samsung: How Samsung may end up reducing the cost of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 – Times of India

The upcoming Samsung foldable smartphones — the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 are rumoured to be much less expensive than their predecessors — the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3. The South Korean tech giant is trying to popularise the foldable phones niche and the prices of these flexible handsets need to come down for them to become mainstream.
According to a report by PhoneArena, Samsung is considering using ATL batteries for its upcoming foldable phones. Amperex Technology Limited or ATL is one of the largest battery makers for consumer electronics. The company even supplies batteries for Apple iPhones.
The report also mentions that Samsung is considering using the ATL batteries not only to reduce the costs and final retail price but also for the quality that these batteries offer. If the deal goes through, Samsung will be replacing its SDI subsidiary-made batteries included in foldable phones, for the first time.
The report also suggested that LG is also being considered as another battery supplier as Samsung tries to diversify its sources. Having different suppliers competing with each other’s prices will help in lowering the cost of the devices.
Meanwhile, there are much more expensive assembly parts — like the displays, that are more costly than the battery units. But, every small cost trimming will add up to bring down the final price. A standard phone battery costs $6-$8, but when mass-produced the cost of each battery can reduce remarkably.
To reduce the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, the company is replacing the expensive suppliers in the chain with alternatives that can produce the component at lower prices and has no less experience in making them.