Samsung's latest foldable flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, brings incremental improvements to the phone-tablet hybrid formula, but at a higher cost that may give some buyers pause.
Design and Durability Enhancements
The Z Fold 6 features a slimmer, lighter design with flattened edges and wider screens that improve usability. Key upgrades include:
- Lighter aluminum frame (239g total weight)
- IP48 water resistance rating
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on cover display and rear
- Wider 7.6-inch inner display and outer display
While more pocketable than predecessors, the sharp bottom edge may cause discomfort for some users without a case.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM, the Z Fold 6 handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease. Samsung's OneUI continues to leverage the folding form factor well, with features like:
- Continuity between inner and outer displays
- Robust split-screen and pop-up window options
- Samsung's suite of AI-powered tools
The company's promise of 7 years of OS upgrades adds long-term value.
Camera System: Modest Updates
The camera setup remains largely unchanged from the Z Fold 5, with only a new ultrawide sensor. While image quality is good, it falls short of Samsung's S24 Ultra, disappointing at this price point.
Battery Life and Charging: Room for Improvement
The 4,400mAh battery and 25W charging speeds lag behind competitors, with noticeably shorter endurance compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Starting at $1,899 for the 256GB model, the Z Fold 6 sees a $100 price increase. This premium positioning requires careful consideration of its unique benefits versus traditional flagships or competing foldables.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 refines Samsung's foldable experience with thoughtful design tweaks and maintains excellent software support. However, the higher price, modest camera upgrades, and unchanged battery specs may give potential buyers pause. Those intrigued by the form factor should explore trade-in offers to offset the cost.
