Updated March 18: article originally posted March 16.
Samsung looks set to scrap its Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra plans and replace them with a more desirable smartphone.
This summer’s Galaxy Unpacked event is expected to introduce Samsung’s latest foldable devices, namely the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. It’s the former that is causing renewed interest, with two models being planned by the South Korean company.
Some have speculated that this would be an “Ultra” model with as high a specification and potential as possible. However, recently leaked details suggest that Samsung will move in a different direction and release the presumptively-named Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE.
The Fan Edition (FE) moniker has been used in several previous smartphone releases, with the Galaxy S23 FE the most recent. They bring over much of the form and function of the top-tier handsets but with decisions around specifications, potential, and materials, all contributing to a lower price while maintaining the original identity as much as possible.
The price of foldable phones in 2024 remains high, an issue the Fan Edition variants have been specifically designed to address. A Z Fold 6 FE would bring one of the most exciting technologies to a much wider audience and allow Samsung to capture more of the foldable market share… with Huawei threatening to become the world’s number one foldable manufacturer, Samsung needs to respond. The Fold FE will be that response.
As with any Galaxy Fan Edition, some compromises will be made to decrease the price. The biggest will likely be dropping support for the S-Pen. By putting aside Samsung’s stylus, not only is the S-Pen removed from the bill of materials, but the specialised digitizer layer on the screen can also be removed.
Other areas that Samsung has focused its axe on in previous Fan Editions include holding the camera back to the previous generation’s hardware, shrinking the memory and reducing storage. You also have options around protection; for example, the Z Fold 6 FE may not have as high an IP rating as the more expensive model. Don’t expect Samsung to use exotic materials such as titanium, which was introduced into the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Fan Edition
Samsung Newsroom
Update: Monday March 18: Given the focus on value for money, the most important detail around the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Fan Edition is a simple one. How much will the Z Fold 6 FE cost? Sisajournal (via noted tipster Tech_Reve), Samsung is targeting a price of $799.
To reach that price, some significant decisions will need to be made. The display technology is one area that will be addressed, and Sisajournal is now highlighting the processor and battery size as likely cost-cutting targets. That suggests Samsung will switch away from the Qualcomm Snapdragon and use its own Exynos chipset, possibly even skipping the current Exynos 2400 and using the Exynos 2200 seen in the Galaxy S23 FE launched in late 2023.
Given the engineering of the hinge and its relationship to the camera, the Z Fold 6 FE camera is likely to echo that of the regular Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Yet, these choices should not impact the core experience. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE would deliver a large screen that can be tucked away behind a regular phone for everyday use. And if Samsung can get close to the totemic $999 price point, it’s also going to be a popular choice for consumers.
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Alex Mitchell is your go-to expert for all things mobile. With a passion for the latest smartphones, apps, and mobile innovations, Alex provides in-depth reviews, insightful analyses, and breaking news about the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. Stay connected with Alex to navigate the fast-paced realm of mobile devices.
