Everything we know and what we want to see

Replace: February 23, 2024 (5:00 AM ET): We’ve up to date our Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumor hub with new claims concerning the system’s design, storage, RAM, and extra.

Unique article: February 22, 2024: We’re deep into 2024, and it’s about time we be taught extra about Samsung’s subsequent wave of foldables. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 are anticipated to be the highlights of Samsung’s foldable ambitions, refreshing its lineup a bit previous the center of the yr. Leaks and rumors have begun flowing in, and we now have a good concept of how the book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, will form up. Learn on to be taught extra about this upcoming system!

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold continues to be one of the profitable foldable telephones on this planet, so it’s just about sure {that a} Galaxy Z Fold 6 is within the works. There are already preliminary rumors indicating that Samsung is busy planning its subsequent foldable units and is aiming for a wider show and a slimmer design within the upcoming Fold. So we could be very optimistic that we’ll get to see a Fold 6 launch in 2024.

Will there be a less expensive Galaxy Z Fold 6?

Surprisingly, there may very well be a shock newcomer to the lineup too. A report from The Elec suggests Samsung is exploring an entry-level Galaxy Z Fold 6, and ET Information additionally corroborates alongside the identical traces.

WinFuture says the cheaper mannequin is internally codenamed Q6A. For reference, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is codenamed Q5, so Q6 may very well be the Galaxy Z Fold 6, whereas the Q6A may very well be the cheaper model.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 — Aug 11, 2023
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 — Aug 25, 2022
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 — Aug 27, 2021

Samsung has a reasonably predictable launch cycle for its foldables to date, so we are able to make an inexpensive estimate on when the Galaxy Z Fold 6 may launch.

Samsung constantly unveils its subsequent technology of foldables yearly in early August, with the brand new telephones sometimes turning into accessible for delivery in mid-to-late August.

Extending this, we anticipate the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to launch in August 2024, until Samsung has a change in plans.

In saying so, we lately noticed a report out of Korea that the Samsung Galaxy Ring will launch at an Unpacked occasion within the second half of July. This implies an earlier launch for the Fold 6 too.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 may very well be a departure from the traditional look of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Fold 4, and Fold 3 earlier than. That’s as a result of Samsung may very well be experimenting with a distinct facet ratio for the system, in accordance with a number of leaks to date.

Twitter leaker Revegnus claimed that Samsung will change the facet ratio of the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s exterior show. Analyst Ross Young additionally claimed that the foldable and canopy show on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will likely be bigger than that on the Galaxy Z Fold 5, although no dimensions or different particulars had been offered on a public platform.

Leaker Yogesh Brar mentions that the duvet show on the Fold 6 may very well be 6.4-inches diagonally, up from the 6.2-inch cowl show on the Fold 5. The Fold 6 may very well be wider, with a 20:9 facet ratio for the duvet display screen, in comparison with the 23.1:9 cowl display screen facet ratio on the Fold 5. Consequently, the change in form can even change the interior display screen’s facet ratio, marking it as much as be a bit extra squarish at 1.08:1, in comparison with the earlier 5:6 facet ratio.

A few of these claims had been additionally echoed by Korean blogger yeux1122 on Naver. The blogger certainly talked about a thinner and lighter design, a thinner and extra sturdy hinge, a titanium design, and a few S24 sequence stylings. Nonetheless, the supply additionally claimed that the foldable will supply extra sturdy ultra-thin glass (UTG) with an improved really feel.

Moreover, the leaker talked about a couple of different obvious tidbits that also must be confirmed, resembling the shortage of an S Pen slot.

Twitter leaker Revegnus claimed that Samsung will proceed to make use of the identical picture sensor because the Galaxy Z Fold 5, however the leaker additionally mentioned that “there’s speak of equipping the Fold 6 with the identical digital camera sensor because the S24 Extremely,” which means it may see a bump as much as a 200MP major digital camera.

A report from GalaxyClub stated Samsung was planning to make use of a 50MP major digital camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, including that it’s the identical digital camera because the Galaxy S24. The outlet couldn’t touch upon the 200MP major digital camera claims. Leaker Yogesh Brar mentions that the digital camera setup may very well be the identical 50MP major rear digital camera, 10MP telephoto for 3x optical zoom, and 12MP ultrawide digital camera, much like the Fold 5.

Leaker Chun VN says that the Galaxy Z may use a more recent SoC, specifically the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This isn’t very shocking as Samsung virtually all the time does an annual SoC refresh. For different specs, it’s talked about that the cellphone may include a barely bigger 4,600mAh battery in comparison with the 4,400mAh battery on the Fold 5. It’s under-display digital camera on the internal show is also improved.

yeux1122 on Naver additionally asserted that the Fold 6’s battery will likely be 5% greater and that the under-display selfie digital camera will supply an “improved aperture” and higher look. The supply added that the system may supply as much as 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of storage, however cautioned that these claims must be checked.

A report from ET Information means that Samsung may make a bunch of adjustments to the Galaxy Z Fold philosophy to launch a less expensive model of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 alongside the common (premium) model of the Fold 6. For example, Samsung is claimed to have skipped out on S Pen-related performance. Which means that the cheaper Fold 6 may skip out on the digitizer wanted for stylus enter, so that you wouldn’t be capable of use an S Pen on the cellphone in any respect. The report mentions that different components may additionally see adjustments to convey the value down.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 12GB/256GB: $1,799.99
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 12GB/512GB: $1,919.99
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 12GB/1TB: $2,159.99

We don’t have any worth leaks for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and even its cheaper variant but. Nonetheless, we are able to draw affordable conclusions primarily based on the predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s worth.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 began at $1,800 within the US, however Samsung continues to supply a $200 low cost on the listed worth, so you could possibly get the system for $1,600. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is also in an identical ballpark, although it stays to be seen how the pricing is affected by the adjustments within the show panels, the Titanium construct, and different upgrades.

Samsung fanatics looking for a foldable cellphone ought to decide up the Galaxy Z Fold 5, as it’ll stay Samsung’s flagship foldable till late 2024. There’s little incentive to attend until you’re undecided about whether or not foldables are best for you within the first place. If that’s the case, ready for 2024 foldables is likely to be a clever alternative, because it will provide you with time to determine if you wish to soar onto the foldable bandwagon or not.

$1799.99 at Samsung

For individuals who are sure about wanting a foldable however discover the Galaxy Z Fold 5 much less spectacular, another may very well be the Galaxy Z Flip 5 ($999.99 at Samsung). Simply remember the shape components are very totally different, because the Flip can’t flip right into a pill.

If a tool akin to the Fold 5 is most well-liked and model loyalty isn’t a strict requirement, the Google Pixel Fold ($1799 at Amazon) is probably going the obvious alternative for these within the States. Worldwide consumers can discover further choices by referring to our information on the most effective foldable telephones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 wishlist

Proper when the Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched, we had a good concept of what we’d need from a successor. For the Galaxy Z Fold 6, we wish Samsung to repair all shortcomings after which some. Right here is our wishlist for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Whereas we usually just like the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, it isn’t with out its flaws. There are a couple of design components that we’d wish to see modified for the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

First up, we’d wish to see a thinner and lighter Galaxy Z Fold 6. The Fold 5 is thick and heavy, making it a problem to suit it comfortably right into a pocket or a smaller purse. Whereas it is likely to be potential, it’ll be comfortable. It’s time for Samsung to embrace a change right here.

Subsequent, let’s speak in regards to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 cowl display screen. Whereas the present show is comparatively large at 6.2 inches, some apps have bother with its awkward facet ratio and can render incorrectly. Samsung must undertake a wider cowl show with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 so the entrance display screen expertise feels extra like a typical smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the most costly cellphone produced by Samsung, but it lacks the corporate’s finest cell digital camera expertise onboard. Samsung sometimes reserves its top-tier digital camera options for the Galaxy S Extremely, and we imagine it’s time for Samsung to degree the enjoying area.

The Samsung Z Fold 5 makes use of the identical digital camera bundle as its predecessor: a 50MP major digital camera, a 12MP ultrawide digital camera, and a 10MP telephoto digital camera with as much as 3x zoom. In distinction, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely boasts a 200MP major digital camera, accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide digital camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope digital camera with as much as 10x optical zoom.

Whereas the Z Fold 5 captures fairly respectable photos, they don’t evaluate to among the finest Android digital camera telephones accessible. We hope to see the Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24 Extremely share the identical digital camera configuration subsequent yr. Maybe Samsung may even introduce an Extremely mannequin that shares the identical digital camera whereas using a lesser configuration for the bottom mannequin.

Samsung has saved the identical 4,400mAh battery for the reason that Z Fold 4, and it’s simply not sufficient. As we famous in our Z Fold 5 overview, it will possibly get you thru a day however not way more than that. For energy customers, you’ll battle even more durable. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 must push nearer to the 5,000mAh mark. How probably is that this? It’s exhausting to say, however we’d think about a small increase of some hundred mAh is extra probably than an enormous soar.

As we talked about earlier, there’s already a rumor claiming Samsung has reverse-engineered HUAWEI’s foldable searching for inspiration to make thinner designs whereas sustaining nice battery life. If Samsung desires to make its units thinner, it’s extra more likely to come on the detriment of battery life, not the opposite method round. Nonetheless, we are able to hope, proper?

The battery measurement wouldn’t be so unhealthy if Samsung may embody quicker charging. In 2023, an costly system just like the Fold 5 shouldn’t be caught with 25W charging, particularly when the Galaxy S23 Extremely already presents 45W charging. Similar to with the digital camera, we actually need higher characteristic parity between the S Extremely and Fold.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 can now fold utterly flat, which is superior. What’s much less superior is the crease. Whereas this ingredient has improved over the previous couple of generations, it’s nonetheless method too distracting. It will be one factor if all foldable telephones had the identical crease concern, however we’ve seen smaller creases on units just like the Xiaomi Mi Combine Fold 3 and OnePlus Open.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 ought to supply an almost creaseless show, in any other case, it dangers falling behind different newer foldable telephones in 2024 and past.

One of many standout options of the Fold is its compatibility with the S Pen, providing customers the flexibility for note-taking, drawing, and numerous different duties. Nonetheless, it’s price noting that the S Pen doesn’t come bundled with the system, requiring customers to buy the official accent individually, sometimes priced at round $50. Whereas cheaper alternate options can be found, this extra price might deter some customers. It’s a disgrace as a result of there are a lot of cool S Pen options that some customers might not even concentrate on, and so they is likely to be extra keen to discover the S Pen’s capabilities if it had been offered without spending a dime.

It’s not sufficient simply to incorporate the stylus, although. If Samsung desires to face out farther from different foldables, it ought to embody an precise S Pen storage slot constructed into the system. How believable is that this? Given the rumors of a bigger show, it’s definitely potential there may very well be room to incorporate an S Pen slot. What’s unclear is that if Samsung cares sufficient about S Pen to spend the cash including what many contemplate a distinct segment characteristic. we definitely hope so, at the least.