Olympics 2024: Athletes Are Already Reselling Their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

For the Olympics, Samsung gifted a Galaxy Z Flip 6 Olympic Edition to all athletes. However, some are already trying to sell these limited-edition smartphones online.

Usually, Samsung unveils its new Galaxy Z Flip and Fold devices in August. However, this year, the South Korean manufacturer moved the release date up to July, just  before the 2024 Olympic Games, where Samsung is an official sponsor. This global event offers the perfect stage to showcase the sixth generation of its foldable smartphones with maximum visibility.

Samsung even introduced a limited-edition version of the Galaxy Z Flip 6, featuring a special yellow color and Olympic-themed engraving on the back, which it gifted to the 17,000 athletes participating in the Games. Athletes have been encouraged to take photos with their new phones on the podium, giving the brand plenty of exposure.

These phones come with some unique perks, including an Orange eSIM card offering 100GB of 5G data, a virtual card for unlimited free access to public transportation in Paris, and credits for unlimited drinks from the official vending machines at the Games. However, some athletes have opted to sell these exclusive gifts on specialized websites like eBay and the French platform Leboncoin. In recent days, listings have popped up with prices ranging from around $1,200 to nearly $3,300.

Sports and tech fans in the U.S. and beyond can find several of these models online, with some still sealed and accompanied by Samsung's welcome note and the included goodies. Most sellers highlight the rarity of the device: "Limited edition phone exclusively given to athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," reads one listing. On Samsung's official website, the standard Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at around $1,300.

According to reports from Le Parisien, Samsung is aware of the situation and has informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and event organizers. It has been agreed that athletes are free to do what they wish with their gifts. However, any phones stolen from Olympic delegations and sold will be remotely deactivated after consulting with the authorities. For many athletes, especially those not financially supported by their federations or the IOC, being able to make over $2,000 this way is a welcome financial boost.