the Galaxy Z Fold 5 One of its biggest differences from the hinge was the new hinge Galaxy Z Fold 4. With the Z Fold 6, design may once again be a big area of focus.
If the rumors turn out to be true, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 could have an updated look that more closely matches the look Galaxy S24 UltraIn addition to a larger cover screen among other changes.
But other than that, the Z Fold 6 is expected to get the same upgrades we usually see in a new device, such as a new processor. Samsung’s Galaxy AI features will also likely be available in its upcoming foldable devices, though it’s unclear if the company will launch new AI-based software tricks designed specifically for its bendable phones. (However, a Samsung executive hinted that this may actually be the case.) Like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will also likely support S Pen input.
However, the wild card is the idea that Samsung may offer an additional variant: either a more expensive Ultra version, or a cheaper entry-level Z Fold, according to reports from Galaxy Club And electrical.
As one of the first companies to enter the foldable phone market, Samsung is largely considered the leader in this field. But it was recently dethroned by rival Huawei in terms of year-on-year shipment growth for the first three months of 2024, according to the market research firm. Counterpoint Research. Samsung also has more competition than ever after Google and OnePlus joined the foldable phone race.
Here’s a closer look at what we can expect from the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
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Galaxy Z Fold 6 release date and price
Samsung doesn’t usually discuss new products before it’s ready to announce them. But the company usually holds an Unpacked event every summer to introduce new foldable phones and smartwatches, usually in the July or August timeframe.
Reports indicate that Samsung will follow the same approach this year. Stories from Korean media ET News And the blog SamMobile It suggests that Samsung is planning to hold an Unpacked event in July, in line with last year’s timing. In addition to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung is also expected to announce the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Watch 7 series, and Galaxy Ring at the event.
But people who were hoping Samsung would lower the price of its book-shaped foldable phone may be out of luck. according to On the Smartprix blog, Samsung could increase the price of the Z Fold 6 by $100, bringing the base configuration to $1,899.99 compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s entry price of $1,799.99.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 design may get some upgrades
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to get a new look. What is said to be a leaked announcement for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 phones recently Featured on Redditlike SamMobile It has been reported, suggesting that the larger foldable will have flatter and more angular edges like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. If true, a design change could create more consistency among Samsung’s best phones. It would also make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 physically look like a notebook, which would be appropriate, given the Z Fold’s S Pen support.
But what might be more useful is the wider cover display the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to get. A prolific leaker goes by the pseudonym Ice universe Twitter says the Z Fold 6 will have a slightly larger external display at 60.2mm compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s 57.4mm. Giving the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a wider cover display could make it look like a regular phone when closed, which would address one of my biggest criticisms about the current model.
However, don’t count on saying goodbye to wrinkles just yet. According to the testers, Ice universe It says the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will still have a visible crease, though it will be reduced.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6’s cameras may be the same
The Galaxy Z Fold 6’s camera (not pictured) is rumored to be similar to the Z Fold 5’s.
If the rumors are true, Samsung doesn’t have any major camera upgrades planned for this year’s Z Fold. both of them Ice universe And the blog Galaxy Club It is reported that the camera specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be identical to those of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This means that it is expected to have a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 10-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 10-megapixel selfie camera. . Camera and 4-megapixel under-display camera for use when the device is unfolded.
However, megapixels are not everything. Pixel size is also important, because it determines how much light the sensor can absorb. Samsung increased the pixel size of the Galaxy S24 Ultra compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example, enabling it to take better photos in mixed and dim light compared to last year’s phone. In my test. Upgrades under the hood, such as improved algorithms and new processors, can also improve photography. when Galaxy S23 Ultra phone review In 2023, for example, I noticed that Samsung improved the way its algorithms optimize color tones and details.
In other words, even if the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s camera is the same as the Z Fold 5 on paper, there are other ways Samsung can improve camera performance.
A Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra or low-end model is likely planned
There is a possibility that Samsung is working on more than one version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The company is reportedly developing a cheaper version of its larger foldable phone to attract more consumers, according to the new Korean outlet. electrical. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 currently starts at $1,800, making it one of the most expensive phones you can buy. Bringing the cost down to a more palatable price could make Samsung’s hybrid phone and tablet more compelling.
Meanwhile, Samsung is rumored to be considering the opposite approach as well. Galaxy Club Reports also suggest that a more expensive model called the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra could be in the works, though the report suggests it may only be available in South Korea.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 software
The Galaxy S24 Ultra was among the first phones to get on the hunt.
Samsung’s upcoming foldable phone is likely to run on the latest version of the company’s software, known as One user interface 6. It will also likely come with Galaxy AI, a set of new AI-powered software features that Samsung introduced earlier this year. These features include the ability to translate phone calls in real time, scan or manipulate objects in photos, as well as support for Google’s Circle to Search tool.
Samsung could expand Galaxy AI by Introducing new features With its upcoming foldable devices, Samsung CEO Won Joon Choi teased it in a video Blog post.
“Introducing Galaxy AI in the Galaxy S24 series was just the beginning,” wrote Choi, head of the mobile R&D office for the company’s mobile experience business. “To deliver a completely new and unique AI experience, we will improve the Galaxy AI experience for upcoming foldable devices.”
Another key question is whether Samsung will commit to providing seven generations of operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates for the Z Fold 6, just as it does with the Galaxy S24. Given the Galaxy Z Fold’s high price, I hope the answer is yes.
We won’t know what Samsung has in store for its next foldable device until we hear from the company. But if the rumors are true, it looks like the Z Fold could see a more dramatic upgrade this year, compared to last year when the Z Flip 5 took the spotlight.