Samsung has taken smartphone prices to new heights this century with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, which is priced at a staggering S$2,888.

The first time mobile phones were so pricey was when they were first launched in 1988. Back then, bragging rights went to those who were willing to fork out between SS$2,900 and S$3,400.

Of course, it was quite a status symbol in those days. Only a select few could afford it and holding the brick-shaped devices was a show of one-upmanship. It also helps that the only competition in the late 1980s were pagers.

Today, smartphones can be had for under S$100 and flagship phones are available from around S$1,000.

The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G just offers more of many things such as displays, cameras and batteries.

Load of hardware

Unlike the single-display smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is a foldable phone with a 6.23-inch cover display and a larger 7.6-inch display when opened.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, it comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and either 256 or 512GB of non-expandable UFS 3.1. It is juiced by two batteries and has five cameras.

Perhaps the cost of all these hardware — plus the novelty factor and being 5G ready — adds up to the hefty price.

Those who are keen can pre-order on September 9 at 10am (Singapore time) at M1, Singtel, StarHub, the Samsung Online Store, Samsung Experience Stores, and the official Samsung flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee, plus selected consumer electronics and IT stores in Singapore.