Manufacturers hold off on launching affordable folding phones as market evolves

Folding phones have become a popular niche in the smartphone market since their introduction over five years ago. However, they remain expensive, with prices starting around $900 and often exceeding $1,600. Manufacturers have not yet produced cheaper models, despite consumer interest. Samsung is reportedly working on a more affordable folding phone, but concerns exist about the potential compromises in quality and performance. Current folding phones often lack the specifications and durability of traditional slab phones, which may deter buyers from lower-priced options. The folding phone market is still evolving, and many believe that more refinement is needed before budget models can be successfully introduced. Until then, manufacturers are focusing on high-end devices to fund further development.