Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has long been a standard-bearer in the world of foldable smartphones, and today is the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE) in South Korea.
But with the recent release of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the big question is: how do these two devices compare?
At first glance, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition appears to be a refined version of the Z Fold 6, coming with a thinner and lighter build.
The SE measures just 10.6mm thick and weighs 236 grams, making it 1.5mm slimmer and 3 grams lighter than the Z Fold 6.
While these reductions may seem minor, they contribute to a slightly more compact and portable design. The SE is also built with a larger 8.0-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch outer display, an increase from the Z Fold 6’s 7.6-inch and 6.3-inch screens.
This means a more detailed experience, though it comes at the cost of the device being a bit taller and wider when folded or unfolded.
One of the most commendable upgrades in the Special Edition is the camera system. Samsung has replaced the Z Fold 6’s 50MP wide-angle camera with 200MP sensor.
This enhancement, akin to what is seen in Samsung’s premium Galaxy S24 Ultra, is a big climb, promising far sharper images and greater detail in both photos and videos.
However, aside from this camera upgrade, the devices remain quite similar, as both are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
In terms of software and performance, both devices offer Samsung’s “Galaxy AI” features optimized for foldables, ensuring smooth multitasking and high efficiency.
However, the Z Fold Special Edition, being a limited release, is only confirmed for the South Korean market, with China as a potential secondary market. This exclusivity, coupled with a price tag of 2,789,600 KRW (roughly $2,000), makes the SE more of a luxury option, available only to a niche audience.
However, the SE does have some trade-offs. It lacks some features found in the Z Fold 6, such as the S-Pen support, which Samsung removed to help reduce thickness.
Additionally, the battery capacity remains unchanged at 4,272mAh, which, paired with the larger screens, may result in slightly lower battery life compared to the Z Fold 6. Despite this, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures top-tier energy efficiency, so users can still expect commendable battery performance.
When comparing the two foldables, it’s obvious that the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition brings slight improvements in key areas—most especially in camera performance and design.
However, for the everyday user, these changes may not be compelling enough to warrant upgrading, especially considering the higher price and limited availability. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 still holds its ground as a solid foldable phone, with strong multitasking capabilities, excellent battery life, and wider global availability.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is a nice refinement of the Z Fold 6, but unless you are a photography enthusiast or live in South Korea, the differences between the two devices may not justify the premium price. If you’re already using the Z Fold 6, it remains a highly capable foldable, and Samsung seems to be saving more significant innovations for future iterations.
