The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 marks another significant step in the evolution of foldable smartphones. As a pioneer in this niche, Samsung continues to refine its flagship foldable series, bringing notable improvements, particularly in design and software capabilities. In this review, we’ll explore the key upgrades, performance, and unique features of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and assess whether it stands out in the competitive high-end foldable market.
Design and Build: A Familiar Yet Refined Aesthetic
The most noticeable upgrade in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is its design, which draws inspiration from the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The cover display has grown slightly larger, now measuring 6.3 inches compared to 6.2 inches on the Z Fold 5. This slight increase, coupled with more symmetrical borders and sharper, angular corners, gives the phone a more conventional appearance when closed. The overall aesthetic feels less like a cover screen and more like a standard smartphone, thanks partly to the flatter edges that improve grip and handling.
At 14 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Z Fold 6 feels more manageable, and the weight reduction is noticeable when held. The device also boasts an IP48 rating, offering some protection against water and debris—a first for the Fold series.
The internal 7.6-inch screen retains its size but features a less prominent crease, enhanced by an additional display layer and a more durable hinge. The new Dual Rail hinge design is not only more robust but also lighter and more resistant to shocks, making the opening and closing experience smoother and more satisfying.
Display and Performance: Brightness and Power Unleashed
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 excels in display quality and performance. The cover screen boasts a Resolution of 2376 x 968 pixels, with an adaptive Refresh Rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. This flexibility ensures smooth scrolling and transitions while conserving battery life when displaying static content. The cover screen is ideal for quick tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and scrolling through social media feeds. However, the virtual keyboard remains somewhat cramped for typing longer messages.
The internal display offers a resolution of 2160 x 1856 pixels, with an impressive peak brightness of 2,600 nits. This is a substantial upgrade from the Z Fold 5’s 1,535 nits, making the screen more visible in bright conditions and reducing the prominence of the crease. The screen’s colour accuracy and vibrancy make it a pleasure to use for media consumption, whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or playing games.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm’s latest chipset. This processor, combined with 12GB of RAM, delivers exceptional performance. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or using demanding applications, the Z Fold 6 handles it all with ease. The device also features a larger vapour chamber, which helps dissipate heat during intense use, such as extended gaming sessions. In real-world testing, the phone remained cool to the touch, even under a heavy workload.
On the audio front, the speakers on the Z Fold 6 have improved over those of its predecessor. They offer a more balanced sound profile, with mids and lows sounding fuller, although the highs aren’t as crisp. The sound quality remains consistently good, even at the highest volume levels, with no noticeable distortion.
Galaxy AI and Software: A Suite of Intelligent Features
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s Galaxy AI, an extensive artificial intelligence platform that enhances various aspects of the user experience. Galaxy AI is integrated into numerous functions, from photography and image editing to productivity tools like note-taking and translation.
Key Galaxy AI features:
– Circle to Search
– Sketch to Image (in Notes and Gallery)
– Portrait Studio (AI portrait using real pictures)
– Note Assist (transcription, summarization)
– Interpreter (Listening and Conversation mode)
– Chat Assist (translation, writing style changes)
One standout feature is Sketch to Image. In the Samsung Notes app, you can sketch anything, and the generative AI will transform it into a watercolour, illustration, sketch, pop art, or 3D cartoon. This process takes just a few seconds and delivers impressive results.
Additionally, Galaxy AI can transform photos with Portrait Studio, allowing you to turn yourself into various artistic styles, including comic, 3D cartoon, watercolour, or sketch. This feature can create a Pixar or Incredibles version of you, although some renderings might be less flattering.
On the productivity side, Note Assist is useful for transcribing and summarizing meeting notes. For instance, one can use it to get an easy-to-understand summary during a call.
The Interpreter App on the Z Fold 6 translates real-time conversations using the main and cover displays. This allows both parties to see the translation, but please note that there might be a slight delay at times. This feature could be helpful for travel, especially since the Interpreter app can work offline.
The Z Fold 6 runs on Android 14, and it is customized with Samsung’s One UI 6. This interface is packed with features designed for multitasking, including Samsung-specific apps, SmartThings integration, and S Pen support. The device is expected to receive seven years of software updates, including the upcoming Android 15 and One UI 7, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security enhancements. This long-term software support is a significant selling point, providing peace of mind for those investing in this premium device.
Camera: Good, But Not the Best
The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. It features a 50MP primary camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The primary camera performs admirably, producing sharp, vibrant images with excellent colour accuracy. However, the ultra-wide camera is less impressive, with noticeable overprocessing and lacking detail. While the camera setup is competent, it doesn’t match the capabilities of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra, particularly in low-light conditions and zoom capabilities.
For most users, the camera performance will be more than adequate. The main camera can capture detailed and colourful photos, often outperforming competitors in this price range. However, for those who prioritize camera quality above all else, the Z Fold 6 may not be the best choice. It lacks the advanced Sensors and extensive zoom capabilities in Samsung’s top-tier camera-centric models.
Battery and Charging: Adequate but Not Groundbreaking
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has the same battery capacity( 4400mAh) and charging speeds as the Z Fold 5 and supports 25W wired charging. While this is sufficient for most users, it feels outdated compared to the faster charging technologies available in the market. The phone can charge up to 28% in 15 minutes and 56% in 30 minutes, which is decent but not exceptional.
Battery life on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is generally sufficient for a full day of use, depending on how much you utilize the internal display. On average, the battery can last through a day of moderate use, but heavy usage, particularly with the internal screen, can significantly reduce battery life. Users may find themselves reaching for a charger sooner on days with heavy media consumption or extensive use of AI features.
Quick Buying Guide: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Press Buy Button
#1 Pocket-sized tablet: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers the convenience of a 6.3-inch smartphone-sized screen for everyday use, which unfolds into a thin and elegant tablet. This versatility allows you to enjoy a large display without feeling like you’re carrying two separate devices.
#2 Foldable phone: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the best foldable phones on the market. It combines design, performance, and AI capabilities. Although there are cheaper alternatives, few offer this level of sophistication and functionality in a single device.
#3 AI: Unlike some companies that promise future AI capabilities, Galaxy AI is already integrated into the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. This feature is both impressive and useful, providing immediate benefits to the user.
Don’t Press Buy Button
#1 Cameras: While the cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 are good, they are not the best that Samsung offers. If you prioritize top-tier camera quality and advanced zoom features, you might want to consider other options.
#2 Affordable foldable: The Z Fold 6 comes with a high price tag. While there are deals available, more affordable foldable phones exist that might be a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.
