By now, you’ve probably seen the buzz. Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, alongside the more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and the new Galaxy Watch 8 series, all fresh out of the just-wrapped July Unpacked event. But what you probably haven’t heard is that Samsung Mobile Kenya is sitting this one out. For the first time since foldables became part of Samsung’s lineup, none of these new devices will be launched officially in Kenya.
“Going for Kshs 230,000, one would think the Galaxy Fold is a tough buy for Kenyans ranting about bad economic times, but it seems it’s only me and you that are broke.”
I tweeted that back in 2019, when Samsung first introduced its then-futuristic Galaxy Z Fold in Kenya. And while I meant it with a sprinkle of sarcasm, there was truth in it too. The original Fold, which was priced at a jaw-dropping KES 230,000, sold out immediately.
Going for Kshs 230,000, one would think the Galaxy Fold is a tough buy for Kenyans ranting about bad economic times, but it seems it's only me and you that are broke. https://t.co/q1SIESBKeU via @androidKE
-Ad-— Himp Man (@keverenge98) November 21, 2019
But here we are in 2025, and for the first time in a long time, Samsung Mobile Kenya won’t be officially releasing the newly unveiled Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
Honestly? I’m not shocked.
Foldables in a Land of Hustle
Kenya isn’t exactly a premium smartphone haven. Walk down any Nairobi street, hop on a matatu, or take a look at the gadgets your boda guy or mama mboga is using. Chances are it’s a TECNO, Infinix, or one of the dozens of budget-friendly Androids flooding the market.
It’s no secret: most Kenyans can’t even afford a KES 50,000 phone, let alone one that costs five times that. That’s why the TECNOs of this world thrive. It’s also why Samsung floods the market with its Galaxy A series. Because Samsung knows that the real money is in volume, not luxury.
Sure, Samsung hasn’t given official reasons for skipping Kenyan launch, but when a device like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, priced at $2,000 (that’s over KES 250,000), gets snubbed for a local launch, it’s not a mystery. It’s basic economics.
If I were Samsung, I’d probably do the same. Sure, foldables are flashy. They make headlines, trend on tech blogs, and dazzle on YouTube unboxings. But in Kenya? They’re luxury toys, not daily tools.
Even back in 2019, Samsung only brought in 24 Galaxy Fold units and even though they sold out immediately, this figure meant they weren’t quite betting on local demand. Yes, they sold out instantly, but let’s be honest, 24 is hardly a crowd. Fast forward to today, and I doubt even those 24 early adopters are willing to drop a quarter of a million bob on the Z Fold 7 in this economy.
Because while the Z Fold 7 is a technical marvel with its sleeker hinge, lighter body, improved durability, and massively upgraded primary camera, it’s still a luxury that only a few can afford, not a necessity. The Z Flip 7, on the other hand, comes with an expanded cover screen, bigger battery, faster performance, and that familiar clamshell charm. Gorgeous? Yes. Practical for Kenya’s average buyer? Not really.
The Harsh Economic Truth
The reality on the ground is rough. Disposable income? That’s become a myth for many. So splurging on a foldable phone, no matter how futuristic or fashionable, is a hard sell. Samsung probably did the math and figured it’s simply not worth it. Why invest in distribution, marketing, and after-sales support for a device that barely a handful will buy? Makes sense.
And even if there are a few folks ready to flex with a Fold 7 or Flip 7, well… they can always import. Or buy from the likes of Phones and Tablets Kenya or similar grey-market retailers, where the phones are going for KES 219,000 for the base Z Fold 7 with 12/256GB (KES 235,000 for 12/512GB and KES 255,000 for 16GB/1TB) and KES 190,000 for the Z Flip 7. You’ll miss out on official warranty and support, but if you’re spending KES 250K on a phone, you can probably afford a spare screen replacement or two, right?
Foldables Still Have Fans, Just Not Mass Appeal
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a fan of foldables. I love what they represent: progress, innovation, and a break from the slab-phone monotony. The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s multitasking power, with its improved 200MP camera, and the Z Flip 7’s charm and pocketability are all super cool. But even as a tech enthusiast, I know they’re not for everyone. Not in Kenya. Not now. Perhaps not even in my lifetime.
If you’re itching for a foldable but don’t want to sell your kidney, TECNO and Infinix foldable phones options like the TECNO Phantom V Fold/V Flip series and Infinix ZERO Flip are worth considering. They might not have Samsung’s polish, but they’re significantly more affordable and still deliver that “ooh-look-it-folds” experience. Plus, they’re available locally with warranty support.
Samsung skipping Kenya for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 launch isn’t an insult—it’s a reflection of economic realities. The market just isn’t there yet. And while some of us will still find ways to get our hands on these futuristic phones, for the vast majority, it’s business as usual with TECNO, Infinix, and the reliable Galaxy A series with a sprinkle of budget phones from OPPO, Xiaomi, Vivo, and a few aging iPhones.
The dream of the foldable future is still alive—but in Kenya, it’s a dream for the few, not the many.
And that’s okay.
