The Galaxy Z TriFold is the pinnacle of foldable smartphone technology from Samsung, developed using the culmination of experience and experimentation in the field that stretches the boundaries of this form factor. From announcing the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, the Korean giant has introduced a brand new category of mobile devices that is highly innovative.
However, when discussing the internal specifications, the company took a backseat. Instead of using the latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Samsung resorted to the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. A company executive has provided some reasoning for this decision, but we cannot guarantee that you’ll like it, especially when nearly all of us are aware of the real reason behind this move.
The VP and head honcho of product planning team at Samsung’s Mobile Experience division says the company wanted to ‘prepare a perfect and highly finished product for the TriFold,’
Kang Min-seok is the Vice President and head of Samsung Mobile Experience’s product planning, and according to ETNews, the Korean giant wanted to focus on the perfection of the Galaxy Z TriFold, which is why it opted for the Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The executive states that ‘It was most important to prepare a perfect and highly finished product for the TriFold. We installed this chip with a focus on creating a highly finished product.’
Given the number of years prototyping, designing, and innumerable tests carried out, Samsung likely invested a hefty dollar amount before officially announcing the Galaxy Z TriFold, which is why the latter is reported to retail for $2,447 when it launches on December 12. However, we cannot help but catch the various cost-cutting measures undertaken by Samsung. For instance, there is only one paint job, which is Crafted Black.
Also, a previous estimation stated that only 100,000 units would enter mass production, suggesting that the Galaxy Z TriFold would have an extremely limited release. Scaling back the number of units will increase the price of the components as the economies of scale take effect, which only means that it would cost Samsung a mammoth sum to source Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipsets from Qualcomm.
Depending on order volumes and contractual agreements, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 can cost as much as $280, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite estimated to be priced at a more affordable $220 apiece. Looking at Galaxy Z TriFold’s limited production volume, we can assume that Samsung would be forced to pay Qualcomm a premium for its flagship SoC. By using the older Snapdragon 8 Elite, Samsung can save $6 million in chipset expenses alone, if you do the math.
Now, we’ve never said that the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a terrible performer; it is quite the opposite, but if consumers are going to be paying top dollar for the Galaxy Z TriFold, they should at least have access to top-notch internal specifications. We can also sympathize with Samsung’s executive for not outright admitting that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s higher price made the Snapdragon 8 Elite a more compelling choice for the triple-folding smartphone, but he should have provided a better excuse.
News Source: ETNews
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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