Samsung’s foldable smartphone offerings are composed of the book-style Galaxy Z Fold and the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip ever since the first Galaxy foldable was released. Apart from form factor and specifications, the two foldable devices are separated by a steep price difference, making the Fold series much more expensive. Samsung could narrow the gap by introducing a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold model this year, and the existence of the device is supported by a new leak.
What will the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 be named?
For years, Samsung has internally assigned its Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip as the “Q” and “B”, with the latest Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 aptly known as the Q5 and B5, respectively. So, it is only logical the next foldable models will use “Q6” and “B6”, respectively, to continue with the existing naming convention.
As spotted by Winfuture, Samsung appears to be working on another Galaxy foldable with a codename “Q6A”, suggesting a fully foldable device rather than a clamshell. On such a note, the ‘A’ within the moniker also indicates it could be a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 model that may be dubbed as the Galaxy A Fold 6 or simply the Galaxy A Fold.
However, the outlet did mention that everything is still in the air with the “Q6A” possibly representing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE. Even so, there’s also a chance Samsung would scrap the device altogether and only launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 later this year.
An alleged Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 dummy unit showing a wider aspect ratio/ © X/u/IceUniverse
Then again, this is not the first instance a cheaper or mid-range Galaxy Z Fold 6 was leaked. Last month, the South Korean publication, The Elec, reported that a toned-down version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 does exist and could go be announced this year as well. Unfortunately, the source didn’t divulge what the handset will be called.
As it stands today, it aligns with rumors that Samsung will be offering a more affordable Galaxy Z Fold. The company needs to boost the sales of its foldable devices, not to mention more Chinese manufacturers are offering cheaper alternatives, such as the OnePlus Open (review), or one with a sleeker design like the Honor Magic V2 (review).
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE or A Fold 6 specifications
Based on the features and specifications, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6 is tipped to come with a more rugged “IronFlex” foldable display panel. It was also suggested by notable leaker Ice Universe that it will sport a new aspect ratio that mirrors the Galaxy S24 Ultra (review). In addition, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 could enlist a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and possibly a bigger battery like what’s rumored to come on the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
If indeed a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 6 model exists, it remains unknown how Samsung will distinguish it apart from the price. Perhaps it could ship with a different processor and a less capable camera configuration to lower its cost.
Do you think it is a good decision for Samsung to launch a budget-oriented fully foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6? What is your opinion? We’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments.
