The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, bringing improvements in design, performance, and camera capabilities. We had an opportunity to get hands-on with this phone for a week and here’s a detailed look at what this new foldable phone has to offer:
Design and Display
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 maintains the iconic clamshell design but with enhanced durability. The Armor Aluminum frame is now 10% stronger, and the hinge mechanism has been refined for improved resilience. A notable upgrade is its IP48 rating, making it dust-resistant in addition to water-resistant, a step up from the Flip 5’s IPX8 rating.
The phone features a 3.4-inch AMOLED cover screen and a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED foldable main display. While the display sizes remain the same, the main display now boasts a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, a substantial increase from the Flip 5’s 1,600 nits, ensuring better visibility even in bright sunlight. The enhanced brightness is especially beneficial for outdoor use, making it easier to view content and use apps without straining your eyes.
In terms of aesthetics, the Flip 6 is sleek and modern, with a slightly more refined look compared to its predecessor. The thinner bezels and improved screen-to-body ratio contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The foldable design remains a head-turner, and the device feels premium in hand.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. This combination promises a smoother and faster performance, especially with demanding tasks and multitasking. The new AI features, such as suggested replies and auto zoom for the camera, enhance user convenience and functionality.
The Flip 6 runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. Samsung also promises seven years of software updates, ensuring long-term support and security for users. This long-term support is a significant advantage, providing peace of mind that the device will remain up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
One notable software enhancement is the improved Flex Mode, which allows users to split the screen into two halves for multitasking. This is particularly useful for video calls, watching videos while browsing the web, or using multiple apps simultaneously. The improved haptic feedback also adds to the overall user experience, making interactions with the device more tactile and responsive.
Camera Improvements
The camera setup on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 sees a notable upgrade with a new 50MP main sensor, replacing the 12MP sensor from the Flip 5. This larger sensor improves detail and low-light performance. The 12MP ultra-wide camera has also been optimized for better performance. Samsung’s ProVisual photography engine, borrowed from the Galaxy S24 Plus, further enhances the photographic capabilities of the Flip 6.
The incorporation of the S24 series camera technology into the Flip 6 is a game-changer. The improved main sensor excels in capturing vibrant and detailed photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The night mode has been significantly enhanced, reducing noise and bringing out more details in low-light scenarios. The ultra-wide camera performs admirably, providing a broader field of view without compromising on image quality.
Photos taken with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are nothing short of impressive. Daylight shots are crisp and rich in color, with excellent dynamic range. Portraits benefit from the improved depth sensing and natural bokeh effect, making subjects stand out beautifully against blurred backgrounds. Low-light photography is where the Flip 6 truly shines, with the new sensor capturing bright, clear images with minimal noise.
Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the upgraded front-facing camera, which offers better clarity and more natural skin tones. The cover screen can also be used as a viewfinder for taking high-quality selfies with the main camera, adding versatility to the camera experience.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, supporting 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. This is a slight increase from the Flip 5’s 3,700mAh battery, offering better battery life and faster charging options. In real-world use, the battery comfortably lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage.
The battery life is impressive, with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 capable of lasting up to 68 hours while listening to music or up to 23 hours while watching movies. This endurance is particularly useful for long trips or days when you’re away from a charger, ensuring you can enjoy your media without worrying about running out of power.
The enhanced charging speeds are a welcome addition, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed. The reverse wireless charging feature is convenient for charging accessories like wireless earbuds or other Qi-compatible devices on the go.
Additional Features
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is available in several new colors: Silver Shadow, Mint, Yellow, and Blue, with additional exclusive colors to be available soon. The phone also features a side-mounted fingerprint reader embedded in the power button for secure and convenient unlocking.
The addition of Dolby Atmos support enhances the audio experience, providing richer and more immersive sound quality for media consumption and gaming. The phone’s stereo speakers are loud and clear, making it a great device for entertainment.
The device also supports Samsung DeX, allowing users to connect it to a monitor for a desktop-like experience. This is particularly useful for productivity tasks, making the Flip 6 a versatile device for both work and play.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, offering improvements in design, durability, performance, and camera quality. Its combination of innovative features and enhanced specifications make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional foldable phone. The refinements in design and display, coupled with the robust performance and long-term software support, ensure that the Flip 6 stands out in the increasingly competitive foldable phone market. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone looking for a unique and versatile device, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is worth considering.