The long-anticipated third foldable phone line from Samsung has been referred to at various times as the Z Fold Ultra, Z Fold FE, and even Z Fold Slim, primarily because it is expected to feature the slimmest frame that Samsung can achieve in a flexible device. However, it may be named the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, or Z Fold SE, rather than following the typical Fan Edition branding that Samsung uses for its more affordable versions of flagship models.
A surge of leaks concerning the specifications and certifications of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition suggests that its launch is approaching, and we have also recently received a wealth of information about its screen size, precise dimensions, and details about its 200MP camera sensor.
The Special Edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is anticipated to feature a larger 8-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch cover screen on the exterior.
When closed, it is expected to measure 10.6 mm in thickness, while it will be 4.9 mm when open. Interestingly, the new Z Fold will be slightly thicker when closed than Google’s Pixel 9 Fold Pro, which Google claims is the thinnest foldable phone—a claim that holds true only in certain markets.
In all other markets where the Honor Magic V3 is available, it is set to outperform both Google’s and Samsung’s foldables in terms of design elegance. Samsung reportedly aimed to compete with brands like Honor, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and OnePlus by developing a foldable phone that matches their thinness while being more durable. However, this proved to be an impossible task, leading the company to put its plans for a slimmer version of the Galaxy Z Fold line on hold.
This model was originally scheduled to be part of Samsung’s 2024 foldable phone lineup but was postponed, leaving its future uncertain for a considerable time. In designing the Z Fold Special Edition, Samsung eliminated some features found in the Z Fold 6 to lower production costs and create a thinner device. For example, it planned to release the phone without an S Pen stylus, thereby omitting the digitizer layer to achieve a slimmer profile.
Confronted with the more refined foldables from competitors, Samsung reportedly concluded that it had not added enough distinguishing features to set the SE apart. Consequently, the company decided to focus on making it sturdier and more durable, but when it incorporated the necessary water resistance and ingress protection measures, the device ended up thicker than Samsung had intended.
Ultimately, Samsung concluded that it was worthwhile to release the device under the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition name and to see how things unfold, particularly if it emphasizes durability in its marketing materials. While it hasn’t succeeded in making the device thinner than its Chinese competitors, it has made efforts to enhance its toughness, at least on paper. According to well-known display analyst Ross Young, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is set to launch in September, with most units intended for the Chinese market, and it will feature a UFG display cover.
UFG refers to UTG that has an uneven thickness: it is thinner at the seam where it folds and thicker in other areas. This design allows for a more robust chemical strengthening process, which enhances scratch resistance and overall durability, among other benefits.
UTG, which stands for ultrathin glass, is the material Samsung is utilizing for the Galaxy Z Fold 6. In contrast, the ultra-flexible glass (UFG) cover of its Special Edition counterpart will be thicker overall to enhance durability, while being thinner at the crease—a feature that has been more noticeable on Samsung’s foldable devices compared to the latest Chinese models.
In summary, Samsung seems to have concluded that while the Z Fold SE may not be the slimmest foldable available, its release is justified due to the increased durability provided by components like the UFG cover glass. It remains uncertain whether the market will share this view, particularly if the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is priced at the anticipated $2,200.
