Samsung's Next Foldable Brings Major Design Changes
Samsung is set to unveil its next generation of foldable devices in July, with the Galaxy Z Fold6 shaping up to be a significant redesign. Recent leaks and rumors paint a picture of a device that's evolving to be more user-friendly while pushing the envelope on foldable technology.
A New Look and Feel
The most noticeable change appears to be the overall shape of the device. Multiple leaks suggest the Z Fold6 will adopt a more rectangular design with sharper corners, reminiscent of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This represents a departure from the rounded edges of its predecessor.
Key design changes include:
- A wider, less tall external display with a 22.1:9 aspect ratio (compared to 23.1:9 on the Fold5)
- Thinner bezels on both the cover and main displays
- A slightly altered internal display aspect ratio of 10.5:9, closer to square
- Reduced thickness (12.5mm vs 13.5mm) and weight (239g, 14g lighter than Fold5)
These adjustments aim to make the device feel closer to a traditional smartphone when folded, potentially improving its everyday usability.
Specs and Performance
While the exterior is changing, much of the internal hardware appears similar to the Fold5:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (replacing Exynos in all regions)
- 12GB RAM (possibility of a 16GB option unconfirmed)
- 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options
- 4,400mAh battery
- Camera system largely unchanged (50MP main, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cover selfie, 4MP under-display)
The device is expected to support Galaxy AI features, potentially with some exclusive to the new foldables.
Pricing and Availability
The improvements come at a cost. Leaks suggest the Galaxy Z Fold6 will see a $100 price increase across all storage variants in the US, with similar hikes expected globally. However, Samsung is likely to offer pre-order incentives such as free storage upgrades to soften the blow.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 is expected to launch alongside the Z Flip6, Galaxy Watch7 series, and potentially the new Galaxy Ring at Samsung's Unpacked event in July.
While these leaks paint an intriguing picture of Samsung's next flagship foldable, it's important to remember that nothing is official until Samsung makes its announcement. The coming weeks are sure to bring more details as we approach the launch event.
Update: Wednesday July 03
The Galaxy Z Fold6 may introduce a pink color option for the first time in the series, alongside blue, silver, black, and white variants. The device's dimensions are rumored to be 153.5mm x 132.6mm when unfolded, making it slightly wider but shorter than its predecessor. Contrary to earlier speculation, a cheaper FE version is unlikely to be released. Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold6 at a Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10th, 2024. Additionally, a high-end Ultra version of the Z Fold6 is rumored to be in development but may not launch until early 2025.
Update: Monday July 15 23:29
Recent reports suggest Samsung may be developing additional variants of the Galaxy Z Fold6. A new test firmware has been spotted, hinting at potential new models. Rumors indicate two possible versions: a high-end Ultra model with improved camera and increased storage, and a more affordable Fan Edition with reduced features. These variants, if released, are likely to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, possibly as market-specific models. This strategy could allow Samsung to establish the current Z Fold6 in the market while potentially countering competitors' launches later in the year.