With the arrival of Chinese brands in the foldable segment, this market is becoming increasingly competitive. Samsung has been in a comfortable position for years, but now it needs to push the boundaries to make its foldable phones thinner and lighter. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip phones are currently more compact than many other foldable phones on the market, the same is not true for the Galaxy Z Fold series. However, with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim, this could soon change.
Samsung is expected to address this issue with a new model later this year. The device has been in the rumor mill as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim. While the name has not been confirmed, leaks and rumors suggest that this device will feature a thinner and lighter design. A recent report from Korean media suggests that Samsung will opt for a titanium build for this device.
Titanium Backplate for a Stronger and Lighter Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim
Samsung is reportedly exploring the use of titanium for the backplate on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim. The backplate is a critical component in foldable phones, providing key support for the foldable display and hinge. In the current Galaxy Z Fold models, Samsung is using carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for this purpose.
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However, for the Z Fold 6 Slim, Samsung could opt for a titanium backplate. Titanium is renowned for its combination of strength and lightness, which could make the phone easier to carry while also increasing its durability. While CFRP remains a possibility, titanium seems to be the preferred option.
New Variant Will Lose S Pen Support
Earlier this year, it was hinted that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim might not support the S Pen, and the potential switch to a titanium backplate could be the reason for this. Titanium can interfere with the digitizer, which is crucial for the stylus to work properly. This is likely why Samsung has avoided using titanium on previous Galaxy Z Fold models. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a titanium frame, it doesn’t suffer from the same issue because the frame isn’t placed behind the display.
Release Date and Availability
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim is expected to be unveiled between October and December this year. However, it may only be available in Korea and China. The report states that Samsung currently has no plans for a global launch. It is expected to be priced above $2,000. And this could be one of the reasons for its limited availability.