Ultra-thin smartphones like the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra will be "blockbusters" in the near future.
Both Apple and Samsung are preparing to release thinner phones. The iPhone 17 Slim will launch next year to replace the iPhone Plus, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra (or Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim) could arrive as early as October this year.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra (or Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim) will have an extremely thin design.
Accordingly, next year, the public may witness a "war" of thinner phones than in 2015 when many phones with thicknesses under 8mm and even under 7mm appear, competing for the title of thinnest phone.
However, since the emergence of ultra-thin phones in 2015, phone makers have moved to glass backs, large batteries, and “giant” camera sensors, making slim designs obsolete. So what is the point of ultra-thin smartphone designs ?
Are slim phones a design wonder or a technical laggard?
To create the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, both Apple and Samsung had to make a lot of compromises. They may have reduced comfort in the hand and usability in one hand, and they may even have had to compromise on hardware specifications.
There simply isn’t enough space in a slim phone to cram all the top-end components. Sure, slimmer phones look great, but those who own them will have to accept weaker specs, less durability, and less cooling.
iPhone 17 Slim is the "savior" of iPhone Plus
According to rumors from Alan, the specifications of the iPhone 17 Slim will be nothing special.
The iPhone 17 Slim will come with a non-Pro Apple A-series processor, the minimum amount of RAM needed to run Apple Intelligence, and a rear camera with a variable aperture. Additionally, it will not have a large battery because of the thinner body.
When folded, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still quite thick.
Accordingly, the iPhone 17 Slim is a replacement for the currently sluggish iPhone Plus line. At that time, the device will have an outstanding feature, can be promoted more and can revive the sales of the lagging iPhone Plus line.
However, the iPhone 17 Slim will also cost more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The starting price of the device is rumored to be $ 1,299 (about 32.88 million VND), so it will not be for most users.
Samsung Z Fold 6 Slim needs to be launched
Moving to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra (or Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim), the public will see more trade-offs.
Currently, foldable phone makers have created thin and light "super products" such as the Honor Magic V3 - only 9.2mm thick when folded and weighing 226 grams. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is 8.25mm thick without the protruding camera and weighs the same. Meanwhile, the Vivo X Fold 3 is lighter than the iPhone and is 10.2mm thick when folded; the new Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is 9.5mm thick and weighs 226 grams, etc.
iPhone 17 Slim concept photo.
In terms of size, the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 is 12.1mm thick and weighs 239g, which is much heavier and bulkier than its "rival". The reason is that after adding the necessary waterproof and anti-intrusion designs, the device has become thicker. At the same time, Samsung had to give up many features to make the phone thinner and lower production costs.
Therefore, this phone needs to be thinner, lighter and cheaper to compete. This is also the reason why rumors about the super thin Galaxy Z Fold Slim appeared.
Up to now, the specifications and prices of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra or iPhone 17 Slim are still unknown. Although it is likely that the thinner phones will only have lower specifications and less durability, they will definitely be very beautiful. Let's wait and see how the two technology "giants" will surprise when launching super-thin smartphones in the near future.