Samsung is reportedly aiming for a significantly thinner design for its next-generation foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold9. According to a leak from source @kro_roe, the company has set ambitious development goals to enhance its competitiveness against Apple’s rumored iPhone Duo.
Aggressive Thickness Reduction Goals
The tipster suggests that the Galaxy Z Fold9 could achieve a thickness of just 3.9 millimeters when unfolded and 7.9 millimeters when folded. If these targets are met, it would represent a substantial reduction compared to the current Galaxy Z Fold8, which measures 9.7 millimeters when folded and 4.5 millimeters when unfolded (excluding the camera bump).
For context, the leaked specifications place the Z Fold9’s folded thickness significantly thinner than the 11.3 millimeters of the alleged iPhone Duo, and the unfolded thickness is also more slender than the iPhone’s 5.2 millimeters.
| Device | Folded Thickness | Unfolded Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold9 (Target) | 7.9 mm | 3.9 mm | Not disclosed |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 | 9.7 mm | 4.5 mm (excluding camera bump) | 201 g |
| Apple iPhone Duo | 11.3 mm | 5.2 mm | 254 g |
Potential Under-Display Camera Integration
Beyond the slim profile, the leak also hints at Samsung exploring the integration of an under-display camera (UDC) on the internal screen of the Galaxy Z Fold9. The source claims this possibility “may have already been confirmed,” although specific configurations and mass production details remain undisclosed.
The source, @kro_roe, is described as an active and frequently cited leaker in the realm of Samsung, Exynos, Qualcomm flagship chips, and device planning, possessing a degree of information access and industry attention. This information has already been picked up and reported by several overseas media outlets, including Android Headline.
The pursuit of thinner foldable designs is a key trend in the smartphone industry, aiming to make the devices more pocketable and easier to handle. If Samsung successfully achieves these aggressive thickness targets for the Galaxy Z Fold9, it could mark a significant step forward in foldable phone engineering and further differentiate its offerings in the premium smartphone market.
