Samsung CEO explains why new Galaxy foldable phones are cheaper in Korea

LONDON — Samsung Electronics has unveiled the global prices for its new Galaxy Z8 foldable smartphone lineup, which are up to 48 percent higher than the launch prices in Korea.

With soaring memory prices making the pricing of new smartphones more challenging than ever, Samsung has adopted a more aggressive pricing strategy in its home market, a move that can prompt complaints from overseas consumers who are being asked to pay significantly more for the same products.

However, Samsung Electronics co-CEO Roh Tae-moon said offering Galaxy devices at lower prices in Korea will remain the company's direction and goal, describing the Korean market as the foundation for strengthening the Galaxy brand's global competitiveness.

During the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in London, Wednesday, Samsung announced that the flagship Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with 256 gigabytes (GB) of storage will be priced at $2,099 in the United States and 2,199 euros ($2,509.5) in Europe.

The prices are 20.4 percent and 44 percent higher, respectively, than the model's launch price in Korea of 2.58 million won ($1,743).

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