Samsung was the first to launch a mass-produced foldable smartphone globally. However, the Galaxy Z Fold models have not improved over the years in terms of their construction. But now, news suggests that there will be another surprise in this regard this year.
Most often, foldable devices were criticized mainly for being too thick. The first models were still like having two mobile phones in one's pocket. Today, many Chinese companies have managed to come up with a body that drops to about 10 mm or even less, and this can already be considered an acceptable compromise. On the other hand, despite the fact that Samsung has been working year after year on the “slimness” of the Galaxy Z Fold models, the new flagship is still far from 10 mm.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 is thinner than ever, but it still has a lot to lose. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has grown to 13.4mm when folded. The new generation device that was just presented was able to deliver 1.3mm, bringing its thickness to 12.1mm. And in the unfolded position, the novelty measures 5.6mm instead of the previous 6.1mm. That doesn't sound so bad anymore, but to put it in context, it's worth looking at its competitors.
Honor and Xiaomi are Samsung’s biggest competitors globally. Both companies have just announced new products, with the Magic V3 and Mix Fold 4 so new that the ink is barely dry on them. In terms of capabilities, these are probably better than the Galaxy Z Fold6, their battery capacity is definitely higher, and they still manage to be much thinner. The Huawei Mate X series can still be bought here, but it hasn’t been updated this year, but last year’s Mate X5 was actually thinner (11.1mm) than the new Galaxy Z Fold6.
The Magic V3 holds the record in this format, measuring just 9.3 mm, while also 4.4 mm when unfolded. As a result, it offers users a breathtaking sight and feel, according to the first reports. The Mix Fold 4 is not far behind these values, the Xiaomi competitor with a carbon fiber frame measures 4.6 mm thick when unfolded and 9.5 mm thick when folded. The devices also share the fact that they are already IPx8 certified, so it is possible to guarantee a “waterproof” design in addition to a slim body.
Samsung has a lot to offer, and the company is said to be coming with a foldable phone in the fall that will be able to compete with others in this aspect as well. Citing Chinese sources, the famous leaker Ice Universe reports that the device, which is much thinner than its predecessor, will take a slightly different shape. Its external display will have similar dimensions to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and will have dimensions of 19.5: 9, but with a diagonal of about 6.5 inches, and a panel of about 8 inches will appear inside.
This is allegedly the device that was previously rumored to be the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra. Its frame will be made of titanium, which gives it enough rigidity and also helps reduce weight.
However, it is not at all certain that this premium structure will be sold in all markets. It is likely to be mainly deployed in China and South Korea, where demand for foldable products is particularly high, and people also like to buy Samsung's particularly expensive models.
Sometime in the fourth quarter, the Galaxy Z Fold Slim is expected to arrive, which is slimmer and better than before.
