Hi, I'm Lisa from Mobile Tech Review, and today we're diving deep into the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. This sixth generation of Samsung’s book-style folding phone brings some notable updates and improvements, making it a worthy contender in the foldable smartphone market. Whether you're considering upgrading from an older model or curious about the latest features, this review will cover everything you need to know.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 sports a squarer design, with a slightly less narrow front. It might seem like small changes from previous generations, but if you think back to the original Z Fold or Z Fold 2, you'll realize how much has actually evolved. The updated look includes square sides and corners, which might be a bit less comfy to hold but certainly add to a more modern and clean aesthetic.
One of the standout changes is the triple camera setup on the rear, now with larger black surrounds around the lenses. This might make the cameras stand out more, but it also adds a distinctive look to the device.
The Z Fold 6 is also slightly wider by 2.7 mm on the outer screen, addressing the complaint of previous models being annoyingly narrow. The overall footprint remains similar, thanks to bezel reduction. It's also a bit lighter, with an armor aluminum frame that is 14 grams lighter than the Fold 5 and 24 grams lighter than the Fold 4. This frame is also supposedly 10% stronger, though the main concern remains the fragile inner display.
Display and Brightness
Both the outer and inner displays have received a brightness boost. The 6.3-inch outer AMOLED display and the 7.6-inch inner display, both with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, now offer improved brightness levels. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for outdoor visibility, especially considering the inner display’s tendency to pick up glare due to its plastic screen protector.
While it might not surpass the OnePlus Open's extremely bright display, the Z Fold 6's increased brightness does enhance the overall viewing experience, making it easier to use in various lighting conditions.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Z Fold 6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a slightly tweaked version with a higher clock speed than competing phones. This is the same chipset found in the Galaxy S24 series, ensuring top-notch performance.
Despite the impressive specs, the improvements from the Fold 5 are incremental. If you own a Fold 5, there might not be enough of a leap to justify an upgrade unless you're particularly drawn to new tech or concerned about the longevity of your
current device. However, if you're coming from an older generation,
iphone editions the Z Fold 6 offers significant advancements in performance and durability.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setup on the Z Fold 6 hasn't changed much from its predecessor. The 4-megapixel under-display selfie camera and the 10-megapixel outer selfie camera remain the same. The triple rear cameras include a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens.
The updated ultra-wide sensor improves low-light performance, making for brighter shots in challenging conditions. While the camera hardware hasn't seen major upgrades, the overall photo quality remains competitive, though it might not surpass the likes of the OnePlus Open.
Battery Life and Charging
The Z Fold 6 retains the same 4,400mAh battery as the Fold 5, offering 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Battery life has always been a strong suit for Samsung's foldable series, and the Z Fold 6 is no exception. In practical use, it comfortably lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, even with the large, bright displays.
Software and Features
Samsung’s software enhancements, including One UI, continue to provide a smooth and intuitive user experience. The Z Fold 6 also benefits from Samsung's commitment to regular software updates, ensuring it stays current with the latest features and security improvements.
The foldable design adds a layer of versatility, making multitasking and content consumption more enjoyable. Whether you're working on documents, watching videos, or playing games, the expansive inner display offers a unique and immersive experience.
Durability and Reliability
Durability remains a concern with foldable phones, but Samsung has made strides in improving the build quality of the Z Fold 6. The armor aluminum frame and the use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back contribute to a sturdier device.
Samsung's Care Plus program is highly recommended for peace of mind, offering coverage for accidental damage, including the inner display. At around $12 to $13 per month, it's a worthwhile investment for a device as expensive and potentially fragile as the Z Fold 6.
Price and Value
One of the main drawbacks of the Z Fold 6 is its price. Starting at $1,899 in the United States, it’s a significant investment. While Samsung often offers attractive pre-order deals and trade-in discounts, the high entry price can be a barrier for many potential buyers.
In Europe and other regions, where trade-in deals might not be as generous, the steep price tag becomes even more of a consideration. Despite this, the Z Fold 6 remains a premium device with unique features that justify its cost to a certain extent.
Competitors and Alternatives
The foldable market is becoming more competitive, with devices like the OnePlus Open and the Pixel Fold offering strong alternatives. The OnePlus Open, for instance, boasts an extremely bright display and good camera performance, though it lacks the brand recognition and customer support of Samsung.
The Pixel Fold, while an excellent device, is nearing its first anniversary, suggesting that a new model might be on the horizon. If you're in the market for a foldable, it might be worth waiting to see what the next generation of Pixel Fold brings.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an impressive foldable phone that builds on the strengths of its predecessors. While the improvements might seem incremental, they add up to a device that is more refined, durable, and versatile.
For those considering their first foldable phone or upgrading from an older model, the Z Fold 6 offers a compelling package. Its high price is a significant factor, but for those willing to invest, it delivers a unique and enjoyable smartphone experience.
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