The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is officially out, following in the footsteps of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung continues to lead the foldable phone market, and the Z Fold 6 is rumored to have significant improvements, including a new hinge design that might eliminate the annoying crease in the display. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as Samsung's flagship phone for 2024, packed with almost everything you can think of. It boasts four rear cameras, a new titanium design, an S Pen stylus, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. With its extensive AI features and seven years of software updates, it is one of the top Android phones to consider in 2024. In this article, we will compare the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24 Ultra to help you decide which one to buy.
Design and Build Quality
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung's latest foldable phone, designed to improve on its predecessors with a stronger hinge, lighter weight, and a more square shape. Its screens are wider and more ergonomic, but it still has a noticeable crease in the display. Despite its size, the phone weighs just 239 grams, making it surprisingly light. The Z Fold 6 also has an improved rubber lining between the frame and screen, which now features a matte finish. This change not only enhances grip but also reduces fingerprints, making it more user-friendly.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a titanium body with a mostly flat design that curves slightly at the edges for better grip. It stands out with its built-in S Pen stylus, unlike other phones where you typically have to buy it separately. The S24 Ultra is fully waterproof with an IP68 certification, unlike the Z Fold 6, which is water-resistant but less protected against dust with an IP48 rating. This makes the S24 Ultra a more durable option for
Battery Life those who need a phone that can withstand the elements.
Display Quality
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a 7.6-inch screen inside that can change its refresh rate from 1 to 120 times per second. The average screen size is 6.3 inches, and despite the inside screen having thicker ultra-thin glass, there is still a noticeable crease. The main screen has improved protective layers and a redesigned hinge, making the crease in the middle less noticeable than on the Z Fold 5. The Z Fold 6 also supports an always-on display wallpaper, allowing users to customize their screens even when the phone is locked.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, has a big 6.8-inch screen that shows colors vividly and gets very bright. It uses Corning's new Gorilla Glass Armor, which is hard to
scratch and doesn't reflect light as much as older types of Gorilla Glass. This makes the S24 Ultra's display one of the best in the market, offering excellent visibility and durability.
Performance and Software
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chip
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24 Ultra use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip worldwide. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra performs incredibly well, especially in graphics, surpassing even Apple's latest chips. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also uses this powerful chip and offers options for 12GB of RAM and storage ranging from 256GB to 1TB, just like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Software Updates
What's interesting about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is that it will receive software updates for seven years, just like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This means it will keep getting new Android features and security updates until the end of the 2020s and a bit beyond. This long-term support ensures that both phones will remain relevant and secure for many years to come.
Camera Capabilities
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses the same cameras as the Galaxy Z Fold 4, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3x zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. While there might be software updates to improve how pictures look, the hardware remains unchanged. The Z Fold 6 is not significantly better at taking pictures than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it should still capture excellent photos and videos.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has one of the best camera setups available. It includes a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto with 5x zoom, a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3x zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. It doesn't have a true 10x periscope, but the 50-megapixel 5x telephoto takes excellent zoom-in photos. Samsung's foldable phones usually don't focus as much on cameras as their other models, so the S24 Ultra has a clear advantage in this department.
Battery Life and Charging
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a 4,400 mAh battery, the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Fold 4, so its battery life likely won't be much better than those older models despite the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip being more energy-efficient. The Z Fold 6 supports up to 25-watt wired charging, and it has similar speeds for wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a bigger 5,000 mAh battery, which lasts a full day with heavy use but isn't a
two-day phone. In tests, it lasted over 20 hours for web browsing, more than eight hours for video streaming, and about 6.5 hours for 3D gaming. Overall, its
battery life is excellent. The S24 Ultra supports faster charging at 45 watts, making it a better option for those who need a phone that charges quickly.
Price and Value
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is much more expensive, starting at $1,899. It appeals to adventurous users who love cutting-edge technology and the foldable design. Samsung has made improvements based on feedback from the Galaxy Z Fold 5, making the Z Fold 6 better built and the first foldable phone to be both water and dust-resistant with an IP48 rating.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a more practical choice at a lower price. It sticks to the traditional smartphone design, attracting those who prefer a familiar style. Despite its lower price, the S24 Ultra does not compromise on features, making it an excellent value for money.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24 Ultra are Samsung's top phones, but they cater to very different tastes. The Z Fold 6 is all about innovation with its foldable design, appealing to users who love the latest technology. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra sticks to a more traditional smartphone design, attracting those who prefer practicality and durability.
If you're looking for a foldable phone with the latest features and are willing to pay a premium, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a great choice. Its improved design, long-term software support, and advanced AI features make it a compelling option. However, if you prefer a more traditional smartphone with excellent camera capabilities, better durability, and a lower price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice.
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In the end, both phones are powerful and great for heavy users, but your choice will depend on your preferences and budget. Stay tuned for my long-term review of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24 Ultra, where I'll dive deeper into their performance, battery life, and overall usability over an extended period.
