The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 has arrived with several updates and refinements. After spending a considerable amount of time using it as my daily driver, I have insights into whether it's worth your investment. Samsung's latest foldable phone is slimmer, lighter, and boasts improved build quality, but are these enhancements significant enough to warrant an upgrade?
What's in the Box?
When you unbox the Z Fold 6, you get a charging cable and a SIM tray tool. Unfortunately, there’s no case or charger included, which has become a norm for many manufacturers aiming to reduce electronic waste.
Design and Build Quality
Refinement Over Revolution
Samsung's approach with the Z Fold 6 is refinement. The design tweaks are minor but impactful. It's lighter by 14 grams, weighing in at 239 grams. The front and back feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing durability without compromising on the aesthetics. The pink variant, although subtle, adds a touch of elegance with its frosted glass back, which does a good job of hiding fingerprints.
Improved Usability
The Z Fold 6 continues with the book-style horizontal fold, a design I prefer over the vertical flip. The capacitive always-on fingerprint reader works seamlessly, positioned for easy access alongside the volume controls. The phone's frame is more squared-off, aligning with the design language of the Galaxy S24 series.
Ports and Connectivity
At the bottom, the USB-C port supports USB 3.2 with video out capabilities. The stereo speakers, antenna lines, and the desktop mode, which remains one of the best software features for productivity, make a return.
Display Quality
Front Display
The front screen has a minimal 1 mm reduction in bezel size, maintaining a compact form factor. The screen size and aspect ratio are optimized for a comfortable grip and easy one-handed use.
Inner Display
The inner display is a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate. The hinge mechanism feels robust and smooth, allowing for easy transition between folded and unfolded states. The screen quality is impressive, with excellent contrast and color accuracy, thanks to the lack of a traditional protective glass layer,
enhancing the viewing experience.
Camera System
Hardware and Features
The camera hardware remains largely unchanged from the Z Fold 5, with minor adjustments to the camera rings. The primary setup includes a 50 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 3x optical zoom camera. The front-facing camera on the inner display is still a 4 MP under-display sensor, which, while not perfect, serves its purpose for video calls.
Performance
The Z Fold 6 excels in well-lit conditions, delivering sharp and vibrant photos. The ultra-wide camera performs better than its predecessor, especially in video recording at 4K 60 fps. However, indoor and low-light performance still lags behind flagship standards, with
noticeable noise and grain in photos.
Software and Multitasking
One UI 6.1
Running on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, the Z Fold 6 offers a highly optimized multitasking experience. The software is packed with features like the ability to continue apps on the cover screen, extensive customization options, and enhanced AI capabilities for tasks like sketch-to-image generation and photo object removal.
Multitasking King
One of the standout features of the Z Fold 6 is its multitasking prowess. The large inner display allows for multiple app windows,
laptop sales making it ideal for productivity tasks. Whether you're editing documents, browsing the web, or managing emails, the Z Fold 6 handles it with ease. The software allows for easy window resizing and quick access to frequently used apps.
Performance and Battery Life
Hardware
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Z Fold 6 delivers smooth and responsive performance across the board. However, thermal management is a concern, with the device throttling performance during extended heavy usage, such as gaming or running intensive apps.
Battery
The 4,400 mAh battery remains unchanged from the Z Fold 5. While it offers decent battery life, lasting about 8 hours and 37 minutes in a loop test, it's not a significant improvement. Charging speeds are also lagging behind the competition, with a full charge taking around 1 hour and 16 minutes using the 25W charger.
Final Verdict: Is the Z Fold 6 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a remarkable device that continues to push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. Its design refinements, improved display, and robust build quality make it a compelling choice for foldable enthusiasts. However, if you're coming from the Z Fold 5, the upgrades might not be substantial enough to justify the cost.
For new users or those with older foldable models, the Z Fold 6 offers an unparalleled multitasking experience, top-tier build quality, and a unique form factor that stands out in the crowded smartphone market. While there are areas for improvement, such as battery life and indoor camera performance, the overall package is impressive and worth considering.
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