Verizon on Wednesday announced preorders for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, pairing the devices with its recently launched Simplicity Plan to simplify the purchasing process. The carrier is offering new customers the $1,899.99 Galaxy Z Fold8 for $30 per month over 48 months without requiring a trade-in, applying $460 in promotional credits to lower the monthly device payment. The Simplicity Plan itself costs $30 per month when customers enable Auto Pay, paper-free billing, and port in a number from another carrier. This approach contrasts with traditional upgrade offers that require trade-ins or higher-tier unlimited plans.
For the premium Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, starting at $2,099.99, new customers can get a $420 promotional credit over 48 months, reducing the monthly device cost to $35. Existing customers can upgrade and save up to $1,100 by trading in an eligible phone on an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan, with credits applied over 36 months. Verizon also introduced an "Ultimate Bundle" offering a free Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Tab S10 FE when purchasing a new Samsung phone on a payment plan or bringing a compatible device.
The move is significant because it eliminates what Verizon calls "carrier friction" — the complexity of trade-ins and tiered plans. The Simplicity Plan includes unlimited data restricted to on-device smartphone usage, with domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. "At Verizon, we've removed plan complexity to put control back in our customers' hands," the company stated in the announcement. However, the 48-month payment term is longer than the typical 36 months, potentially locking customers into the carrier for an extended period. The Simplicity Plan also requires a number port-in from another carrier, which may exclude some new customers.
Industry analysts note that the no-trade-in offer could appeal to first-time foldable buyers or those hesitant about long-term commitments. The launch underscores Verizon's strategy to attract customers with transparent pricing and added perks. The carrier is also offering the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (With Ads) bundle for six months free to buyers of the Z Fold8 or Z Fold8 Ultra on the Simplicity Plan or myPlan. Additionally, Verizon's loyalty program, accessible via the My Verizon app, provides monthly cash back in Verizon Dollars, and its Verizon Shine program offers weekly chances to win experiences.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 features a spacious, immersive screen designed for multitasking and productivity, available in Lavender, Graphite, and Cream. The Ultra variant adds Violet Shadow as a color option. Preorders begin July 22 at Verizon stores, verizon.com, and the My Verizon app, with full retail availability on August 7. The Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra2 are also available for preorder, starting at $429.99 and $699.99 respectively. The implications of this announcement are that Verizon is betting on simplicity to drive foldable adoption, but the extended financing terms and port-in requirement may limit the appeal for some consumers while locking others into a longer carrier relationship.
