The foldable phone market is heating up, and Samsung, the undisputed leader, is about to throw a curveball. With the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 launch right around the corner in July, a new rumor suggests Samsung might have a surprise up its sleeve: the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim (or Ultra). This throws a wrench into previous speculations about a more affordable Galaxy Z Fold6 FE. Let’s dive deeper into what we know so far about this surprise foldable and what it means for the future of foldables.
Thinner Yet Larger: The Curious Case of the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim
Industry analyst Ross Young has sent shockwaves through the tech world with news of a slimmer version of the Z Fold6. This “Slim” model, rumored for a release in early 2025 alongside the Galaxy S25 series, boasts a larger display compared to the standard Z Fold6. This presents a unique proposition – a phone that’s both thinner and offers more screen real estate when unfolded.
S Pen Support Takes a Backseat
There’s a trade-off, however. To achieve the slimmer profile, Samsung reportedly sacrificed S Pen support in the Z Fold6 Slim. This means the digitizer layer needed for pen input won’t be present, making it incompatible with the S Pen. This might be a dealbreaker for users who value the productivity and note-taking capabilities offered by the S Pen on the existing Fold models.
Production and Price Point: A Glimpse into the Future
Foldable display panels for the Z Fold6 Slim are expected to reach Samsung’s factories by the end of 2 (Q4 2024). Assuming production runs smoothly, the phone itself could be available in stores by early 2025 (Q1) with a price tag likely similar to the regular Z Fold6. This rumored Z Fold6 Slim seems to be part of Samsung’s grand strategy to diversify its foldable offerings. By providing a wider range of devices with different features and price points, Samsung aims to solidify its dominance in the foldable phone market.
Foldable for All? The Disappearing Z Fold6 FE
With the Z Fold6 Slim catering to users who prioritize a slimmer form factor and a larger display, whispers of a more budget-friendly Galaxy Z Fold6 FE seem to have vanished. This could be a strategic move by Samsung to avoid cannibalizing sales of the standard Z Fold6.
Ultra or Not Ultra? The Name Game
The “Ultra” moniker for the Z Fold6 Slim raises eyebrows. Typically, the “Ultra” branding signifies more features and a higher price point. The missing S Pen support in the Z Fold6 Slim contradicts this usual association. This has some analysts skeptical about the final name for this device.
Design Tweaks for the Z Fold6 Series: A Glimpse from Ice Universe
In more Z Fold6 news, leaks from renowned tipster Ice Universe suggest several design changes compared to its predecessor, the Z Fold 5.
Less Visible Crease on Main Display
One of the most anticipated improvements is a less visible crease on the main foldable display. While Ice Universe notes that the crease won’t be eliminated, it should be significantly less noticeable during everyday use. This enhancement might be achieved through a thicker form of ultra-thin glass (UTG), potentially making the display smoother and more visually appealing.
Redesigned Rear Camera Module
Leaked images hint at a new design for the rear camera module. Departing from the circular glass covering seen on the Z Fold 5, the Z Fold 6 might feature a redesigned circular casing with a textured ring around the camera sensor. This change could not only improve the device’s aesthetics but also enhance its durability and scratch resistance.
More Details to Unfold Soon
Expect more details about the Z Fold6 Slim, including the exact screen size and confirmed features, to emerge closer to its potential launch alongside the S25 series. However, the next wave of Samsung foldables, including the standard Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, are still on schedule for a July 10 announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim?
A1: The Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim is a rumored slimmer version of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, potentially featuring a larger display but lacking S Pen support.
Q2: When will the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim be released?
A2: The Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim is expected to be released in early 2025, alongside the Galaxy S25 series.
Q3: Why does the Z Fold6 Slim not support the S Pen?
A3: To achieve a thinner profile, Samsung reportedly excluded the digitizer required for S Pen functionality in the Z Fold6 Slim.
Q4: What are the anticipated improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold6 series?
A4: Improvements include a less visible crease on the main display and a redesigned rear camera module for better aesthetics and functionality.
Q5: What is the expected price of the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim?
A5: The Z Fold6 Slim is expected to have a price point similar to the standard Galaxy Z Fold6.
