Samsung is shaking things up again, and this time, it's about to drop a bombshell with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE. Just when everyone thought a cheaper foldable wasn't happening anytime soon, fresh leaks suggest otherwise. After denying rumors of an affordable foldable back in 2023, Samsung seems to have shifted gears. The highly-anticipated Galaxy Z Flip FE is expected to follow the release of its premium counterparts, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, which are predicted to hit the market in July or August this year. 

If the leaks are accurate, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE in Kenya could be launching between September and November. And let’s be real, everyone’s curious about what this “Fan Edition” will bring to the table.

Rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE in Kenya

Delayed Launch Due to Exynos 2500 Chipset

The most significant piece of information that’s driving speculation is the chipset. According to Android Authority, the Galaxy Z Flip FE will feature the Exynos 2500 chipset. This particular chipset has been a headache for Samsung, facing delay after delay.

Originally, the Exynos 2500 was intended to power some versions of the Galaxy S25 series earlier this year. But plans shifted, and it looks like Samsung is reserving this chipset for its budget foldable option. Why the delay? Some reports suggest it’s about performance optimization, while others claim it's a strategic move to differentiate the FE version from its pricier siblings. Either way, it’s clear the chipset situation is affecting the launch timeline of the Galaxy Z Flip FE.

Is It Just a Rehashed Galaxy Z Flip 6?

Here’s where things get interesting. Early reports suggest that the Galaxy Z Flip FE may not be a drastic departure from the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Leaker @PandaFlashPro has hinted that the Galaxy Z Flip FE prototype resembles the Galaxy Z Flip 6 more than the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7.

The design might feature the same 120Hz panel as the Z Flip 6, though potentially with reduced brightness. And while the phone may sport the same Armor Aluminum frame, hinge, and Gorilla Glass Victus, the camera array is also expected to be quite similar. That includes a 50MP main sensor and a 10MP internal snapper for selfies when unfolded.

However, don’t expect the FE to have all the advanced Galaxy AI features of the higher-end models, thanks to NPU limitations.

Samsung’s Accidental Confirmation?

Samsung may have accidentally spilled the beans on the Galaxy Z Flip FE’s existence. Around the same time that @PandaFlashPro was leaking specs, Erencan Yılmaz noticed that Samsung’s servers were sending updates to a mysterious device with the codename SM-F761.

Now, if you’re keeping track, Samsung’s naming conventions make this pretty obvious. The ‘F’ indicates a foldable, the ‘7’ identifies it as a Flip series device, and the ‘61’ denotes its edition. With the Galaxy Z Flip 5 labeled SM-F731 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 as SM-F741, there’s a solid chance this mystery handset is indeed the Galaxy Z Flip FE.

And if Samsung’s usual Fan Edition strategy is anything to go by, we can expect a slightly watered-down version with a more budget-friendly price tag.

Price and Market Position

So, what’s the deal with pricing? Samsung’s Fan Editions are typically aimed at offering solid value at a more accessible price point. But, how much of a price cut are we talking about? With so much of the Z Flip 6’s DNA in this new model, it’s likely Samsung will trim features like AI capabilities and perhaps some performance elements to keep costs down.

If they get the pricing right, Samsung could finally make foldables mainstream rather than a luxury for tech enthusiasts. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE price in Kenya will range between 150,000ksh and 200,000ksh.

What To Expect Next

If the reports of Android Authority are accurate, Samsung is on the clock to make the Galaxy Z Flip FE official within the next few months. And while we’re all still waiting for an official announcement, the leaks and speculation are painting a pretty vivid picture of what to expect.

It’s clear that Samsung’s Fan Edition will sacrifice some features for the sake of affordability, but whether it’s worth it will ultimately depend on the price tag. As of now, Samsung is holding its cards close, but the anticipation is building.

One thing is for sure: if the Galaxy Z Flip FE in Kenya launches at the right price, Samsung could be on the brink of making foldables accessible to the masses. Stay tuned to iTey Store for more updates on the Galaxy Z Flip FE in Kenya.