Since the original The Galaxy Fold came out in 2019, Samsung is the market leader in flexible screen phones. With the introduction of competitors like Amma OnePlus Openthe Pixel Fold and 2024 Moto Razrs, the gap between Samsung and its biggest rivals is closing fast. So when it’s new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 – two of several devices announced Samsung Galaxy Unlock event in Paris — lighter, faster and more durable than ever before, I’m not sure if that’s enough to keep Samsung’s latest generation of bendable materials atop a growing mountain of competitors.
The biggest changes for 2024
The improvements on the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip can be broadly divided into two main categories: Expanding Samsung’s Galaxy AI features – first launched S24 series earlier this year – with some changes to take advantage of the phones’ interchangeable form factor and an array of improved components, including new camera sensors and faster silicon. However, those looking for major design changes will have to keep waiting, as these devices look more like slimmed-down versions of last year’s models than complete redesigns.
Both phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and come with 12GB of RAM, a major boost to the Z Flip 6, up from just 8GB in the previous model. The Flip 6 also has a 4,000mAh battery, which is the largest ever in a Z Flip, so it should see a noticeable increase in longevity. But perhaps the biggest change to the Z Flip is the same with its two new camera sensors. standard S24: 50MP primary shooter and 12MP option for ultra-wide lens.
Unfortunately, despite the higher price tag and larger body with more room for fancy camera hardware, the Z Fold 6 only gets a new 12MP ultra-wide sensor while retaining the same 50MP primary camera used in the Z Fold 5 with a 3x telephoto. Samsung also increased the peak brightness of the Z Fold 6’s internal and external displays to 2,600 nits, the same as the S24. Unfortunately, only the main screen of the Z Flip 6 offers the same boost to maximum brightness.
Elsewhere, both models’ frames are made from Enhanced Armor Aluminum, which the company says is 10 percent stronger than before. Samsung claims to have also improved the folding edge of its flexible screens to better withstand the pressure and contact of sharp objects. But the most valuable upgrade for long-term use may be the company’s new Z Assurance program, which will provide Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 owners with a one-time free replacement of Samsung’s factory-installed screen protector.
As someone who suffers from foaming screensavers throughout some generations On past Z Folds, I believe this should bring added comfort to those worried about dealing with a phone with a thinner flexible screen. In addition, Samsung is offering a one-time discount on screen replacement, which aims to make the cost of the repair the same as fixing the screen on a standard S24.
Z Flip 6 impressions: A more compact foldable for photography
Unlike the Flip, which took a back seat to its larger sibling, Samsung’s smaller foldable device received the most significant changes this year. Two new cameras can’t be eye-catching, especially on a phone that caters more to fashion-conscious and social-minded buyers. I really love that by using the same sensors used in the S24, Samsung has brought more parity between their traditional candy bar style phones and their most compact foldable phones.
There’s also a new auto-frame mode that lets you prop the phone up on a flat surface, and it can zoom in and out depending on how many people are visible or how far away you are. However, during our demo, I found that the viewfinder took a second or two to adjust, so you’ll need some patience.
Meanwhile, on the Z Flip’s external screen, Samsung has increased the number of widgets you can see on a page to four, while also adding support for a wider range of widget sizes and functions. This makes it even easier to check apps or start timers without opening the phone, which is great for general use. There are also new interactive wallpapers that you can use as a fun time waster.
When it comes to AI, in addition to existing features like browsing assistance, dictation, and Circle for Search, the new device has a texting feature that will read up to seven previous messages to provide you with more helpful and contextually intelligent responses. The idea is that if you’re on the go, you can respond more accurately to friends and family without having to type everything yourself. Although the Z Flip 6 has a smaller external display than the Z Fold 6, Samsung also has the ability to do multi-screen translation in real-time. This allows you to view someone else with the cover screen so they can see translated messages in their language, while you see their replies in your language.
Then again, given the significantly more main RAM, bigger 4000mAh battery, brighter main display and new Z Assurance software, it really feels like Samsung has overcome many of the Z Flip’s shortcomings compared to the standard S24. . This means that people who really want a compact device don’t need to make any compromises, potentially opening up the Z Flip to a larger audience. The Z Flip 6 gets a vapor chamber for the first time to provide better sustained performance. If that’s not enough, Samsung has plenty of accessories, including new cases with built-in LED lighting, so you know your foldable phone isn’t getting enough attention.
Z Fold 6 impression: Sharper and smoother
With an extra generation under its belt, you could argue that the Z Fold 6 doesn’t need as much of an upgrade as Flip and Samsung agree. There isn’t much change in terms of memory, storage capacity or overall design. However, the switch to a new dual-rail hinge and the use of Samsung’s improved Armor Aluminum means the Z Fold 6 now weighs just 239 grams (8.43 ounces). That’s 14 grams lighter and only a few grams heavier than last year’s model. S24 Ultra. It might not sound like much, but it’s something you notice right away as soon as you pick it up.
In addition, the Z Fold 6’s main screen is actually about 3mm wider and 1mm shorter to offer a better viewing experience when watching movies, while staying at 7.6 inches wide. It’s a similar story for the external display, which is about 1mm wider. This change provides more space for the phone’s on-screen keyboard and makes typing easier. Meanwhile, to better support gamers who often gravitate towards the Z Fold’s large internal display, Samsung increased the size of the vapor chamber by 60 percent to ensure that graphics remain smooth even during long sessions.
When it comes to AI, the Samsung Z Fold 6 expands its toolkit with a few new features, including dual-screen translation and a translation overlay, the latter of which can change words on the spot instead of spitting out a large chunk of unformatted text. On the more fun (but not serious) side of things, the new Portrait Studio feature lets you create a stylized image (comic, watercolor, 3D cartoon, etc.) from an existing shot. Alternatively, the Sketch to Image tool lets you doodle a rough drawing of an object (like a crown or sunglasses) on top of a photo before creating a more realistic replacement using on-device processing. The results were surprisingly vivid, though I’m not sure how useful it is other than as a joke with your friends.
My gripe with the Z Fold 6 is that while it still feels like a foldable flagship thanks to brighter screens (2,600 nits peak for both), a lighter design and an improved processor, it still has a number of long-awaited features. didn’t get it. This includes a built-in stylus and S-Pen slot, and better main and telephoto cameras. With the Pixel Fold, Google proved that big flexible phones don’t have to be saddled with subpar photography. Samsung also hasn’t made any changes to the display camera below the Fold’s main screen. But my biggest gripe is that both the Z Fold and Z Flip 6 cost $100 more than last year’s phones. Price has long been the biggest barrier to entry for people interested in foldables, and that goes double for premium models like the Fold, which come in at just shy of $2,000. After five generations, I was really hoping to see Samsung use its scale to introduce a more affordable large screen option.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 will be available today for $1,900 and $1,100, respectively, and official sales will begin on July 24. The Z Fold 6 will be available in three primary colors: Silver Shade, pink and blue, with two additional colors available exclusively from Samsung (Elaborate black and white). The Z Flip 6 will be available in four base colors: Silver Shade, Black, White and Peach with Yellow, Blue and Mint variants available exclusively here. Samsung.com.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung’s most compact foldable phone, now with better cameras, a bigger battery and a brighter main display.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
A faster and lighter version of Samsung’s premium big screen foldable.
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