A study found that Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z series of foldable phones depreciates more in the used market than the Galaxy S series. The industry interpreted that the foldable form factor is less durable than bar-type smartphones and more expensive to repair, leading to a higher rate of value decline.
On the 4th, U.S. smartphone used transaction platform SellCell analyzed depreciation in Samsung Electronics' foldable series and found that the value of the Galaxy Z series (Flip, Fold 2–7) fell an average of 63.7% six months after launch. During the same period, the Galaxy S series (21–25) fell only 48.3%. SellCell analyzed that "Samsung Electronics, which leads the foldable market, was relatively weak in the used transaction market."
◇ Dropped it once and a black line appeared on the screen… repair costs differ greatly
SellCell pointed to durability issues and repair cost burdens as reasons for higher depreciation in foldables. Because the fold-in-half structure makes screen repair more expensive than on regular smartphones, buyback prices and resale values are lower. It also noted that the foldable market is still centered on new models, so demand for used transactions is limited. Samsung Electronics releases new Galaxy Z series smartphones every year.
In fact, repair costs for the Galaxy Z series and the Galaxy S series differed by more than four times. When asked at a Samsung Electronics service center about the repair cost for the Fold 7's front display, released in July, the response was 760,000 won on the condition that the existing part is recovered. For the Flip 7, under the same condition, the repair cost was about 530,000 won. For the standard model of the Galaxy S25, released in January, the main display could be fixed for 180,000 won.
On an online community of Samsung Electronics users, criticism of foldable durability continues. An internet user who said they use the Fold 7 said, "If you care about durability, it's right to use a bar-type smartphone," adding, "I dropped my phone a while ago and, even with a cover on, the hinge area took a hit and a black line appeared on the screen."
SellCell said, "Conventional smartphones are currently seen as a more stable choice for both consumers and resellers," explaining that this is "because the refurbishment process is simple, predictable used prices form, and steady demand is maintained."
◇ Manufacturers can't give up foldables with higher ASP
Major smartphone makers are continuing to develop foldables. They are both a symbol of hardware innovation and, because prices are higher than standard models, can raise the ASP (average selling price). In fact, in the third quarter this year, the ASP of Samsung Electronics' smartphone business, boosted by the Fold 7's popularity, was $304 (432,000 won). That was up 3% and 12% from the third quarter last year ($295) and the second quarter this year ($270), respectively.
Samsung Electronics plans to release within the year its first product that folds the screen twice, the "tri-fold phone." Huawei already unveiled a tri-fold phone in September last year. Apple is also reportedly developing a foldable phone.
Market research firm Counterpoint Research said, "Foldable smartphones account for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments, but they are lifting ASP," adding, "ASP, which was $357 (about 500,000 won) last year, will reach $370 (about 520,000 won) this year and $412 (about 570,000 won) in 2029."