The trick is to buy last year's foldable for around 1/3 used.

I got my fold 7 a month before 8 was announced for 1/3 of the price of a new 8 Ultra , it's even running oneui 9 now. Not much has changed.

i have one, i didn't get it on a plan. i love it (its a Moto 50 Ultra flip) small outside screen can do lots of things, folds up tiny in my pocket.

Got my Moto 50u really cheap, 50% off and had a $300 gift certificate about to expire (here in Australia)

Like the Samsung Fold 8 for many of the same reasons but im not rich, so maybe when the Fold 10 comes out and there's a clearance sale :) ... but would never go back to a slab now.