Samsung pioneered a mix of technologies for a smartphone. For what it’s worth, they have been heralded as a trendsetter brand, and have proven themselves to be a catalyst in the industry – especially in the Android smartphone segment.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 5G is the peak of their innovation, and there is no question that it is one of the best foldable smartphone in the market. Today, we’re taking a look at it deeply, and discuss what we liked and not about it.
Build and Design
The Galaxy Z Fold6 continues Samsung’s trend of refining its foldable design. While the changes may not be dramatic, they are noteworthy. The device is slightly wider and shorter than its predecessor, measuring 68.1 x 153.5 x 12.2mm when folded. This subtle adjustment makes the cover display more usable, addressing a common criticism of previous models.
The build quality remains premium, with Samsung utilizing its Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability. The device weighs 239g, which is still hefty but manageable for a device of this class.
One of the most significant design improvements lies in the hinge mechanism, which we’ll explore in more detail shortly. Overall, while the design changes might not be revolutionary, they contribute to a more refined user experience.
Hinge
The hinge is where the Galaxy Z Fold6 truly shines. Samsung has implemented a new dual rail hinge that is both stronger and thinner than previous iterations. This technological marvel allows for a smoother folding action and contributes to the device’s overall slimmer profile.
The improved hinge design also helps reduce the visibility of the crease on the main display, a common point of contention in foldable devices. Samsung claims the hinge has been tested for at least 200,000 folds, equivalent to about 10 years of use. This durability improvement is a significant selling point for those concerned about the longevity of foldable devices.
This design, more likely, is the main contributor as to why the new foldable device has zero gaps. This is aesthetically pleasing, albeit making it more difficult to unfold.
Display
The Galaxy Z Fold6 features two displays: a 6.3-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch main display when unfolded. Both are Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions.
The cover display, while still slimmer than some competitors, is more usable than ever. Its 2376 x 968 resolution and 410ppi pixel density provide sharp visuals for quick tasks without needing to unfold the device. However, the narrow aspect ratio might still encourage users to unfold the device for a more immersive experience, which be a chore for some users.
The main display is where the Z Fold6 truly excels. With a resolution of 2160 x 1856 and 347ppi, it offers a tablet-like experience in a pocketable form factor.. The display supports HDR10+ and reaches a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
It’s worth noting that the UI and launcher settings for the cover display are separate from those of the main display, allowing for a more customized experience depending on how you’re using the device.
Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, the latest and most powerful mobile processor available. This is paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.
The device also supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast connectivity across various networks. The Z Fold6 is compatible with the S Pen, enhancing its productivity capabilities, especially when using the large main display.
Benchmark
While specific benchmark scores for the Galaxy Z Fold6 aren’t provided in the given information, we can infer its performance based on the hardware specifications. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is known to deliver exceptional performance, typically scoring high in benchmarks like AnTuTu, Geekbench, and PC Mark.
Given that this processor is a step up from the previous generation, we can expect improved scores across the board. The combination of this powerful chipset with 12GB of RAM should result in smooth multitasking and excellent performance in demanding applications and games.
Software and AI Features
The Galaxy Z Fold6 runs on Samsung’s One UI, built on top of Android. One of the standout features of this device is its integration of Galaxy AI, which brings a host of intelligent features to enhance productivity and creativity.
Some notable AI features include:
- Circle to Search: This feature allows users to search for information by simply circling an object on the screen. This is now available to more affordable Samsung devices.
- Interpreter: A real-time translation feature that displays conversations in two languages simultaneously, taking advantage of the foldable form factor.
- Note Assist: This AI-powered feature can summarize and organize notes, making it easier to manage information.
- Live Translate: Offers real-time translation during phone calls.
While some AI features, like Portrait Studio, may not provide a compelling reason to buy on their own, the translation and note-taking features are particularly impressive. For users who frequently engage in multilingual communication or need advanced note-taking capabilities, these features could be a significant draw.
Camera
The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold6 has seen notable improvements, making it a strong point for potential buyers. The device features a triple rear camera setup:
- 50MP wide-angle main camera
- 12MP ultra-wide camera
- 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom
On the cover display, there’s a 10MP selfie camera, while the main display houses a 4MP under-display camera.
The camera system is enhanced by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine and AI features. This includes improvements in low-light photography, enhanced zoom capabilities, and AI-powered editing tools. The ability to use the cover display as a viewfinder when taking photos with the main camera is a useful feature that takes advantage of the foldable form factor.
While not revolutionary, these camera improvements provide another compelling reason to consider the Z Fold6, especially for those who prioritize mobile photography. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable flagship smartphone with 100x zoom from Samsung, the Galaxy S24 ultra is still our most recommended pick.
Audio
The audio experience on the Galaxy Z Fold6 is described as “okay,” but it could have been better and louder. The device likely features stereo speakers, which is standard for premium smartphones. However, it seems that the audio output may not match the immersive visual experience provided by the large main display.
For a device at this price point, users might expect a more impressive audio setup. However, it’s worth noting that many users rely on wireless earbuds or headphones for personal audio, which may mitigate this potential shortcoming. Another workaround is to get yourself a USB Type C dongle DAC, which will allow you to external headphones or IEMs conveniently on any device without 3.5mm headphone jack.
Battery
The Galaxy Z Fold6 is equipped with a 4,400mAh battery. While this capacity might seem modest compared to some non-folding flagships, it’s important to consider the unique power requirements of a foldable device with two displays.
Samsung claims that the Z Fold6 offers improved battery life compared to its predecessors. The device supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. While these charging speeds are adequate, they’re not industry-leading, especially considering the device’s premium positioning.
Real-world battery performance will vary depending on usage patterns, particularly how often the main display is used versus the cover display. Power users who frequently take advantage of the large main display may find themselves needing to charge before the end of a heavy day of use.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 represents a refinement of the foldable smartphone concept rather than a revolutionary leap forward. Its strengths lie in its improved hinge mechanism, powerful performance, versatile camera system, and innovative AI features.
The slight changes in design, while not dramatic, contribute to a more usable device, particularly when it comes to the cover display. The marvels in hinge technology are indeed one of the best reasons to consider this device, offering improved durability and a less noticeable crease.
The strides made in the camera department are impressive and provide another compelling reason to choose the Z Fold6, especially for those who value mobile photography. The integration of Galaxy AI features, particularly the translation and note-taking capabilities, adds significant value for certain users.
However, the Galaxy Z Fold6 is not without its drawbacks. The price remains painfully high, clearly positioning this device for those who have both the need and the resources for a premium foldable smartphone. The audio experience, while adequate, could be improved to match the device’s otherwise premium feel.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold6 is a powerful, versatile, and innovative device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. It’s not for everyone, given its price point and form factor, but for those who can take advantage of its unique capabilities, it offers an unparalleled mobile experience. Whether it’s worth the investment will depend on individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
