiting clarification
Similarly, Samsung’s own official website has unlocked and carrier-locked versions available for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, but for the Z Flip 7 FE, only the unlocked model is offered. The same goes for authorized retailers like Best Buy, which has carrier-locked versions of the Z Flip 7, but only unlocked models for the Fan Edition Flip 7.
The exact reasoning for snubbing the Fan Edition foldable remains unclear. This could simply be a strategy to drive Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 sales. Alternatively, it might involve carriers anticipating low demand for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE because of its last-gen hardware and a not-so-cheap $900 starting price.
We’ve reached out to T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T for clarification. We’ll update this article if and when we hear back.
