Skip to main content

Samsung may have a big surprise in store with its next folding phone

A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, showing the screen.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
MWC 2025
Read our complete coverage of Mobile World Congress

As Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 continues in Barcelona, Spain, there are whispers that Samsung could be releasing not one, but two Galaxy Z Fold 6 models. More specifically, one of them could be a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, at least according to a report from WinFuture. If this is the case, it will be the first time that Samsung releases two Z Fold variants at the same time — and the first time we’ve seen an Ultra model in the Z Fold family.

For some time now, there has been a rumor that Samsung was possibly launching a second “fold” in the Galaxy Z series, which currently includes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. However, most of the rumors up until this point have suggested that a second “Fold” model would have been a cheaper, more affordable variant. However, that may not be the case.

Recommended Videos

https://twitter.com/rquandt/status/1762870488391410005?t=NCB-bMTKy6rzMs5U6LF-HQ&s=19

There is now talk that there will be a standard Galaxy Z Fold 6, which we were already expecting. But there also could now be a more expensive model in the form of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra. If this is indeed Samsung’s plan this year, it would bring the Z Fold series more in line with the S-series, which currently consists of the affordable base model Galaxy S24 and more expensive Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, what this Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra could have to differentiate it from the base version is still unclear.

In previous reports from a few weeks ago, the code name “Q6A” has popped up alongside what appears to be the normal model internal code name “Q6.” It’s possible that the “Q6A” is the Ultra model, though that is still speculation.

Again, we don’t have concrete leaks about what features a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra could have. But possibilities  include different display sizes, storage options, or perhaps an integrated S Pen or different camera systems and battery sizes. And with some other foldables like the OnePlus Open having an antireflective inner display, that could be another differentiating factor.

This is all still speculation and just word on the street at MWC, so take it with some skepticism for now. We’ll have to wait until summer for Samsung to announce the next generation of the Z Fold and Z Flip line. And assuming this is true, that wait just got a lot more interesting.

Christine Romero-Chan
Christine Romero-Chan has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade. She graduated from California…
Samsung’s phone repair service is getting a big upgrade in January
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

If you have a Samsung Galaxy device, then now would be a good time to consider getting Samsung Care+. Why? Because screen repairs will be free under Care+ for covered Galaxy devices beginning in January 2025, as spotted by 9to5Google. Of course, there’s a small catch.

But what is Samsung Care+? It’s basically just Apple Care, but for Samsung devices. So this extended coverage will apply to Samsung Galaxy phones (i.e. S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra, etc.), tablets (i.e. Tab S10 Ultra), and even wearables, like smartwatches (Galaxy Watch Ultra). For broken displays, though, you’d still pay a little bit of money even with Samsung Care+, though at a significant discount. Currently, the price for a cracked screen repair starts at $29.

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
A person holding the open Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

This was a big year for Google thanks to the arrival of the Pixel 9 lineup. Not only did we get the return of the XL size, but Google also launched the second generation of its foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Though it was late to the foldable game, Google’s second iteration of a folding phone is a huge improvement over the original Google Pixel Fold. It’s thinner, opens flat without issue, is ergonomic, and has a fantastic inner screen and a redesigned camera module. It just feels great overall.

Read more
I tried 4 of the best earbud and phone combos. Here’s which one you should use
The OnePlus Nord 4 and OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Google Pixel 9 Pro and Google Pixel Buds 3, Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with Airpods Pro 2, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

When you buy a smartphone from Apple, Samsung, Google, or OnePlus, there’s always going to be the temptation to get a matching set of wireless earbuds to go along with it, as each manufacturer makes its own pair. But what exactly does it mean when you stay loyal to the brand, and is it worth it?

I’ve used the latest phones and earbuds from each manufacturer to find out. Here's what you need to know — and which pair is the best.
What have I tested?
(From left) OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Apple AirPods Pro 2 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more