Samsung played a key role in making foldable smartphones go mainstream. Since the original Samsung Galaxy Fold's debut, the company has been making some of the best foldables around. However, the company's pace of innovation has slowed down in recent years, allowing Chinese smartphone manufacturers to catch up and surpass its offering. With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung needs to make big changes to ensure its foldables continue to dominate the sales chart. Otherwise, it risks falling behind the competition.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is set for an official unveiling on July 10th, and we've seen plenty of rumors that have us sold on some pretty substantial upgrades over its predecessor. Here is everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked
Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event won't just bring us the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 — it'll bring a new wave of wearables, including the first ever Galaxy Ring. If you're all in on the company's next set of hardware, you can take $50 off when you make an eligible reservation right now. That's no commitment, no money down— just register with a working email address before July 10.So even if you're not sold on one quite yet, sign up today.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design and specs
Is Samsung prepping an Ultra-sized upgrade?
Samsung hasn't radically changed the design of its flagship foldable since its inception. There have been improvements and tweaks, but the device's look has remained unchanged over the last few years. Largely speaking, this isn't changing in 2024, although as we've moved closer to this summer's Unpacked, a picture has started to form on what the Galaxy Z Fold 6 looks like. And if you're a fan of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's look and feel, you're in for a good time.
Early on in the rumor cycle for Samsung's next foldable, we heard the company planned to tweak the outer display's aspect ratio. Although the ultra-tall design has its share of fans, the external display on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is too narrow to type for long periods of time or to run every Android app comfortably.
Source: SmartPrix
With OnLeaks' first round of device renders, we finally gotten a glimpse of what that aspect ratio change might look like. Largely speaking, it doesn't seem like Samsung has changed all too much — this front panel is still narrower than what you'll find on the OnePlus Open and, at least in leaked images, the Pixel Fold 2. Likewise, rumored specs indicate Samsung's foldable will remain one of the thickest on the market, despite the competition packing bigger batteries in a tighter space.
We've seen leaked glass samples that suggest a relatively unmodified aspect ratio, just as previously seen in those early OnLeaks renders. That said, it doesn't mean this is a change for the worse. The squared-off corners and slim bezel give off a Galaxy S24 Ultra appearance, simply stretched to the max to help cover that internal display. Even if Samsung isn't matching design trends from Google and OnePlus, we're still likely to see a new look and feel for this year's foldable.
It's not the only display change we've heard about for 2024. Rumors suggest Samsung is working to reduce the crease in its display. Competitors like OnePlus have leaped ahead of Samsung on this front, so it makes sense for the brand to try to catch up to its rivals in the space it initially created. Likewise, expect Samsung to use brighter and more efficient display panels on its next foldables. With the OnePlus Open's display featuring a peak brightness of 2,800 nits, Samsung will try to reach or surpass that number with the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Source: 9to5Google
A leaked dummy unit for the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
While there haven't been any specific leaks, Samsung should use the same improved hinge that debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The three-part hinge allowed the Korean giant to eliminate the gap between the foldable display on the Z Fold 5 and made the phone slimmer than its predecessor.
Source: SmartPrix
The back of the phone should receive a matching redesign to match its S24 Ultra-esque front. We've seen a couple of leaks that point to a new look for the outer lens rings and those same squared-off edges from the front of the phone. All told, it looks far more professional that previous models, and considering Samsung sells both the Z Fold series and the Ultra series as two takes on a portable powerhouse, it makes a lot of sense.
Samsung has always equipped the Fold lineup with the best hardware. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 should be no different and share most of the same internals as the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung's next flagship foldable should use a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy SoC, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, super-fast UFS 4.0 storage, and a big battery. Despite pivoting back to Exynos for some of its Galaxy S24 models internationally this year, the Z Fold 6 is likely to rock Qualcomm's latest chip everywhere it's sold. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like faster charging speeds are on deck this year, as the Fold 6 series is rumored to support just 25W for another generation.
As for colors, dark blue, light pink, and silver seems to be the three shades rumored for this year, with more potentially to arrive as Samsung.com exclusives. We've also, unsurprisingly, heard of a black model alongside those other hues.
Will we see two Galaxy Z Fold 6 models in 2024?
We've heard word about two Galaxy Z Fold units this year, with the additional model either leaning towards a budget option or towards a higher-end, more premium market. In addition to a Q6 unit being spotted in testing — likely what we've seen in leaked images — a phone codenamed Q6A has also appeared online.
This is where that confusion comes in: while initial rumors had that pegged as an entry-level foldable, other reports have suggested it's actually an Ultra variant, likely sporting a more premium build. This could include a titanium chassis — something previously seen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra — further setting it apart from the growing foldable competition.
We saw more proof of an Ultra-branded Galaxy Z Fold 6 in April, complete with a leaked model number SM-F958N. That particular naming structure hints at a South Korean-exclusive launch, though it's possible similar devices arrive stateside.
A leaked marketing render for the Fold 6 and Flip 6.
However, whatever Samsung originally planned as a way to split up the Z Fold series, it seems like it's a concept that isn't coming alongside that July 10th event. The most recent rumors suggest Samsung is only launching two foldable models at Unpacked this year — the Z Fold 6 and the Z Flip 6 — with that mysterious Q6A device no longer prepped for a public launch.
That's backed up by Evan Blass, better known online as evleaks, who tweeted a lineup of everything expected at Unpacked this summer without the inclusion of the Q6A. It's worth noting, however, that this list includes three products announced early — the two Galaxy Book models and the Galaxy Watch FE — which could be clearing space for an unexpected surprise.
As we prepare for Unpacked, though, the most up-to-date rumor is that a cheaper, slimmer Fold 6 sans stylus support does exist, designed with China's market in mind, and potentially fully exclusive to Asia. If you're after a Samsung foldable this year, you'll probably be using the standard Z Fold 6 — not whatever this mystery model is.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Software
What will One UI bring this year?
Samsung's software played a key role in its foldable phones being ahead of the competition. The company added several innovative multitasking features to One UI, which boost your productivity by taking advantage of the bigger folding screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 should be no different. It will presumably launch with One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14 and pack several foldable-specific features and optimizations, right along side the company's Galaxy AI platform that first arrived on the S24 series in January. It's unclear if other optimizations will arrive, such as a rival to the OnePlus Open's mutlitasking menu.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will also, of course, receive an upgrade to Android 15 later in 2024, and if it follows the patterns of Samsung's Galaxy S24 series, receive seven years of OS upgrades and security patches.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Cameras
Practically unchanged
Source: SmartPrix
If the rumors are anything to go by, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 won't get a major camera upgrade. Instead, it may use the same 50MP GN3 sensor as the Z Fold 5. A 12MP ultrawide and a 3x telephoto shooter may accompany the primary camera. You'll have to look elsewhere if you want a phone with amazing zoom capabilities or the best primary camera.
We did hear rumors surrounding a move to a 200MP sensor, similar to what's found in the Galaxy S24 Ultra right now. It didn't take long for those suspicions to be walked back, though, and it's a little unsurprising. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will likely lack the space necessary to fit such a large lens, something not true on the larger non-foldable flagship. And as we expected, the latest word points to a nearly unchanged sensor over last year.
For now, there's no word on whether the front camera and the under-display camera will see any improvements. You should expect image quality improvements due to a faster ISP and processing improvements. And while the Z Fold 6's camera might not be the best, it should deliver impressive imaging performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Price and release date
When's it coming?
Samsung has been bringing forward its foldable lineup's launch by a few weeks every year. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, for example, launched in late July instead of August. This year, Galaxy Unpacked is being held on July 10th, where we expect to see the Fold 6 and Flip 6, alongside new smartwatches and the long-awaited Galaxy Ring. Right now, you can save $50 ahead of preorders just by handing your email address over to Samsung, no commitment required. If you're already sold on the company's next foldable, it's a no-brainer.
Although the Fold series is already Samsung's most expensive smartphone lineup, it sounds like we're due for a price increase this year. Much like the Galaxy S24 Ultra before it, expect this year's foldable to run you $100 more than previous models, with a starting price of $1,900. That's quite the pretty penny — all the more reason to score that $50 credit while it's available.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked
Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event won't just bring us the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 — it'll bring a new wave of wearables, including the first ever Galaxy Ring. If you're all in on the company's next set of hardware, you can take $50 off when you make an eligible reservation right now. That's no commitment, no money down— just register with a working email address before July 10.So even if you're not sold on one quite yet, sign up today.
Samsung's 2024 foldable could pack some big upgrades
But can it top the competition?
Source: SmartPrix
Samsung has faced stiff competition from Apple in the premium segment. While its foldable lineup allows it to attract a premium range of customers, other smartphone makers are giving Samsung tough competition in this area. You can find a lighter, longer-lasting, and better folding phone than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 from OnePlus, Honor, Oppo, and others.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be an important phone for Samsung. It could help the company solidify its lead from an innovation viewpoint in the foldable segment. But only if the company can bring enough to the table to convince holdouts to upgrade. One thing's for sure: it won't be long until we know all the details.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
$1500 $1800 Save $300
The Z Fold 5 is here, and it’s nothing short of splendid! While it doesn’t particularly blow us away with what it offers, we surely appreciate the subtle improvements it sports over its already-decent predecessor, the Z Fold 4. Even though we didn’t get to see some of the changes we'd hoped for — such as improved battery life — the disappointment was compensated by a powerful chipset, an aesthetically pleasing hinge, and an upgraded camera setup.
$1500 at Amazon$1500 at Best Buy$1800 at Samsung
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