AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all opted out of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE’s appealing price of $899 may seem alluring, but the reality is that the major three U.S. carriers are not participating. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are all passing on this offer, keeping the Flip 7 FE off their shelves (and financing options). However, Boost Mobile and Xfinity Mobile reportedly have the phone available for free with select postpaid plans, which could entice you to make a switch.
For those keen on acquiring a foldable device without severely denting their finances, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE might have appeared to be a fantastic opportunity at its $899 price point. Nonetheless, if you were expecting to casually step into a Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile store and add it to your current plan with hassle-free financing, you’re out of luck.
As reported by SamMobile, the major three U.S. carriers have collectively chosen to avoid the Z Flip 7 FE.
Currently, your options are quite limited. You can purchase the unlocked version directly from Samsung’s online shop or take a chance at retailers like Best Buy or Amazon. Either way, you’re faced with paying the total price or opting for Samsung’s payment plan, neither of which is as appealing as those enticing carrier promotions.
A few underdogs step in
Now, before you entirely lose hope, there are a few smaller players who are actually providing the device. Boost Mobile and Xfinity Mobile are reportedly offering the Z Flip 7 FE for free with specific postpaid plans, as discovered by Android Authority.
So, if you’ve been searching for a reason to change carriers, Samsung might have just given you one, even if it’s for a phone that the larger companies seem to be overlooking.
It’s not that Samsung didn’t attempt to highlight the FE. It includes all the usual features of the Flip series, minus a few premium additions to keep costs down. This makes it an attractive option for anyone interested in foldables but unwilling to spend flagship prices.
Why the disregard?
There hasn’t been an official explanation yet, which only adds to the bewilderment. Perhaps Samsung aimed to avoid cannibalizing its premium foldables. Perhaps carriers were not keen on the specs-to-price balance. Or maybe the logistics didn’t align in time for the launch.
Whatever the reason, it’s evident that if you want the Z Flip 7 FE in the U.S., you’ll have to bypass the carrier stores and go directly to the source.
On the positive side, unlocked purchasers will avoid bloatware or the typical hurdles of carrier-specific delays regarding updates.
