Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, Z Fold 3 could be a step closer to launch

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

TL;DR

• Samsung has reportedly sent the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 to domestic networks for testing.
• This suggests that we’re a step closer to the devices launching commercially.
• A source also claimed that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be significantly cheaper than the Z Fold 2.

Smartphone enthusiasts have eagerly been waiting for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 to launch later this year, and it looks like we’re one step closer to an official release.

Samsung has now sent prototypes of the two foldables to local cellular networks SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ to undergo testing, Korea’s Dailian news outlet reported. Carrier testing usually takes place a few weeks to a couple of months before a device’s commercial launch.

In other words, this is a good sign that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 are expected to launch within the next two or three months.

This isn’t the only hint of an imminent launch either, as Android Police writer Max Weinbach also teased an August 3 launch date for the foldables as well. So it certainly looks like all systems are go for this launch.

An industry official also told the Korean news outlet that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could likely launch at 1.9 million won (~$1,677) compared to the Z Fold 2’s 2.398 million won (~$2,116) launch price. This would be broadly in line with a previous SamMobile leak pointing to a 20% price cut for the new model.

News of the carrier testing also comes after a since-deleted report out of Korea alleged that Samsung had suspended production of the upcoming Galaxy S21 FE. The manufacturer later told Bloomberg that no decision had been made regarding the “alleged production suspension.”

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