Samsung, with its Z Flip and Z Fold lines, used to dominate the folding phone market. However, the landscape is changing rapidly, with new contenders emerging. This implies that the company cannot rest on its laurels any longer. Consequently, all attention is now focused on the imminent release of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, anticipated to hit the market in the summer of 2024.

How will it distinguish itself from the successful Galaxy Z Fold 5, a foldable phone that has achieved remarkable sales globally? Will it draw inspiration for design or hardware from competitors like the Google Pixel Fold or OnePlus Open, both of which are closely trailing? Additionally, could its camera capabilities finally match those of the top traditional smartphones? Here’s a roundup of all the information we’ve gathered about the upcoming foldable device so far.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 

Expected release date

The launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t a matter of speculation, as company representatives hinted at its development during the launch event of the Z Fold 5. Given that Apple has yet to venture into the foldable phone market, Samsung is likely aiming to further solidify its lead in this niche.

While the certainty of a Z Fold 6 is established, the exact release date remains uncertain. Samsung deviated from its usual August launch pattern by introducing the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in July of the previous year:

• Galaxy Z Fold 5: Launched on July 26, 2023

• Galaxy Z Fold 4: Launched on August 10, 2022

• Galaxy Z Fold 3: Launched on August 24, 2021

• Galaxy Z Fold 2: Launched on August 5, 2020

Samsung has moved away from unveiling devices at trade shows like Mobile World Congress or IFA. It’s anticipated that the Z Fold 6 will be unveiled alongside a Galaxy Z Flip 6 and possibly new Galaxy Watch wearables at a dedicated Unpacked event.

Currently, attention is focused on the upcoming Galaxy S24 series, expected to debut in January 2024. Once this launch is concluded, Samsung is likely to finalize the dates for the Z Fold 6, with leaked reports expected to follow shortly after.

Hardware and Design Features

As of now, official information about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is scarce, but insights gleaned from various sources shed light on what to expect from Samsung’s upcoming foldable device.

Following a visit to Samsung’s headquarters in July 2023, observations of dummy handsets used for design studies revealed a departure from the slim and skinny form factor of the Z Fold 5. Many of these prototypes featured wider outer screens, hinting at a potential redesign. 

Additionally, one prototype showcased a built-in S Pen stylus. While the camera bump and central frame are expected to remain consistent with Samsung’s Galaxy phone lineup, Naver, a reliable leaker, suggested new aspect ratios for both inner and outer screens. 

The expectation is for a wider outer screen, addressing a demand from users. Moreover, speculations indicate that the Z Fold 6’s design might offer a glimpse into the Galaxy S25 lineup, anticipated for an early 2025 release.

Internally, the inclusion of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor seems likely, thanks to a ‘multi-generation’ deal between Qualcomm and Samsung. This processor is touted to bring flagship-level performance with AI capabilities, positioning Samsung to compete with Google and the rumored AI-assisted Apple iPhone 16 Pro.

Camera Expectations

While no official confirmation has been provided, historical patterns from Samsung hint at possible camera hardware upgrades. Previous Z Fold models, such as the Z Fold 2 and 3, maintained the same sensors, but changes were introduced with the Z Fold 4 and 5. A speculated move includes the addition of a 5x zoom lens to keep up with competitors offering enhanced zoom capabilities.

According to renowned tipsters and industry insiders, including IceUniverse, there’s a prediction that the camera system may mirror that of its predecessors, the Z Fold 5 and Z Fold 4. The rumored camera specifications include:

• 50MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS

• 10MP secondary telephoto lens with OIS, f/2.4 aperture, and 3x zoom

• 12MP ultra-wide-angle with f/2.2 aperture

However, it’s uncertain how reliable this information is, and there’s a possibility that Samsung could be working on camera upgrades for the Z Fold 6.

Storage Expectations

Anticipated storage configurations for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are expected to align closely with its predecessor. A base configuration of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is expected, along with a top-tier variant featuring 1TB of storage. While there’s currently no information on a 16GB RAM model, Samsung, being a major memory chip manufacturer, might consider this as a potential upgrade.

As has been the trend, the absence of a microSD card slot is expected, despite its presence in midrange models like the A54.

Battery Expectations

As of now, specific details regarding the battery specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remain undisclosed. A significant upgrade in battery capacity may not be imminent, especially considering Samsung’s endeavor to create a thinner and lighter phone, coupled with the integration of the S Pen.

Charging Specifications

It’s expected that the charging speed for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will likely be capped at 25W, aligning with the charging capabilities of its predecessor. However, it is advisable to stay tuned for any potential surprises or deviations from this expectation, as more information becomes available.