[Edaily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] With the unveiling of SamsungElectronics(005930)’s next-generation foldable smartphone just three days away, attention is focused not only on the new product’s performance but also on its price tag. This comes as speculation arises that the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the top-tier model could exceed 3 million won.

According to industry sources on the 19th, SamsungElectronics will hold “Galaxy Unpacked 2026” in London, UK, at 10:00 p.m. on the 22nd (KST) to unveil its next-generation Galaxy Z series.

Although SamsungElectronics did not specify the exact product names in the invitation, it announced that it would unveil next-generation Galaxy devices that combine a new form factor with artificial intelligence (AI). The event tagline was set as “A New Shape Unfolds.”

Based on current predictions, the new lineup of foldable phones is likely to consist of three models: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8. This effectively means SamsungElectronics is splitting its existing two-model system—the Fold and the Flip—into two separate lines of book-style foldable devices.

The most significant change is the design of the standard Fold 8. Leaked images and a promotional video for SamsungElectronics’ collaboration with the movie *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* feature a foldable phone that is shorter in height and wider in width than previous models.

This appears to address the inconvenience of the previous Fold, which was narrower than a standard smartphone when folded, while achieving an aspect ratio closer to that of a tablet or passport when unfolded. Since SamsungElectronics revealed part of this device in an official video, the launch of the “Wide Fold” is widely considered a foregone conclusion.

The Fold 8 is expected to feature an approximately 7.6-inch internal display with an aspect ratio close to 4:3, weigh around 201g, and support a 4,800mAh battery and 45W wired charging. There are also predictions that it will feature two 50-megapixel rear cameras and be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip designed exclusively for the Galaxy series.

This is interpreted as a move to differentiate the product by enhancing portability and usability for documents and videos compared to previous Fold models, while simplifying some camera specifications.

The Fold 8 Ultra is touted as the top-tier model succeeding the existing Fold 7. It is expected to feature a 200MP wide-angle camera, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera, with battery capacity increasing from the previous model’s 4,400mAh to 5,000mAh.

When unfolded, it is expected to be approximately 4.1 mm thick and weigh around 215 g, similar to its predecessor. While the Fold 8, with its larger screen, is designed to deliver a new user experience, the Ultra model focuses on performance improvements—such as camera and battery upgrades—that existing Fold users have been requesting.

The issue is the price. Recent reports citing overseas sales channels have suggested that the 256GB model of the Fold 8 could be priced at $1,899 (approximately 2,829,500 won), while the 256GB model of the Fold 8 Ultra could be priced at $2,099 (approximately 3,127,500 won).

While the domestic retail price will vary depending on value-added tax and regional pricing policies, it has become increasingly likely that the base model will approach 3 million won—a first for a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Its predecessor, the Fold 7, was released in South Korea at 2,379,300 won for the 256GB model and 2,537,700 won for the 512GB model. Only the 1TB model, priced at 2,933,700 won, came close to 3 million won.

A price increase is also being speculated for the Flip 8. The estimated price in Europe is 1,299 euros (approximately 2,213,700 won) for the 256GB model, and some observers predict it could rise by more than 100 euros (approximately 170,000 won) compared to its predecessor.

On the other hand, key hardware features—such as the 6.9-inch internal display, 4.1-inch external display, 50-megapixel main camera, and 4,300mAh battery—are expected to remain similar to those of its predecessor. The key question for the Flip 8 will be whether the Exynos 2600 and Galaxy AI features can deliver a differentiated experience compelling enough to justify the price increase.

This expansion of the product lineup also appears to be a preemptive move ahead of Apple’s entry into the foldable market. Market research firm Counterpoint Research forecasts that global shipments of foldable smartphones will grow by 20% this year compared to last year, and that Apple will capture a 28% market share in its first year, closing in on SamsungElectronics. It also projected that shipments of foldable display panels will increase by 24% this year to approximately 27.5 million units.

SamsungElectronics appears to be aiming to broaden consumer choices by launching products with different aspect ratios and price points before Apple enters the market. The strategy involves tapping into new demand with the wide-screen Fold 8 while maintaining its premium image by equipping the Ultra with top-of-the-line specifications and a higher price point.

However, as the product lineup becomes more segmented, consumers must be able to clearly perceive the differences between each model. If the distinction between the Fold—priced in the 2 million won range and differing only in its folding mechanism—and the Ultra—priced in the 3 million won range with enhanced camera and battery capabilities—fails to convince consumers, the price increase may be the only thing that stands out.

This London Unpacked event is expected to serve as a stage for SamsungElectronics to redefine not only the form factor of foldable phones but also the boundaries of what consumers are willing to pay.