Samsung has historically structured promotional campaigns for its flagship devices to include a combination of trade-in credits, accessory bundles, and service subscriptions. For the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the company focused on incentives designed to offset the high cost of the device and address the lack of included accessories. Based on available reports and reservation pages, these offers were available to consumers who pre-ordered or reserved the device ahead of its official launch.
Trade-In Credit and Device Flexibility
One of the primary incentives for reserving the Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the promise of enhanced trade-in values. Samsung offered an additional $100 trade-in credit on top of their standard "highest online instant trade-in values." This credit was applied to the purchase of the new foldable device. Furthermore, Samsung introduced a new policy allowing customers to trade in multiple devices—specifically two phones or tablets—rather than just one. This change was intended to help consumers manage the high price point of the foldable phone by maximizing the total value of their trade-ins.
Samsung Care+ and Pre-Order Perks
In addition to trade-in credits, Samsung included a subscription to Samsung Care+ for the first 12 months at no cost. This offer was valued at approximately $155 and provided extended warranty coverage and technical support. Reservations also unlocked an "extra, special offer" toward other Galaxy products during the pre-order phase. While specific details of this offer varied, reports suggested it could include discounts or free accessories such as Galaxy Buds 2 or chargers.
Accessory Bundles: The Note Pack
Because Samsung did not include a wall charger in the box with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the company offered a pre-order promotion to mitigate this omission. This was known as the "Note Pack," a reference to the Galaxy Note series which was not released that year. The Note Pack was valued at 89 EUR (approximately $105) and included: * A 25W wired charger. * An S Pen stylus. * A case with an S Pen holder.
This bundle served as a direct compensation for the missing charger and provided added utility for users interested in the S Pen functionality.
Pricing and Availability Context
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was unveiled in August 2021. Reports from South Korean sources indicated a starting price of approximately 1.9 million won (roughly $1,654), representing a price reduction compared to previous generations. Samsung reportedly set a sales target of 6 to 7 million units for its foldable lineup, aiming to replace the volume typically generated by the Galaxy Note series.
Future Promotional Trends: AI Subscriptions
While the Galaxy Z Fold 3 focused on hardware and service incentives, later reports regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 indicated a shift toward software and AI promotions. Code found in the Google Android app suggested that future Samsung foldables might include a free subscription to Google AI Pro (formerly Gemini Advanced) and access to Veo 3 AI video generation. This potential offer, valued at $19.99 per month, suggests a future trend where manufacturers bundle advanced software capabilities to add value to premium hardware.
Conclusion
The promotional strategy for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 centered on financial incentives to lower the barrier to entry for an expensive device. By offering increased trade-in values for multiple devices, free warranty coverage, and a bundled accessory pack containing a necessary charger and productivity tools, Samsung provided tangible value to early adopters. These offers highlight how manufacturers utilize pre-order bonuses to drive sales and address consumer concerns regarding missing accessories.