Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 could be getting a surprise downgrade, as leaked specs recently surfaced, revealing that the cover display will feature an IPS LCD panel instead of an AMOLED screen.
That would be a big change, as every Z Flip before this upcoming model had an AMOLED. According to 9to5GoogleThe screen size will be 3.4 inches with a resolution of 720 x 748, similar to the Z Flip 5.
It’s a move that has people online baffled, especially considering that AMOLED displays offer a higher quality visual output compared to LCD. Colors are more vibrant, blacks are darker, and the technology is even energy efficient.
So why does Samsung choose a screen that is demonstrably worse than AMOLED? Tom’s guide believes there are two reasons for the change.
First, LCD panels are “less susceptible to screen burn… and therefore last longer.” Samsung may prefer a more durable component. Second, they’re “cheaper to produce than OLED” panels. The Z Flip 6 is rumored to be getting a price hike to $1,099, and the company could be looking to squeeze some extra cash into its upcoming smartphone.
However, news site SamMobile disagrees and claims that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will not have an LCD cover screen and will retain the AMOLED display. They explain that the “Samsung employee [who] created [the] leaked spec sheet had a typo.” It’s unknown how true this is, as the publication doesn’t cite their source or how they got the information. The claim could be completely unfounded, so take it with a grain of salt.
Interpreter Upgrade
In addition to the changes to the cover screen, leaked marketing materials have also been published by [insider] Evan Blass” reveals that Samsung Upgrade Interpreter Mode on both the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. Interpreter, if you’re unfamiliar with it, gives users an easier time participating in conversations in other languages. You speak into the mic, the tool quickly translates your words, and the text appears in a different language at the bottom.
The Interpreter update is said to use the outer screen of the foldable phones, and “show translations to the other person.” You don’t have to turn the phone over, as text appears on both sides. Images in the marketing materials suggest the feature only works in Flex mode, meaning the device is halfway open. The Pixel Fold has a similar capability, but must be fully open.
Samsung is scheduled to hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10. We’ll find out for sure what these smartphones are capable of, so stay tuned for our coverage of the big day.
In the meantime, check out TechRadar’s roundup of the best Galaxy phones for 2024.
