Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, launched on July 31, 2024, stands as Samsung’s latest and most polished entry in its pioneering foldable smartphone series.
This iteration focuses on refining the established foldable experience through enhanced ergonomics, boosted performance, and a deeper integration of artificial intelligence,
rather than introducing a radical new form factor. Positioned as a premium, productivity-centric device, it aims to solidify Samsung’s leadership by offering
“PC-like power in your pocket” and effectively bridging the gap between a traditional phone and a sleek tablet.
A significant stride in design, the Z Fold 6 is noticeably thinner and lighter, weighing 239g (down from 253g of the Z Fold 5) and measuring 12.1mm when folded.
Its new rectangular, flat aesthetic with brushed Armor Aluminum rails gives it a more industrial and purposeful feel, with a “zero-gap hinge” creating a seamless closure.
This design evolution addresses long-standing criticisms regarding the bulkiness of previous models, making it comparable in weight to some non-foldable flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Durability receives a crucial upgrade with IP48 dust and water resistance, a notable improvement over the IPX8 rating, adding protection against solid particles.
Coupled with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both displays, Samsung emphasizes building a more robust and reliable foldable, directly tackling consumer anxieties about longevity.
The wider 6.3-inch cover screen with a refined aspect ratio is a user-centric response to feedback, making the device feel more like a “regular non-foldable phone”
when closed, significantly improving daily usability.
The Z Fold 6 retains its stunning 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The standout enhancement is its peak brightness,
now an astounding 2,600 nits—a substantial leap from the Z Fold 5’s 1,750 nits. This dramatically improves outdoor visibility and HDR content consumption.
The external 6.3-inch cover screen also benefits from a 120Hz refresh rate and a less “lanky” aspect ratio, providing ample space for everyday tasks without needing to unfold.
Both screens support the S Pen, though an integrated storage slot is still absent.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset. This “fastest Android mobile processor”
at its launch delivers significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and NPU performance. Benchmark tests show it far surpasses competitors like the Google Pixel Fold,
translating into “excellent speed” for demanding applications, immersive gaming (with Advanced Ray Tracing), and complex Galaxy AI features.
The chipset’s power efficiency also enables the brighter displays without compromising the 4400mAh battery.
Deeply integrated with “Galaxy AI,” the Z Fold 6 introduces features designed to “revolutionise how you interact with your device.”
Circle to Search with Google is enhanced to scan QR codes and translate text from images directly, particularly impactful on the expansive interior screen.
Note Assist offers audio-to-text conversion and customizable summaries, while Live Translate provides real-time call interpretation.
Features like Sketch to Image and Writing Assist further leverage generative AI for various tasks. While heavily marketed,
the ultimate success of these AI features will depend on user perception of their daily utility.
The camera hardware largely mirrors the Z Fold 5, featuring a 50MP main, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide (slightly upgraded for low-light).
The 10MP cover camera and 4MP under-display camera (UDC) remain. Despite largely similar sensors, Samsung differentiates through “advanced Galaxy AI-driven technology,”
incorporating the “Pro Visual Engine” and “Photo Assist” for intelligent editing and detail sharpening. While reliable, reviewers note the cameras are “not necessarily the best from Samsung,”
indicating a desire for more significant hardware upgrades to match traditional flagships.
Launching with Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1, the Z Fold 6 is already receiving the One UI 7.0 (Android 15) update, bringing a major UI redesign, smoother animations,
and enhanced features like a revamped multitasking UI, a redesigned Camera app for one-handed use, and the intelligent “Now Bar.”
Crucially, Samsung has made an unprecedented commitment to seven years of major Android OS updates and security patches,
ensuring unparalleled longevity and long-term value for this premium device.
The 4400mAh battery remains unchanged from its predecessor. While the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more power-efficient,
real-world usage suggests heavy users may still need a mid-day recharge, creating a potential paradox for a flagship device.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s most refined foldable yet, excelling in design, display brightness, raw performance, and AI integration.
Its industry-leading seven-year software support adds significant long-term value. However, the camera hardware, unchanged battery capacity
(leading to potential mid-day recharges for heavy users), and the lack of an integrated S Pen slot remain areas for future improvement.
For those new to foldables or upgrading from older generations, the Z Fold 6 represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s foldable technology.
Power users and professionals will appreciate its versatile form factor, enhanced productivity features, and unmatched performance.
Existing Z Fold 5 users might find the upgrade incremental. Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an excellent choice for those willing to invest in a premium,
future-proof device that seamlessly blends smartphone and tablet functionality, accepting its few remaining shortcomings.
