Samsung has just unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and while it may seem like a minor update from its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, there are several noteworthy improvements to explore. This latest model introduces an enhanced 50MP main camera, a new chip optimized for Galaxy AI, a refined hinge that minimizes the crease and makes the phone slimmer when folded, and a slightly larger battery for better longevity. Let’s look into what makes the Galaxy Z Flip 6 a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade their foldable experience.
Design and Build Quality
- Design: The Z Flip 6 closely resembles the Galaxy Z Flip 5 but with a more refined matte finish, replacing the glossy back. The review unit features a striking blue color with matching highlights around the cover screen’s cameras, giving it an industrial, Bauhaus-inspired look.
- Build Quality: The phone feels rigid and solid, almost like one continuous piece. It has an IP48 rating perfect for dust and water resistance, which means it can handle submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Dust Resistance: The “4” in the IP rating signifies resistance to solid objects larger than one millimeter. While fine dust may still be a concern, larger particles should be effectively kept out. This is a significant improvement from earlier foldables, which had issues with dust ingress.
- Comparison: Aside from the Motorola Razr Plus and the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Z Flip 6 is one of the few foldable phones with a dust resistance rating. While it may not be beach-friendly, this enhancement marks a notable advancement in foldable phone durability.
Display and Specs
- Internal Display: The 6.7-inch main screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, consistent with last year’s model. The major upgrade here is the increased peak brightness, now at 2,600 nits compared to the 1,750 nits on the Z Flip 5. This boost in brightness is especially useful for visibility on bright, sunny days.
- Aspect Ratio: The internal display has a slender aspect ratio, which can take some getting used to, particularly with the narrow keyboard keys. However, this aspect ratio is excellent for watching movies filmed in widescreen formats and is advantageous for multitasking.
- Cover Screen: The Z Flip 6 features a 3.4-inch cover screen with Samsung’s signature folder tab cutout for the cameras. Though small, it supports widgets and customizable wallpapers. With some tweaks, you can run most Android apps on it, although this functionality isn’t as straightforward as on the Razr Plus.
- Comparison: The Razr Plus’ 4-inch cover screen, with its higher resolution and refresh rate, provides a more comfortable and user-friendly experience compared to the Z Flip 6’s cover screen. Samsung could improve this area by making the cover screen more interactive and setting up default support for more Android apps. Additionally, transitioning from the internal display’s 120Hz refresh rate to the cover screen’s 60Hz feels somewhat jarring.
Galaxy AI
Samsung’s foldables now include Galaxy AI, featuring new and refined tools.
Chat Assist:
Helps with composing texts and emails.
Google Circle to Search:
Simplifies researching content on your screen.
AI Photo Editing:
- Open a photo, tap the AI icon, and circle objects to edit.
- Options include deleting or repositioning objects, with AI filling in gaps.
- ‘View original’ button allows comparison with the unedited photo.
Sketch to Image:
Draw simple lines or shapes, and Galaxy AI generates and integrates objects into the photo, often with realistic results.
AI Features:
- Successful: Fun and surprisingly accurate, like generating a ghost with correct shading.
- Less Successful: Portrait Studio’s AI-generated images can be generic and less flattering.
Galaxy AI offers a blend of useful and entertaining tools, enhancing the user experience on Samsung’s foldables.
Camera
- Camera Upgrade: The Z Flip 6 features a 50-megapixel primary sensor, aligning it with the Galaxy S24, but it doesn’t quite match top competitors like the Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro.
- Comparison to Z Flip 5: Image quality between the Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 5 is often similar. The 50MP mode offers higher detail compared to the 12MP setting on both models.
- Low-Light Performance: The Z Flip 6 performs better in low light than its predecessor, with fewer issues in bright lighting conditions.
- Zoom Capabilities: The larger sensor allows for cropping 50MP images to 12MP for decent 2x and 4x zoom without a telephoto lens.
- Image Processing: Samsung’s processing improves low-light performance but can sometimes introduce artifacts like crinkly lines.
- Overall Quality: The Z Flip 6’s camera is a solid upgrade, especially for selfies and video calls, but not a dramatic leap from the Z Flip 5.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is designed to keep up with your dynamic lifestyle, offering amazing battery life and fast charging capabilities.
- Battery Size: 4,000mAh, larger than previous models.
- Battery Life: Generally lasts a full day of heavy use with about 10% remaining by 10 PM. May still require a charger for reassurance.
- Video Playback: Over 13 hours on the main screen.
- Charging Speed: Charges at 25W, take about two hours to fully recharge from empty. Slower compared to competitors like the S24 Ultra (45W) and Pixel 8 Pro (40W).
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is available in various storage configurations, with prices starting at $1,099 for the 258GB model and going up to $1,219 for the 512GB variant.
The device can be purchased directly from Samsung’s website, as well as through major carriers and retailers worldwide.
Pros and Cons
Like any device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Upgraded Camera: 50MP main sensor improves photo quality.
- Larger Battery: 4,000mAh battery for better endurance.
- AI Features: Enhanced photo editing and fun tools like Sketch to Image.
- Design: Sleek matte finish and refined hinge.
- Display: Bright 6.7-inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate.
Cons:
- Battery Life: May still need charging for full-day use.
- Charging Speed: Slow 25W charging compared to rivals.
- Cover Screen: Smaller and less versatile than competitors.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 represents a solid refinement of Samsung’s foldable line, bringing notable improvements such as a larger battery, upgraded camera, and enhanced AI features. While it excels in areas like display brightness and photo quality, it still faces challenges with battery longevity and charging speed compared to competitors. Overall, the Z Flip 6 is a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and innovative foldable phone, but it’s worth considering these factors to determine if it meets your specific needs and preferences.