Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim could come with a titanium back plate
Rumors have surfaced that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim, a slimmer version of the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 6, is in development. A new report now claims that the foldable smartphone could feature a titanium backplate instead of the stainless steel and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material typically used by the company. The slimmer foldable phone is also said to arrive without support for Samsung’s S Pen, with the addition of the new external material possibly being the reason. According to a previous report, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim could launch in October.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim reportedly getting a titanium back plate
Citing an unnamed Samsung Electronics parts supplier, The Elec reports that the South Korean tech giant may opt for a titanium backplate for the alleged Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim. The company is reportedly leaning towards using titanium despite the difficulties in processing the metal to make the backplate and hinge system.
According to the report, the backplate in foldable smartphones acts as a support between the foldable display and the hinge. This means that the titanium needs to be etched to allow the free movement of the hinge. Since titanium is not easy to etch and manipulate, the company may need a new process for manufacturing, the publication said.
The report also claims that the titanium backplate could be the reason why the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim may arrive without support for Samsung’s S Pen. In May, a report highlighted that the rumored slimmer foldable phone may not support S Pen functionality. This could be due to the titanium potentially interfering with the digitizer that connects the S Pen to the smartphone.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra was able to support the S Pen despite its titanium body, as the metal didn’t directly surround the display panel, which is said to be the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim.
Additionally, the report also claimed that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim could be around 11mm thick, compared to the 12.1mm thickness of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. The slimmer foldable phone is also said to feature an 8-inch primary display and a 6.5-inch cover display.
