Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 flip form factor has always come with compromises compared to conventional phones, but this year, many of those issues have been addressed. With improved cameras and a larger battery, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is still not perfect.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review
But it’s even more enjoyable thanks to the new software. After using it for two weeks, I’ve found that the form factor offers benefits beyond just being cute and nostalgic.
Pricing
For now, let’s focus on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. I chose the Crafted Black version, and before we dive in, let’s address the price. This model costs $1,100, which is a $100 increase from last year. That price hike is a bit frustrating since there aren’t many changes to the device.
Design
Starting with the design, this is my favorite Z Flip. The back glass, hinge, and sides are all now matte, including the bezel around the main screen, which was previously glossy. I love the new texture; it’s less prone to fingerprints and looks great. Another notable improvement is the hinge, which now feels firmer and more satisfying.
Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, which had a slight bend when fully opened, the Z Flip 6 opens almost completely flat. However, when you press on the hinge, there’s still a tiny bit of wiggle room. The new hinge didn’t improve dust resistance it’s now rated IP48, which only protects against solid objects bigger than 1 mm, and the phone still warns that it isn’t dust-resistant on boot-up.
Display Settings
Let’s dive into the settings. The Z Flip 6 has a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The cover display is 3.4 inches with a 720p resolution at 60Hz. The phone also includes various display settings like brightness, motion smoothness, and screen timeout options. Huawei Band 9 Review
Screen
One of the main compromises of folding phones is the crease in the middle of the screen. The new hinge does help here; the crease is noticeably shallower compared to the Z Flip 5, especially when viewed with certain reflections.
The screen itself is much brighter this year, peaking at 2600 nits, which is as colorful as the S24 Ultra. This not only improves outdoor visibility but also helps mask the crease better than before. The anti-reflection coating is also impressive for a folding phone, with a built-in screen protector layer that’s comparable to the smaller S24.
Specifications
While the phone powers on, let’s talk specs. The Z Flip 6 comes with 12GB of RAM, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and 256GB of storage. The phone is thin, just like its predecessor, and it compares well in size to other phones like the CMF Phone 1, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro
Fingerprint and Face Unlock
Setting up the fingerprint sensor is easy—it’s built into the power button on the side, and it’s fast and secure. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 also has 2D face unlock, which uses the front camera. It’s not the most secure method, but it’s convenient and works well.
The Z Flip 6’s screen is competitive with a 120Hz OLED panel, and if you haven’t used a flip phone before, you’ll be surprised by how tall it is.
It’s as tall as the S24 Ultra but about the same width as the smaller S24, making it easy to hold even with smaller hands. While browsing the web, it feels like a larger phone, and you can easily split the screen vertically into two usable halves.
Regular 16:9 videos don’t look larger than on the smaller S24, but ultra-wide movies effectively use the wider aspect ratio. I also like the new speaker design, but I’m unsure about the color-matched rings around the cameras they look a bit like Wall-E’s eyes.
Cameras Features
The most exciting change for me is the cameras. The difference compared to the last generation is night and day, starting with the software. Photos taken on the Z Flip 6 pop out more, similar to the effect when you start playing an HDR video.
The highlights utilize the full brightness capability of the OLED display, making the photos look like they’re popping off the screen. The selfie camera stayed the same, which is fine since it’s likely used mostly for video calls.
However, the Z Flip 6’s main camera is significantly improved with a larger sensor, higher resolution, and a better lens, making it ideal for high-quality selfies and vlogs. You can even frame your shots using the cover screen preview.
Cover Screen and Software
The cover screen remains the same size, resolution, and shape as last gen, but it has more lock screens and widgets, making it more fun and useful. The interactive cover screens feel like a snow globe, and although the customization options are limited, they add a playful element to the phone.
The software experience is a mix of great features and some gimmicky AI additions. Features like modes and routines for quickly changing wallpapers and the new AI tools like Portrait Studio are interesting, though they might not have long-term use.
The Z Flip 6 doesn’t officially support Samsung DeX, but you can enable it through developer options. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and larger vapor chamber offer solid performance, although thermal limitations mean it doesn’t reach the full potential seen in the S24 Ultra.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is now 4,000 mAh, the same as the S24, and it performs similarly in tests. Thermal throttling is more pronounced in gaming, but overall, battery life is no longer a major concern. Samsung has managed to eliminate many of the compromises traditionally associated with foldable phones.
If you enjoy taking selfies and vlogging, this is probably the best phone for it. The software is highly customizable and fun to use, though for many, the decision may come down to how much the crease in the screen bothers you. It’s improved, but not invisible.
Setup Process
Setting up the phone was straightforward just log into your Wi-Fi and Gmail account, and you’re good to go. The dual cameras on the back are color-matched rings, which is a nice touch. However, you can’t see much difference in this black color.
The phone features a 3.4-inch outer display, and on the right side, you have the power button and volume rocker. The hinge says “Samsung,” and it’s slightly different from last year’s black color more of a darker gray.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 doesn’t introduce many changes, but it’s still a very nice device. The display material has been improved with thicker glass, and the battery life might be a bit better with the new chipset. These are things I’ll need to test further, but for now, that’s the Z Flip 6 in a nutshell.
FAQs
1. What are the key improvements in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6?
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 features an improved hinge, brighter display, and better cameras with enhanced software.
2. How is the battery life of the Galaxy Z Flip 6?
- It has a 4,000 mAh battery, offering solid performance similar to the Galaxy S24.
3. What are the display specifications?
- It has a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED main screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3.4-inch cover screen.
4. Does the Z Flip 6 support Samsung DeX?
- No, it doesn’t officially support DeX, though it can be enabled through developer options.
5. What is the price of the Galaxy Z Flip 6?
- It starts at $1,100, which is $100 more than the previous model.
