Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line has received a significant boost with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, now available in South Korea. Offering a host of improvements over the Z Fold6, this new model addresses several areas where the previous version fell short, placing it squarely back in competition with rival foldable smartphones.
In this article, we break down the key features of this device, highlighting what makes the Special Edition stand out and how it improves upon the Z Fold6.\
Larger Displays: A Bigger, More Usable Screen
One of the standout upgrades is the larger cover and main screens, which offer users a more immersive experience.
6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X Cover Display
The Special Edition features a 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X cover screen, an increase from the Z Fold6’s 6.3-inch display. With an updated 21:9 aspect ratio, this new cover screen feels closer to a traditional smartphone display, making it more convenient for single-hand use.
8-inch Main Screen with 10:9 Aspect Ratio
The main screen has also seen a notable size bump, now measuring 8 inches with a 10:9 aspect ratio. Both the cover and main screens offer 120 Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and a premium user experience. While Samsung has not switched to Ultra Flexible Glass (UFG) for the foldable screen, the external display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing durability and scratch resistance.
Slimmer, Lighter Design: A Sleeker Profile
Another significant improvement is the overall design. The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is considerably slimmer, measuring 4.9 mm when unfolded and 10.6 mm when folded. At just 236 grams, it’s slightly lighter than the Z Fold6, making it more portable and comfortable to hold.
However, this slim profile comes at the cost of S Pen support, which has been omitted in this model.
200MP Camera: Major Photography Enhancements
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition introduces a major leap in the camera department with a 200MP main camera featuring optical image stabilization (OIS). This is a notable improvement from the 50MP camera on the Z Fold6, allowing for sharper, more detailed photos.
Other camera highlights include:
- 12MP ultrawide camera with autofocus, a new feature that enhances flexibility in wide-angle shots.
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, carried over from the Z Fold6.
- Dual selfie cameras: a 10MP sensor on the cover display and a 4MP under-display (UD) camera on the main screen.
Power and Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Wi-Fi 7
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, coupled with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, ensuring blazing-fast performance and ample space for multitasking and storage-heavy applications.
One of the key upgrades is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, delivering faster and more stable internet connectivity, a feature that is not yet available on the Z Fold6.
Software and Longevity: One UI 6.1.1 and Android 14
Samsung has equipped the Special Edition with One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14, which introduces Galaxy AI features to optimize user experience. Additionally, Samsung promises 7 years of software support, which should provide peace of mind for long-term users, ensuring the device remains up to date with the latest security patches and software enhancements.
Battery and Charging: No Major Changes
The Special Edition retains the 4,400mAh battery from the Z Fold6, alongside the same 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging options. While these specifications remain unchanged, Samsung’s software optimizations in One UI 6.1.1 should contribute to better battery management and efficiency.
Availability and Pricing: Exclusivity for South Korea and China
For now, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is only available in South Korea, priced at KRW 2,789,600 (approximately $2,028/€1,868). Rumors suggest that it might also make its way to China, potentially under the name Galaxy W25, but there’s no indication it will be released in other markets.
Is the Special Edition What the Z Fold6 Should Have Been?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition addresses many of the shortcomings of the Z Fold6, with larger displays, an impressive 200MP camera, and a slimmer design. However, the lack of S Pen support and its limited availability might leave some fans disappointed.
That said, for those who have access to it, this model offers a significant upgrade and places Samsung back on a competitive footing in the foldable market. The Wi-Fi 7 support, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and long-term software updates make it a compelling choice for early adopters.
Whether or not it will see a global release remains to be seen, but for now, it sets a high bar for future foldable devices in Samsung’s lineup.
Source (in Korean)
