Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable phones, the Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. However, these might not be the only foldable devices the company releases this year. For months, there have been speculations about a third, "slimmer" version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, named the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim.
This new model aims to close the gap between Samsung's foldable devices and the increasingly thin models from Chinese competitors. Nonetheless, a recent report raises doubts about the possibility of an ultra-thin Z Fold 6 Slim in 2024.
Thickness and Specifications
TheElec reports that the Z Fold 6 Slim might be about 11mm thick when folded. In comparison, the standard Fold 6 is 12.1mm thick, making the Slim version's reduction to 11mm a significant improvement.
However, this reduction may come at a cost: the absence of S-pen support. The stylus digitizer adds 0.6mm to the device (0.3mm on each half of the screen), and Samsung might exclude it to achieve a thickness of approximately 11.5mm for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim.
Durability and Market Concerns
Despite these efforts, the Z Fold 6 Slim is not as thin as Chinese foldables, which typically range between 9-10mm thick. Samsung is working diligently to make its slim foldable as thin as a regular phone, but this requires considerable effort.
Additionally, Samsung may be unwilling to compromise on durability. Unlike many Chinese foldables, Samsung’s devices have an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature valued by many users who would not want to trade it for a thinner device.
Display and Production Estimates
The Z Fold 6 Slim will reportedly feature larger screens than its standard version, with a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch main display. However, the company seems cautious about its success. Production estimates for the Z Fold 6 Slim range between 500,000 and 600,000 units, and it may only be available in South Korea and China.
