Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim will reportedly arrive without support for Samsung's S Pen.
The titanium backplate is reportedly the reason why the foldable may not support S Pen
Photo Credit: Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim, a slimmer version of the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 6, is rumoured to be in development. A new report now claims that the foldable smartphone might feature a titanium backplate instead of the stainless steel and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) material that is typically used by the company. The slimmer foldable phone is also said to arrive without support for Samsung's S Pen, and the reason might be the inclusion of the new external material. As per a previous report, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim might be introduced in October.
Citing an unnamed Samsung Electronics parts supplier, The Elec reports that the South Korean tech giant might opt for a titanium backplate for the purported Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim. The company is reportedly inclined towards using titanium despite the difficulties in processing the metal to make the backplate and hinge system.
As per the report, the backplate in foldable smartphones acts as support between the foldable display and the hinge. This means the titanium will have to be etched to enable the free movement of the hinge. Since it is not easy to etch and manipulate titanium, the company might require a new process for its manufacturing, according to the publication.
The report also claims that the titanium backplate could be the reason why the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim might arrive without support for Samsung's S Pen. In May, a report highlighted that the rumoured slimmer foldable might not support S Pen functionality. This could reportedly be because the titanium might interfere with the digitiser that connects the S Pen with the smartphone.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra was able to support the S Pen despite featuring a titanium body because the metal did not directly surround the display panel, as per the report, which would be the case in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim.
Apart from this, the report also claimed that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim could be roughly 11mm thick, as compared to the 12.1mm thickness of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. The slimmer foldable is also said to feature an 8-inch primary display and a 6.5-inch cover display.
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