[News] Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 May End Free Storage Upgrades on Rising Memory Costs; Flex Titanium Debuts

As Samsung prepares to launch its next-generation foldable smartphones, rising memory prices may be reshaping one of its most popular pre-order promotions. According to Chosun Biz, sources say Samsung Electronics will no longer offer its free double-storage upgrade for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 8, which are set to debut in London on July 22 (local time). Instead, the company will cover half of the price difference between the 256GB and 512GB versions.

For the Galaxy S26 series released last March, the price difference between the 256GB and 512GB models was 253,000 won across the Standard, Plus, and Ultra variants. Previously, customers who purchased the 256GB model during the pre-order period could upgrade to the 512GB model at no additional cost. According to the report, customers will now be required to pay 50% of the price difference, which—based on Galaxy S26 pricing—is estimated at approximately 126,500 won.

As the report notes, industry sources believe Samsung’s new foldable smartphones could launch at higher prices. Samsung Electronics already raised the prices of the Galaxy S26 series last February, increasing the 256GB and 512GB models by 99,000 won and 209,000 won, respectively, compared with the previous generation.

Samsung Introduces Flex Titanium for Next-Generation Foldables

Beyond its pricing strategy, Samsung’s upcoming foldable smartphones are also expected to feature new hardware innovations. As ZDNet reports, Samsung Electronics on July 15 unveiled its new Flex Titanium display technology, which will debut in the company’s next-generation foldable smartphones at its London event on July 22 (local time). At the core of the technology is the replacement of the plastic film between the OLED panel and the titanium backplate with a titanium alloy film.

Samsung Electronics said it developed a proprietary dual titanium structure by replacing the conventional plastic film with a titanium alloy film and combining it with an upgraded titanium plate, as the report indicates. The titanium alloy film provides 20 times greater stiffness than conventional polymer films to improve durability and reduce screen creases, while the redesigned titanium plate features finer micro-hole processing and a reinforced bonding structure to enhance support, flexibility, and crease reduction during folding.

Although Samsung Electronics did not specify which products will feature the technology, ZDNet notes that Flex Titanium is expected to be adopted in this year’s book-style foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the new passport-style “Wide Fold.”

The new foldables are also expected to offer improvements beyond display technology. According to Business Post, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to weigh approximately 201g, significantly lighter than the iPhone Ultra’s estimated 255g, giving Samsung’s foldable an edge in portability.

Read more

• [News] Samsung Reportedly Trims 2026 Foldable Target to 5–6M Units for Galaxy Z Fold8, Flip8 and Wide Fold
• [News] Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Nears Fall Debut: TSMC 2nm A20 Pro, Crease-Free Display Lead Rumored Features

(Photo credit: Samsung)