Rumors of a cheaper Samsung foldable phone have existed for years, but in recent months, they gained more traction than ever. Samsung might finally release a (slightly?) more affordable foldable device, and the latest rumors hint at a Fan Edition Galaxy Z Flip 7 variant. This device could change the game forever.

Unlike slab-type phones, which are available across a much wider price range, foldable mobile devices have always had a higher price barrier to entry. $999 is the cheapest a Galaxy Z Flip has been at launch, and needless to say, that's premium flagship territory.

Foldable display technology remains a curiosity for many smartphone users, but it's safe to say that a good portion of slab-type phone owners just didn't feel confident enough about foldable display technology to spend $999 or more on a foldable device and make the switch.

This question has popped up in my mind more than once: Why risk switching to this new technology, exciting as it may be, when I have a much better guarantee of a premium, no-fuss experience from a $999 or pricier slab-type flagship phone?

And that's twice as valid now, when Samsung offers a better firmware experience, extended support, and excellent build quality and resilience across its Galaxy A and Galaxy S lineups.

However, a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE could change the game forever. Why? Partly because of Samsung's trade-in program, which is available in select key markets.

Firstly, if the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is more affordable, many more people who have been on the fence about foldable display technology will be willing to risk using a foldable device. The user base might grow significantly.

Secondly, if these Fan Edition foldable phone adopters have a good enough experience without issues and technical hurdles, many of them will be compelled to upgrade to pricier foldable devices, such as the full-fledged Galaxy Z Flip or even the Galaxy Z Fold series.

The entire foldable phone market, led by Samsung, may see a boom like never before.

Of course, it all depends on how Samsung handles the launch of the alleged Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. Right now, there's no rumored price tag attached to the rumored phone, and if mishandled, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE could very well become the worst thing ever for the segment.

In the worst-case scenario, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE will go on sale for around $999 and push the standard Z Flip 7 to a higher price. In my view, this would be disastrous, but I doubt Samsung would do something this bold and, dare I say, careless.

Leaving this worst-case scenario behind, the reality of the situation is that the Fan Edition name has been reserved for cheaper phones. And if the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE really exists under the FE badge, it should debut as the most affordable foldable Samsung phone to date.

The ramifications of such a strategy may or may not be easy to predict, but I believe such a device has the potential to become the best thing ever for the foldable market as a whole, and especially for Samsung's foldable portfolio.