Samsung’s long-rumored slim foldable may not be called the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim. Not even Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra. A reliable tipster says the device will debut as the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. The release date is still unconfirmed, but the Korean media recently suggested a limited launch could happen in late September.
Say hello to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
In July, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to a massive global fanfare. The new foldable brings a host of upgrades over its predecessor. However, at 12.1mm and 239 grams, it is still substantially thicker and heavier than competing products from Chinese brands. Honor’s Magic V3 is 9.2mm thick while Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 is 9.47mm thick, with both weighing 226 grams.
Samsung’s answer to these companies is a new foldable with a thinner and lighter profile than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Initially referred to as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim (because it is slim) or the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra (because it packs beefier specs), the device looks set to arrive as the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. The information comes from prolific leaker Evan Blass, aka evleaks.
This name makes sense too. Since Chinese firms mostly sell their foldables domestically, Samsung plans to release its upcoming slim foldable only in China and South Korea. As such, it will be a special edition device with limited availability. The company likely doesn’t want to associate it with the Fold 6. If the plan works, we might see a successor next year with wider availability.
The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is expected to be around 10mm thick and weigh substantially less than the Fold 6. It lacks S Pen support, which means no digitizer in the display assembly, thus cutting its weight and thickness. Samsung is also using a titanium backplate instead of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to reduce the weight while maintaining strength and durability.
Rumors say the device will be wider than the Fold 6, allowing for a 6.5-inch cover display instead of 6.3 inches and an 8-inch folding display instead of 7.6 inches. It may also get an upgraded 5MP under-display selfie camera. Samsung allegedly plans to launch it on September 25. Korean buyers may have to shell out KRW 2.8 million (approx. $2,100) for the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. The Fold 6 costs KRW 2.23 million (approx. $1,670).
