Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, set to make its global debut on July 9, 2025, might arrive in India with a noticeable price bump. This potential hike isn’t exactly out of left field, considering how smartphone prices—especially in the premium and foldable categories—have steadily crept up in the country. From what we know so far, the Z Fold 7 could bring a host of design and performance enhancements that, arguably, could make the steeper price tag feel a bit more justifiable.
Key Takeaways:
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to launch with a higher price tag in India.
- Rumours point to a range between Rs 1,75,000 and Rs 1,79,000 for the base variant.
- For context, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 launched at Rs 1,64,999.
- Advanced components, AI features, and design upgrades could be driving the cost increase.
- Samsung remains the frontrunner in India’s growing foldable smartphone segment.
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 during its Galaxy Unpacked event. While we’re still waiting on official pricing, industry tipster Yogesh Brar has pegged the base variant between Rs 1,75,000 and Rs 1,79,000 in India. That’s a noticeable bump over last year’s Z Fold 6, which launched at Rs 1,64,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB model. Its highest-tier sibling—12GB + 1TB—came in at Rs 2,00,999.
Expected Upgrades and Market Context
To be fair, the price jump, if it happens, won’t exactly come as a shock. Leaks suggest the Z Fold 7 will feature several notable upgrades. For one, it could be Samsung’s thinnest foldable yet, measuring about 3.9mm when unfolded and 8.9mm folded. Plus, it’s said to weigh around 215 grams, putting it among the lightest book-style foldables out there.
Display-wise, the new Fold might come with a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch main display—a slight uptick in size, if that pans out. Internally, it’s expected to run on Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which should translate to strong performance across the board. Storage options will likely mirror the Z Fold 6 lineup: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with up to 16GB of RAM rumored for the highest-end model.
As for the camera setup, there’s buzz about a 200MP main sensor, alongside a 10MP telephoto and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter. That’s a serious bump in imaging hardware, assuming it holds true. Samsung has also confirmed that its new Galaxy AI tools will be part of the package. These include things like real-time call translation and visual search—features that feel futuristic but also add to the overall development and production costs.
In India, foldables are still a niche category, but they’re growing. Q1 2024 saw a 19% year-on-year increase in the segment. Samsung, for its part, currently dominates the market with a whopping 79% share. However, new competition is looming. Devices like the Vivo X Fold 5—rumored to launch at around Rs 1,49,999 for its 16GB + 512GB version—could reshape consumer choices moving forward.
Factors Behind Rising Smartphone Prices
Broadly speaking, smartphone prices have been inching upward for a while now. There are several reasons behind this trend. Advanced components are getting pricier, and the rollout of 5G along with features like generative AI is pushing development costs higher. Companies are also investing heavily in R&D, particularly as chipsets transition to more complex 4nm and 3nm nodes. Add to that the ever-growing need for advanced software, and it’s easy to see why the bill keeps climbing.
Despite the looming price hike, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks set to deliver a seriously premium experience. Between the sleek design, enhanced performance, and those headline-grabbing AI features, it’s likely to catch the eye of Indian consumers interested in staying at the cutting edge of mobile tech. All that remains is for Samsung to confirm the numbers.
FAQ
Q1: What is the expected launch date of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 in India?
A1: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be officially unveiled globally on July 9, 2025, with its India launch likely to follow soon after.
Q2: How much is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 expected to cost in India?
A2: Current rumours suggest the device might be priced between Rs 1,75,000 and Rs 1,79,000 for the base variant.
Q3: What was the launch price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in India?
A3: The Z Fold 6 launched at Rs 1,64,999 for its 12GB RAM + 256GB storage version.
Q4: What are some new features expected in the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A4: It’s expected to be thinner and lighter, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with a larger 6.5-inch cover and 8-inch main display, a 200MP main camera, and new Galaxy AI tools.
Q5: Why are smartphone prices, especially for foldable phones, increasing in India?
A5: Prices are rising due to higher component costs, the addition of 5G and AI features, advanced chip manufacturing, and increased investment in software and R&D.
