Samsung is developing a cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Flip and a surprise Watch 8
what you need to know
- Two new Samsung devices have passed the GSMA database.
- The first is the Galaxy Z Flip FE, model number SM-F761B.
- The other one is Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with model number SM-L505U.
While foldable phones have had their ups and downs, many are wondering if Samsung will give its products the “Fan Edition (FE)” treatment. Usually, when a new Galaxy FE unit comes out, it means it’s more budget-friendly compared to non-FE units.
Samsung already seems to be gearing up to launch its next line of foldable phones, as the “Galaxy Z Flip XE” has been spotted on the GSMA database (via SmartPrix). . However, the database listing does seem to confirm the model number of SM-F761B.
There are rumors that Samsung is considering launching a cheaper foldable phone. At the end of November, there were rumors that Samsung would release the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE alongside the Flip 7 and Fold 7, also powered by the Exynos 2400e.
This is the same chip found in the Galaxy S24 FE, delivering solid performance while giving Samsung a way to enter the market at a lower cost. At the same time, Galaxy Z Flip 7 is said to be equipped with Exynos 2500, but it has not been officially announced yet.
Recently, reports indicate that Samsung is significantly lowering its sales expectations for foldable phones in 2025. The company reportedly plans to sell 5 million units, with the Flip 7 accounting for 3 million units and the Fold 7 accounting for the remainder. That being said, this latest report doesn’t factor in a possible launch of the Flip 7 FE.
That being said, Samsung’s summer 2025 launch event may be about more than just a new foldable phone. In fact, the company may eventually bring back fan-favorite products, but not in the form of fan editions.
SmartPrix discovered another unreleased Samsung device in the GSMA database. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and its model number SM-L505U were also unveiled.
This is particularly interesting because there is no “Classic” in the Galaxy Watch 7 series. Instead, Samsung opted for two sizes of Watch 7 and launched the new Galaxy Watch Ultra at the same time.
The main difference between a “regular” watch and a classic watch is the physical rotating bezel. While Samsung has offered touch-sensitive bezels on its watches for years, it’s still not as reliable as physical options.
At this point, Samsung seems to be adopting an “on again, off again” strategy with classic models. So, from that perspective, it makes sense to make it an option on the Galaxy Watch 8, but some people wish Samsung would keep it as part of annual updates.
Before getting excited about early release plans, it’s not uncommon for unreleased devices to pass through such libraries early. With that in mind, we don’t expect any official announcement until sometime in the summer of 2025.
