I’ve been fairly pessimistic in the case of Samsung’s lineup of foldable telephones, particularly the Galaxy Z Fold sequence. Pessimistic might be too good of a phrase as a result of when the remainder of the market, it is abundantly clear that Samsung is now not the market chief.
As the rumors and leaks made headlines, no matter pleasure I had for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 shortly dissipated. And throughout Galaxy Unpacked, the bigger foldable appeared like an afterthought, taking a again seat to the Galaxy Ring and even the Z Flip 6.
I perceive that book-style foldable telephones aren’t as fashionable, probably attributable to their increased costs and the truth that not everybody needs or cares about the advantages of getting a mini pill that matches in your pocket. So, whereas many, together with my colleague Derrek, want a flip cellphone, it is simply not my cup of tea.
However, the extra time that I spent utilizing the Fold 6, the extra my disappointment started to fade. Trust me, it got here as extra of a shock to me than I anticipated, particularly after I seemed round on the present state of the foldable cellphone market. That being mentioned, whereas Samsung managed to alter my thoughts in some methods, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains to be a combined bag.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Price & availability
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 6 at its Unpacked occasion on July 10, alongside an array of further Galaxy gadgets. The cellphone is at present accessible after being launched in late July 2024, with a beginning value of $1,899 for the 256GB base mannequin and maxing out at $2,259 for the 1TB model.
Additionally, there are a complete of 5 colours to select from: Pink, Navy, Silver Shadow, Crafted Black, and White. However, the latter two colours are solely accessible if you are going to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 6 straight from Samsung’s web site.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (1-120Hz), 2160 x 1856 decision, 20.9:18 facet ratio, 374 ppi, 2600 nits peak brightness, 480Hz PWM dimming |
| Cover show | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (1-120Hz), 2376 x 968 decision, 22.1:9 facet ratio, 410 ppi, 2600 nits peak brightness, 480Hz PWM dimming |
| Operating System | Android 14 (One UI 6.1.1) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Rear Camera 1 (major digital camera) | 50MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.0μm, 85-degree FoV, OIS |
| Rear Camera 2 (ultra-wide digital camera) | 12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.12μm, 123-degree FoV |
| Rear Camera 3 (telephoto digital camera) | 10MP, ƒ/2.4, 1.0μm, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Cover Camera | 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22μm, 80-degree FOV |
| Inner Camera | 4MP, ƒ/1.8, 2.0μm, 80-degree FOV |
| Battery | 4,400mAh (twin 2,200mAh batteries) |
| Charging | 25W wired charging, 10-15W wi-fi charging 2.0, 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging |
| Weight | 239 grams |
| Dimensions (folded) | 68.1 x 153.5 x 12.1mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded) | 132.6 x 153.5 x 5.6mm |
| Protection | Armor Aluminum body, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back and front glass), PET display protector (internal show), IP48 water and dirt resistance |
| Colors | Silver Shadow, Pink,Navy |
| Samsung.com unique colours | Crafted Black, White |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design and Cover Screen
- Wider design and shows really feel much less cramped.
- Noticeably lighter than its predecessors.
If I’m so pessimistic, what might Samsung probably have achieved to even change my thoughts within the slightest? Well, it really begins with the boxier design. This transfer brings it extra in step with what we noticed with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, full with the underside left nook digging into the palm of my hand.
On paper, this design tweak introduced with it a 1.05mm enhance within the dimensions when closed, making for an ever-so-slightly bigger cowl display. It actually did not seem to be a lot, however I’ve observed that my fingers really feel much less cramped when typing out messages or jotting down some notes. Really, it isn’t a lot of a distinction, however it’s sufficient to be noticeable whereas nonetheless falling far wanting the OnePlus Open or Pixel Fold.
Arguably much more vital is that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is considerably lighter than its predecessor. In phrases of numbers, Samsung managed to slim it right down to 239 grams, a staggering drop from the 253 grams of the Fold 5. It’s positively noticeable, and welcome, particularly when utilizing the Fold 6 with one hand whereas the cellphone is closed.
I’ve made it this far with out even speaking in regards to the internal show or AI, which is greater than what some firms can say. That being mentioned, let’s dive into that now, beginning with the internal display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Hinge
Something else Samsung modified with the design is that it is now a lot simpler to truly unfold the Galaxy Z Fold 6. There’s a little bit bit extra of a spot between the 2 sides of the body. This may sound like a foul factor, however the outer border of the internal display nonetheless closes tightly in order that mud and particles do not make it by means of.
I found this, as one does, when utilizing the Fold 6 as a fidget toy. I do not even know the way I managed to do it, however I used to be capable of barely open the cellphone with only one hand. The solely different book-style foldable I’ve been ready to do this with is the OnePlus Open.
The motive why I’m pointing this out is as a result of it is simply a lot simpler to unfold the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The hinge feels about as excellent as one can get, even smoother than the Pixel Fold and the Open. Not to say that I do not really feel a lot resistance (in a great way), and the display/hinge does not make discomforting noises. I’m hoping the hinge will keep this fashion, however it’s clearly too early to say with any certainty.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Inner display
- Beautiful AMOLED show.
- The crease has improved in comparison with the Z Fold 5.
- The display is way brighter and simpler to view outside.
With the Fold 6 open, I’m now looking at a lovely AMOLED show with a refined crease down the center. Seriously, Samsung does make a number of the finest screens. It’s only a disgrace and fairly irritating that the corporate will not provide any causes or cures to those that endure from PWM. One would assume that if an organization is attempting to achieve as many individuals as potential, it will do one thing or at the very least give a disclaimer that the screens may have an effect on you negatively.
Nevertheless, let’s discuss that crease. If I used to be simply going into this factor blind with out having a Z Fold 5 to match it to, I’d most likely say that the crease is identical with the Fold 6. That’s not the case, as I do discover a slight distinction between the 2. It’s not a lot, however there’s a distinction. However, I’m unsure if that is as a result of the Fold 5 is a yr previous or if Samsung really did handle to enhance the crease.
Even nonetheless, there may be one factor that did not take me lengthy to note, as all I needed to do was use the internal display whereas exterior. This factor will get BRIGHT. No, it isn’t going to blind you or something, however it’s positively brighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 5. That’s as a result of Samsung’s show now reaches a peak brightness of two,600 nits.
This is identical peak brightness stage as Samsung launched with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, surpassing the 1,750 nits discovered within the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The one factor that the Fold 6s major show does not undertake from the S24 Ultra is the anti-reflective coating. It’s not all that shocking since we’re nonetheless working with ultra-thin glass and plastic, however I figured it was price mentioning.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Galaxy AI
- Galaxy AI has some spectacular options, however they’re hit and miss.
- Sketch to Image is a enjoyable and artistic function, even when it is only a parlor trick.
- Erasing objects from photographs within the Gallery app is just not as highly effective as Google Photos.
One of the primary attracts of Samsung’s newest foldable telephones is the brand new Galaxy AI options, “Sketch to Image” being chief amongst them. Before going additional, I invite you to take pleasure in a hearty snicker at my drawings. There’s a motive why I take photos and kind on a keyboard for a dwelling.
Okay, with that out of the way in which, I believe that is arguably one of many coolest issues that is potential with Galaxy AI. You can both draw one thing out within the Samsung Notes app or use AI to generate photographs. I do know my “artistry” is on par with a third grader, however c’mon, I anticipated outcomes higher than what I bought.
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However, the place this function managed to impress was when making additions to photos I’ve taken. For the primary one, I attempted to attract a sailboat with shark fins surrounding it. So whereas it did not precisely get what I used to be going for, the tip consequence was significantly better than anticipated, even including reflections within the water.
Next up was drawing a crown on my son’s head of an image I snapped whereas out at a neighborhood crab home. This one turned out nearly excellent, and you may’t even inform that it is AI-generated, aside from the watermark within the backside left nook. There’s no method to keep away from this, even when utilizing Samsung’s built-in wallpaper generator.
One of the issues right here, at the very least with Sketch to Image, is that it is actually only a parlor trick, albeit a formidable one. After spending a while with Pixel Studio on the brand new Pixel 9 telephones, I noticed that generally it is higher to sort out what you need to see, versus attempting to attract it.
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Unfortunately, that is not at present an choice with Galaxy AI, which is a bit disappointing. Frankly, I did not even know this was an choice I might need till I used to be messing round with Pixel Studio. But now that I do know it is potential, I hope to see Samsung undertake it in a future software program replace.
So, utilizing Galaxy AI so as to add issues to your photos could be fairly enjoyable. But what about eradicating objects or individuals from these photos? In my time utilizing the Fold 6, it has been fairly hit and miss.
When I went to Alexandria to take some photos with the Fold 6 on a lovely and clear day, I stumbled upon the “Providence.” It’s a “replica of the primary ship licensed to serve within the Continental Navy,” which for somebody who’s a little bit of a historical past buff, is fairly darn superior.
Although I did not leap on for a tour, I did stroll round till the subsequent tour bought underway so I might try to snap just a few pics from the shoreline walkway. However, there have been just a few smaller boats that have been following behind the Providence however that does not actually make for an ideal image.
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So, I attempted utilizing the article elimination instrument constructed into Samsung’s Gallery app to do away with the smaller boats. It labored high-quality with the boat proper behind the Providence, however it doesn’t matter what I attempted, I couldn’t do away with the opposite boat additional again. Pinch-to-zoom, circling the boat, drawing excessive of it—nothing.
Then, I converted to the Google Photos app, pulled up the identical image, and in just a few seconds, it was gone. On the one hand, it is nice having the ability to use Galaxy AI and Photos in tandem to make edits. But at that time, why would I even hassle attempting to make use of the native picture enhancing when Google Photos goes to do a greater job anyway?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Performance
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is highly effective, however 12GB of RAM falls behind the competitors.
- Samsung does an ideal job with multitasking.
- Good Lock can enhance your expertise.
Samsung makes essentially the most performant and highly effective Android cellphone in the marketplace. Rinse and repeat for each flagship Galaxy cellphone, and it continues to ring true with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Honestly, I might most likely simply name it right here, as we all know what the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy can do by now.
Much just like the cameras, the remainder of the internals stay the identical, which means we have now 12GB of RAM, as much as 1TB of storage, and a 4,400mAh battery. Although it does not actually have an effect on the efficiency, Samsung is falling a bit behind because the likes of the OnePlus Open and Pixel 9 Fold Pro have upped the RAM to 16GB.
It would’ve made sense for Samsung to do the identical, even when it’d seem to be overkill. With seven years of promised updates, there is a fairly good likelihood that having further RAM would pay dividends. Only time will inform if that is the case, however I am unable to assist however really feel just like the Fold 6 is at an obstacle in the long run.
Something else that should not come as a shock is that even with all the further software program options, the Fold 6 does not skip a beat. While it is easy to level out how the competitors is leaving Samsung within the rear-view mirror, the truth is that I nonetheless a lot want the pliability and flexibility supplied by One UI.
While Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open is arguably extra intuitive for multitasking, it simply does not actually work the way in which my mind does. I a lot want the way in which that Samsung implements multitasking through cut up screens, floating home windows, and the choice to “power” apps to take benefit, even when the builders have not applied the suitable APIs.
And if the “out-of-the-box” expertise is not sufficient, you at all times have Good Lock to take issues up a few notches. Whether you are merely utilizing your favourite icon pack or organising a bunch of Bixby Routines, Samsung actually does provide a “do all of it” expertise.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Cameras
- “Same” digital camera {hardware} falls behind the pack.
- Images are good in excellent circumstances.
- Struggles with zoom and transferring topics.
If there’s one factor that I’ve been screaming from the rooftops for the previous couple of years, it is that we deserve flagship cameras on foldable telephones. I used to be actually hoping that the Fold 6 would lastly be the catalyst for change, however alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Samsung opted to depend on the identical {hardware} it launched three years in the past with the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
It’s not a lot that you may’t nonetheless get nice photos out of the Fold 6 since you positively can. Instead, it is extra of the truth that we know that foldable telephones could be geared up with cameras able to rivaling slab telephones. Don’t imagine me? Just have a look at the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro or the Honor Magic V3.
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I’m probably not certain what Samsung is doing right here, in addition to deciding to rely purely on picture processing to try to offset the outdated {hardware}. But if you pay $1,800 for a cellphone, you anticipate it to be on the high of the category, and that is simply not the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
With my mini-rant out of the way in which, I discovered the identical factor that I normally discover when utilizing cameras on Samsung foldable telephones — they’re good, and even nice, so long as the circumstances are excellent. As quickly as a wrench will get thrown, you are on the mercy of regular fingers and regular topics.
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A great instance of that is after I tried to take photos of my six-month-old son. He’s a wiggle worm within the truest sense, consistently transferring round and reaching for one thing. Needless to say, it is virtually like he is unintentionally offering the “final digital camera stress take a look at.”
In one occasion, he had woken up from a nap, and I walked down the hallway to get him up. Seeing as he lately discovered to sit down up on his personal, I used to be greeted with this cute and goofy face me earlier than I even made it into his room. I did what most individuals would do: I grabbed the Fold 6 and tried to snap a fast image.
For some further context, the hallway was darkish, and I used to be nonetheless about 20-25 ft away from him, as I did not need him to maneuver an excessive amount of if I have been to truly go into the room. Instead, I simply pinched to try to zoom in and get a more in-depth look from afar.
However, I could not have been extra disillusioned within the outcomes.
Not solely was he now not me by the point the image was captured, however he was virtually unrecognizable. The quantity of processing achieved to the image has principally ruined it utterly, which, in flip, ruins a second that I’ll by no means have again. Sure, the identical situation will most likely play out once more, however I do know that if the Fold 6 is the cellphone in my pocket, I’m higher off simply taking a psychological snapshot and going to get him out of the crib.
Were the circumstances excellent? Nope. And that is my level about these cameras. If I had my iPhone or the Pixel 8 Pro in my pocket as an alternative, that image would most likely prove quite a bit higher. I am unable to say with any certainty that will be the case, as a result of it isn’t like I might put life on pause for a split-second so I might seize one other cellphone.
So, as an alternative of getting a hilarious image to ship to household and associates, I’ve a blurry mess that appears extra AI-generated than what I get after I use Sketch to Image.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Competition
Gone are the times when Samsung and its Galaxy Z Fold was the one recreation on the town. In phrases of book-style foldable telephones, Samsung’s stiffest competitors comes from OnePlus and Google. The former burst onto the scene in late 2023 with the launch of the OnePlus Open, which is actually the Oppo Find N3 with OnePlus branding.
Meanwhile, Google has the Pixel Fold, which comes with its personal checklist of advantages and pitfalls. However, that should not be the case for an excessive amount of longer as Google introduced the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, we’ll have to attend and see how the cellphone performs and whether or not it arrives as a really viable various.
That’s just about all we have now if Samsung’s competitors domestically. The story dramatically shifts when contemplating international markets as Honor, Vivo, and others have caught up and surpassed Samsung’s choices. Notably, Xiaomi lately unveiled the Mix Fold 4, with an preliminary launch in China forward of a world launch at a later date.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Should you purchase it?
It’s nonetheless tough to resolve whether or not to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Outside of the OnePlus Open and Pixel Fold 9 Pro, there usually are not many simply accessible options within the U.S.
With the previous, you will not be capable to stroll right into a provider retailer and decide one up, and even with trade-in offers, that is a tricky capsule to swallow. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold already seems to be fairly a formidable second exhibiting for Google, however you’ll be able to’t purchase it simply but.
It’s not like I hate the Galaxy Z Fold 6; it is simply that I want that Samsung can be an innovator within the area as an alternative of simply sitting again and counting its money. Yes, the design is a shocking enchancment over the Fold 5, and the efficiency remains to be top-notch. But it simply form of sucks to see the smallest of updates arrive for a cellphone that prices $1,800 from an organization that has the potential for a lot extra.
All of that being mentioned, till we are able to spend some high quality time with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains to be the perfect foldable for almost all of individuals.
The finest Galaxy Z Fold
Even although Samsung hasn’t applied any significant upgrades, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains to be the corporate’s finest foldable system ever launched. The next price ticket and iterative replace make this a tricky promote, even for the largest of foldable followers.
