Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Everything We Know

As we delve deeper into 2024, the anticipation builds for Samsung’s next-generation foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6, is poised to make waves in the tech world. Here’s a comprehensive look at all the information currently available about the Galaxy Z Fold 6, including its release date, price, design, specifications, cameras, battery life, software, and updates.

Release Date

Historically, Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold series in the late summer. For instance:

• Galaxy Z Fold 3: August 27, 2021
• Galaxy Z Fold 4: August 25, 2022
• Galaxy Z Fold 5: August 11, 2023

For 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to debut earlier. Reports from SamMobile suggest the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event will occur in early July 2024, likely on July 10. This earlier date could coincide with the marketing momentum of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which start on July 26. The event itself might also take place in Paris.

Price

Foldable phones have traditionally been expensive, with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 starting at $1,800. However, this year might see some price variations:

• Base Model: There are rumors of a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 model, although some reports suggest that a “Fold 6 FE” variant has been scrapped.
• Ultra Model: An Ultra variant could start at the usual $1,800 or higher, potentially positioning the base model at around $1,600.

Design

Leaks and rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 suggest several intriguing design changes aimed at enhancing user experience and aligning the device with contemporary smartphone aesthetics.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to draw design cues from Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra, indicating a shift towards a more angular and premium look. This includes sharper edges, a flatter frame, and an overall more sophisticated appearance.

Cover Display

One of the most notable design changes is the modification of the cover display:

• Aspect Ratio and Size: The cover display could see a change in aspect ratio, making it wider and more accessible. Earlier models had a narrow cover display, which some users found challenging for one-handed use. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is rumored to have a 6.4-inch cover display, up from the 6.2 inches of the Z Fold 5. This change would likely result in a more standard 20:9 aspect ratio, compared to the taller 23.1:9 ratio seen previously.
• Wider Display: According to leakers like IceUniverse and @Revegnus, the cover display might expand to 60.2mm in width from the current 57mm. This slight increase could significantly improve usability, making typing and interacting with the screen more comfortable.
• Screen Protector Leak: IceUniverse also shared an image of a screen protector for the Z Fold 6, showing a wider but not dramatically different cover display, suggesting incremental but meaningful improvements.

Inner Display

The inner display, or the main foldable screen, is also expected to see enhancements:

• Larger Size: While maintaining its signature foldable nature, the inner display might increase in size to around 7.6 inches. This could also include a shift towards a more square-like aspect ratio, potentially moving from the current 5:6 ratio to something closer to 1.08:1, making it more suited for multitasking and media consumption.
• Enhanced Durability: Samsung may implement improvements in the durability of the inner display, addressing common concerns about the longevity and robustness of foldable screens.

Frame and Build

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 might feature a redesigned frame:

• Flat Edges: The flat edges are expected to give the device a more modern and sleek look, similar to what has been seen in recent models of the Galaxy S and Note series.
• Sharper Corners: Alongside the flat edges, sharper corners could give the phone a more angular and sophisticated aesthetic, aligning with the design language of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
• Thinner and Lighter: Reports suggest the device could be thinner and lighter than its predecessor. For instance, when folded, the Z Fold 6 might measure just 12.1mm in thickness and weigh approximately 239 grams, making it more pocket-friendly and easier to handle.

Camera Module

The rear camera module is likely to undergo a design refresh:

• Triple Camera Setup: Leaks indicate that the Z Fold 6 will continue to sport a triple-camera setup. However, the camera arrangement might be more streamlined and integrated seamlessly into the phone’s back panel, enhancing the overall aesthetics.
• Design Consistency: The camera module might reflect the design elements of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, contributing to a cohesive look across Samsung’s premium devices.

Color Options

Samsung is expected to offer a range of new color options for the Galaxy Z Fold 6:

• Standard Colors: Initial rumors pointed to Dark Blue, Light Pink, and Silver. However, updated leaks suggest names like Navy, Silver Shadow, Crafted Black, and White, providing users with more sophisticated and varied choices.

Ultra Variant

For the first time, Samsung might introduce an Ultra variant of the Galaxy Z Fold series:

• Enhanced Features: The Ultra model could feature a larger external display, potentially better camera specifications, and possibly an integrated S Pen slot, distinguishing it from the base model.
• Design Distinction: The Ultra variant is expected to embody even more premium design elements, aligning with the “Ultra” branding that signifies the highest-end offerings in Samsung’s lineup.

Specifications

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, following the trend set by the S24 series. Storage options are likely to remain the same as the Fold 5 (256GB, 512GB, and 1TB), and rumors suggest similar RAM configurations.

A surprising omission could be the absence of Wi-Fi 7 certification, although this might not be a significant drawback due to the current limited availability of Wi-Fi 7 routers.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is rumored to have a slightly larger battery at 4,600mAh, compared to the 4,400mAh battery in the Z Fold 5. Charging speeds are expected to remain similar, with 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Software and Updates

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will likely launch with Android 14 and One UI 6.1. Samsung has committed to seven years of Android updates, potentially allowing the Fold 6 to upgrade to Android 21, ensuring long-term software support despite the foldable’s unique durability challenges.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 promises to bring several enhancements and refinements over its predecessors, from potential design changes and improved specifications to possibly more affordable pricing structures. As we approach the expected launch date in July 2024, more details will likely emerge, painting a clearer picture of what to expect from Samsung’s latest foldable flagship.