Tag Archives: Galaxy Z Fold

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition You Desire is Here — But You Can’t Buy It!

Posted on by

Samsung has finally made the right changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition (SE), refining their approach to foldable smartphone innovation. Building on the Z Fold 6, this new edition introduces practical upgrades that raise the bar for foldable technology. While South Korean tech enthusiasts are celebrating, the rest of the world can only wait, wondering when or if they’ll get access to this exclusive release. Let’s take a closer look at why the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is such a pivotal step for Samsung and why it’s leaving global consumers wanting more.

Designer: Samsung

Advancements in Design

Samsung continues to lead in foldable technology, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE redefines design expectations. It’s thinner and lighter than its predecessor, measuring just 10.6mm when folded and 4.9mm when unfolded, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to refining foldable devices. This sleek profile enhances usability and addresses long-standing demands for a more elegant foldable design.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE features larger displays, with an 8-inch foldable screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen, offering a larger canvas for productivity and entertainment. The internal screen’s 20:18 aspect ratio and the external screen’s 21:9 ratio provide a traditional smartphone experience when closed, addressing complaints about cramped outer screens on previous models.

Camera Enhancements

The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE has been upgraded with a 200MP primary camera, aligning it with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra and closing the gap with competitors like Google and Apple. This high-resolution sensor promises superior detail and dynamic range, appealing to photography enthusiasts. While other cameras remain unchanged from the Fold 6, the main sensor’s improvement is significant.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

However, these advancements come with a high price. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE starts at around $2,000, a substantial increase from the Fold 6’s price. This reflects the high-end materials and engineering required for its slim profile and large screens, raising questions about its value compared to the more affordable Fold 6.

Market Availability Challenges

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE is initially exclusive to the South Korean market. This strategy may be a nod to Samsung’s home market, where foldables are popular, but it leaves potential buyers in other regions, such as North America and Europe, feeling excluded.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

Limiting the launch to South Korea could be a strategic test of market response before a wider rollout or a move to cater to domestic preferences. This approach is not unprecedented; Apple has also introduced products exclusively in certain markets before global availability.

Comparing the Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 6 Special Edition

Several key differences emerge between the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the SE:

  • Design: The SE is thinner and features a unique striped design and rectangular camera bump, appealing to those seeking a distinctive look. The Fold 6 maintains a more conservative design.
  • Display: The SE’s larger screens provide an immersive experience. However, it lacks S Pen functionality due to the absence of a digitizer layer for a slimmer profile, a feature retained by the Fold 6 that may appeal to productivity-focused users.
  • Camera: The SE’s 200MP main sensor enhances imaging capabilities. While the Fold 6’s camera is commendable, the SE’s upgrade could attract photography enthusiasts despite the price difference.
  • Performance: Both models use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, ensuring top performance. The SE’s 16GB of RAM is an improvement over the Fold 6’s 12GB, offering smoother multitasking.
  • Pricing and Availability: The Fold 6 is more accessible globally at a lower price, making it a more viable choice for many consumers.

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is a significant step for Samsung, showcasing foldable design and technology advancements. It responds to critics and competitors with a thinner, lighter design and superior camera. Yet, its limited availability means this technological leap remains out of reach for many consumers. While it’s an exciting upgrade for South Korea, it’s a missed opportunity for the rest of the world.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

This situation reflects a broader trend in tech, where exclusivity can create desire and alienate many consumers. As Samsung continues to innovate, there is hope that future foldables will be more accessible worldwide, bridging the gap between innovation and availability. Until then, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition symbolizes Samsung’s capabilities, but not necessarily what consumers can experience.

The post The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition You Desire is Here — But You Can’t Buy It! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra: Thinner Design vs. S Pen Support—What Matters Most Ahead of the Rumored September 25 Launch?

Posted on by

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6 “Slim” raises a new question about foldable smartphone design: What’s more important to you—a slimmer, more portable device or the continued support of the S Pen, a tool that has become synonymous with Samsung’s productivity-focused devices?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 with case and stylus

Designer: Samsung

The rumored launch of the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim in South Korea on September 25 suggests that Samsung is moving towards an ultra-thin design. At just over 10mm thick, this foldable could be the thinnest in Samsung’s lineup, prioritizing portability and ease of use. This shift, however, comes at the cost of a beloved feature: S Pen support. By opting for a slimmer profile, Samsung has reportedly removed the necessary film that allows the S Pen to function, leading to a significant trade-off between form and function.

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

The decision to slim down the Galaxy Z Fold6, potentially at the expense of the S Pen, raises a key question for users. The S Pen has been a defining feature for many Galaxy Fold users, offering precision and enhancing productivity, particularly for tasks like note-taking, sketching, and navigation. For professionals and creative users, the S Pen is an essential tool that significantly enhances the capabilities of their devices. Losing this feature could be a dealbreaker for those relying on the stylus for daily tasks.

On the other hand, a slimmer, more elegant device could appeal to users who prioritize portability and design. The rumored titanium frame, which could replace the aluminum used in previous models, contributes to a thinner profile while elevating the device’s durability and premium feel. The thinner form factor and lightweight design make it easier to carry and handle, addressing one of the main criticisms of foldable phones: their bulkiness.

But does the sleekness of a thinner device justify the loss of the S Pen? For some, the answer may be yes. A thinner device fits better into pockets and hands, making it more convenient for everyday use. Unlike the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has an integrated slot for the S Pen, the Galaxy Fold series requires users to manage the S Pen separately, which can be cumbersome. Perhaps this is Samsung’s plan to gradually “weed” owners off the S Pen by not including it in their newer, slimmer foldable models. Personally, I feel that the stylus on a foldable phone feels as outdated as the physical keyboards on early smartphones. I rarely use the stylus anymore, and I’d much rather have a thinner, more lightweight device. The larger screens—6.5 inches externally and 8 inches internally—ensure that users still get an expansive display experience, even with the reduced thickness. This could appeal to a broader audience, especially those who might have hesitated to adopt a foldable phone due to concerns about size and weight.

Galaxy S24 Ultra with integrated stylus holder

However, the trade-off might not be worth it for users who have come to depend on the S Pen. The stylus adds a layer of functionality that a thinner device can’t replace. One particular feature I love about the S Pen on the S24 Ultra is the ability to take pictures—a convenient tool for solo content creators. I also track the stock market, and using the S Pen with Trading View for charting is amazing, so I would definitely miss the pen for that use case. Without the S Pen, tasks that require precision or creativity might become more cumbersome, detracting from the overall user experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

What do you think, Yanko Design readers? Does the decision boil down to personal preference and priorities? If you value a sleek, portable device that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim might be the perfect evolution of Samsung’s foldable lineup. However, if the S Pen is an indispensable tool in your arsenal, the standard Galaxy Z Fold6 or previous models might still hold more appeal. I find the “Slim” addition to the name rather silly, and I would bet money on Samsung going with “Galaxy Fold6 Ultra” over “Slim.” We’re still finalizing our review of the new Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our thoughts.

The post Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra: Thinner Design vs. S Pen Support—What Matters Most Ahead of the Rumored September 25 Launch? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Leak: Complete Specs and Features

Posted on by

Samsung is gearing up to reveal its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. With the Samsung Unpacked event just around the corner, detailed specs for both devices have already leaked, giving us a sneak peek at what’s coming.

Designer: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with some exciting upgrades. The 7.6-inch inner screen now boasts a max brightness of 2,600 nits, up from 1,750 nits, making it much easier to see in bright daylight. The outer screen remains a useful 6.3 inches, with slight improvements in size and resolution for a better overall viewing experience.

Image via Evan Blass

Under the hood, the Z Fold 6 is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which promises faster and more efficient performance. You’ll also get an extra hour of LTE internet use and two more hours of video playback, perfect for those long days out. Design-wise, the Fold 6 is 14 grams lighter and a bit more compact, making it easier to carry around. It’s 1.4mm shorter, 1mm wider, and 1.3mm thinner when folded, and 1.4mm shorter, 2.7mm wider, and 0.5mm thinner when unfolded. The improved Armor Aluminum frame ensures better durability without adding extra weight. A minor yet noteworthy change is the secondary screen being 0.1 inches larger. The main display resolution has slightly changed to 2160×1856 from 2176×1812. However, the cameras, battery capacity (4400mAh), and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass remain the same.

Image via Evan Blass

The design of the Z Fold 6 also focuses on functionality and portability. Despite its large display, the device is slim and lightweight, making it pocket-friendly. Samsung has improved the hinge mechanism, offering a smoother folding experience. The Z Fold 6 also supports the S Pen, making it a versatile tool for note-taking and productivity on the go.

Image via Evan Blass

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is also getting some cool updates. The main camera is now a powerful 50MP, up from 12MP, while retaining the same f/1.8 aperture for stunning photos. Another significant change is the switch to an IPS display from OLED, which might affect color quality slightly but could improve durability.

Image via Evan Blass

Equipped with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and upgraded to 12GB of RAM from 8GB, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 ensures smooth multitasking and performance. The higher capacity 4,000mAh battery (up from 3,700mAh) extends internet usage by two hours and video playback by three hours, making it a reliable companion for prolonged use. When folded, the device is 0.2mm thinner, with other dimensions and weight remaining unchanged. A notable aesthetic update is that the entire phone reflects your chosen color, not just one panel on the back, for a more unified and stylish look. Like the Fold 6, the Flip 6 is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Display Comparison: Z Flip 4, 5, and 6

We see some exciting changes when comparing the display sizes across the Z Flip series. The Z Flip 6 has a 6.7-inch inner screen and a 3.4-inch outer screen, consistent with the Z Flip 5, but a significant jump from the Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch outer screen. This increase provides a more useful and interactive external display, enhancing functionality without unfolding the device. Additionally, the Z Flip 6’s switch to an IPS display for the outer screen, from OLED, indicates a focus on durability and other display qualities.

Image via Evan Blass

New Features and Improvements

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 introduces several innovative features. The front cover screen now supports Samsung’s language-translating Interpreter Mode, allowing you to communicate more effectively in different languages. It also has Chat Assist, which lets you send messages directly from the front display with suggested replies curated by context-sensitive AI. The Circle to Search with Google feature enables users to instantly circle an object or text and get search results.

Image via Evan Blass

On the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the AI Note Assist helps summarize notes, making organizing your thoughts and ideas more accessible. The device also offers an immersive gaming experience with its high-brightness display and improved performance. The ProVisual Engine on both devices enhances camera capabilities, providing clear zoom and detailed photos powered by AI.

Image via Evan Blass

With the official launch on July 10th, these leaks have given us a comprehensive look at what to expect. Whether you’re after better performance, enhanced camera features, or stylish design tweaks, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are shaping up to be great new additions to the foldable phone market.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Leak: Complete Specs and Features first appeared on Yanko Design.