Galaxy Z Fold 6 Overview: Samsung’s Most Polished Foldable

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the most recent addition to Samsung’s increasing foldable portfolio and successor to what was thought of an honest foldable smartphone from final yr – the Galaxy Z Fold 5. What has modified this yr? Properly, on paper, not a lot, however loads of refinements and the corporate’s go-all-in tackle AI (synthetic intelligence) options is one thing that may’t be missed.

In comparison with different flagships of 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 additionally manages to put itself someplace on the high, and we are going to speak about it intimately in a bit. However what’s not gone too nicely is the pricing. To match, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched in 2022 was priced at Rs. 154,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. Equally, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched final yr got here on the identical value as Fold 4. The purpose value making right here is that this already was an excellent premium smartphone pricing, holding every thing in thoughts. Nevertheless, the Galaxy Fold 6 this yr units a brand new benchmark for pricing because it begins at Rs. 164,999 for the bottom 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. If you would like extra storage in Fold 6, it’s essential to pay Rs. 176,999 for the 512GB storage and a whopping Rs. 200,999 for the 1TB storage mannequin. Properly, that was the pricing, and now let’s dive into what the Fold 6 presents you this yr and whether or not it is best to contemplate it.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Design: Thinner and lighter

• Dimensions – 153.5×68.1×12.1mm (folded) | 153.5×132.6×5.6mm (unfolded)
• Weight – 239 grams
• Sturdiness – IP48 (water-proof)

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has ditched the rounded corners seen on the Fold 5 and gone for a extra flatter design. The result’s an oblong bar design – when folded with sharper edges. That is the very first thing you’ll discover on Fold 6 when evaluating it with Fold 5 from final yr. Subsequent up, the bezels. The Fold 6 sports activities thinner bezels across the show and likewise includes a broader cowl display screen – making an enormous distinction in day by day use in comparison with its predecessor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 weighs 239 grams

Dimensions-wise, Fold 6 has shed some thickness and weight. The brand new foldable is slimmer than its predecessor at 12.1mm (folded) and 5.6mm (unfolded) thickness. At 239 grams, the Fold 6 feels approach lighter in day by day utilization in comparison with the Fold 5 (253 grams). Other than weight cuts, Samsung has achieved a superb proportionate weight distribution. This helps as a result of it makes Fold 6 helpful for texting and even doing digital camera work with only one hand.

The telephone options Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the entrance (cowl display screen) and again

The aluminium body feels sturdy and presents a strong hand really feel of the Fold 6 with a claimed improved scratch-resistant matte end. For defense, Samsung has offered Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on each the entrance show and glass again. This yr, the corporate has additionally taken a step in the fitting path by including IP48 safety, proving that Samsung has upped the sealing additional. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless not dust-resistant, so be sure you’re not utilizing it round sand surfaces or in an setting the place mud particles can enter the machine.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with IP48 ranking for water resistance

In terms of foldables, I consider that flip or clamshell telephones have extra enjoyable color decisions than typical book-style foldables. Nevertheless, Samsung has tried to alter that impression by providing a number of choices. The Fold 6 is accessible in Pink (sure, you learn that proper!), Navy, Crafted Black (Particular Version), White (Particular Version), and Silver Shadow, which we acquired for this evaluate. I’d have beloved to strive White for positive, however this Silver Shadow color slowly grows on you and is a more sensible choice for the long term.

The Fold 6 options an improved hinge mechanism

Speaking about enhancements, the hinge is refined on the Fold 6, specializing in making it lighter and stronger. Samsung claimed at its Unpacked briefing that the hinge carries a number of enhancements, together with enhancements added to make it extra sturdy, utilizing a twin rail hinge, and being proof against shock. The telephone snaps solidly when folded and offers confidence in on a regular basis use.

Leaping to the crease – probably the most controversial matter for a foldable machine. There’s good and dangerous information. Unhealthy first, it’s nonetheless there (very a lot seen). The excellent news is that the crease is additional decreased, and Samsung is ensuring to enhance the hinge mechanism with each iteration. The primary display screen will get a brand new safety this yr, although Samsung hasn’t given specifics. We all know that it’s thicker and extra sturdy to last more.

The primary display screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 options 7.6-inches

You get the telephone, normal documentation, a SIM ejector device, and a USB Kind-C cable within the retail field. I might like Samsung to think about including a case within the retail bins of the foldables, contemplating the worth tag they carry, and even making it a bundle of some type. For customers, something added as a bundle is at all times a welcome addition.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Show: Finest show on a Samsung foldable, but

• Show – 7.6-inch primary display screen & 6.3-inch cowl display screen
• Show kind – Dynamic LTPO AMOLED
• Show safety – Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (cowl display screen)

As talked about, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 stacks nicely and ranks amongst flagship-grade smartphones. The show stands out and impressed me probably the most. Whereas there’s hardly any change on paper in comparison with its predecessor, the Fold 6 nonetheless outshines Fold 5 with its show efficiency. The Fold 6 includes a broader cowl display screen – with a minor bump – measures 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches on the Fold 5. The primary display screen presents a display screen decision of 1856×2160 pixels and 374PPI pixel density, whereas the duvet display screen presents 968×2376 pixels and 410PPI pixel density.

The Fold 6 presents a 91 % screen-to-body ratio

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 presents a superb show (primary and canopy) for on a regular basis duties. Be it gaming, multitasking, searching, streaming, studying, or extra. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 presents a peak brightness of 2600nits, and the daylight legibility is superb. The adaptive 120Hz refresh price guarantees smoother animations and buttery transitions in on a regular basis utilization. The Fold 6 helps each HDR10+ and HDR10 requirements whereas, as anticipated, it comes with Widevine L1 certification.

The 7.6-inch primary display screen is likely one of the finest you will discover for multimedia consumption. The under-display selfie digital camera on the principle display screen hides nearly completely, and you may take full benefit of the true property.

Apparently, Fold 6 is wider than Fold 5; nonetheless, the principle display screen specs do not change. Samsung has translated a slight bump in width with improved decision and side ratio. The duvet display screen is now simpler to make use of because of a wider 6.3-inch measurement, which makes it very best for typing fast texts, emails or chatting on social media apps.

The duvet display screen on the Fold 6 measures 6.3 inches and presents 410PPI pixel density

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Efficiency: Setting the benchmark for different foldables

• Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
• RAM – 12GB LPDDR5X
• Storage – 256GB/512GB/ 1TB UFS 4.0

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and the telephone feels snappy in real-world efficiency. It does not miss a beat – be it multitasking, gaming, streaming, picture or video modifying. The Galaxy Fold 6 outshines all different 2024 foldables within the efficiency division. Gaming is dealt with easily, and I had fun making an attempt out Name of Obligation: Cell and Asphalt Legends Unite on the Fold 6. Apparently, Samsung selected to go for a bigger vapour chamber on the Fold 6, which has paid off. I did not discover any heating points, thanks to raised thermal administration.

The telephone options 12GB of RAM and is available in three storage variants

When you’ve got ever puzzled if foldables can deal with heavy-duty duties, then Galaxy Z Fold 6 is right here to reply that query. In our artificial benchmark exams, Fold 6 carried out excellently, which was anticipated, and you may discover the leads to the desk under.

The speaker on the Fold 6 is succesful and loud sufficient to fill a small room. The readability can be wonderful. The decision high quality is implausible, and the foldable can comfortably latch to networks in low community zones. I had a good time typing on the duvet display screen of the Fold 6 and seen that it packs a robust haptic motor. It is good that Samsung has caught up on fundamentals whereas masking the premium finish of the spectrum. Good work total within the efficiency division by Fold 6.

The Galaxy Fold 6 packs stereo audio system

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Software program and AI: Including worth

• Software program – One UI 6.1.1
• Model – Android 14
• Newest safety patch – June, 2024

The Galaxy Fold 6 runs One UI 6.1.1 based mostly on Android 14, and recently, you probably have used a premium Galaxy machine, there’s little to have a look at right here. You can be handled with a well-recognized UI with minimal bloatware. The transition from the duvet to the principle display screen is clean, and most apps open easily with no stutter. Samsung guarantees seven years of Android and safety updates on the Fold 6, which ought to outlive the telephone itself – in case somebody buys a telephone now and plans to maintain it until 2031. It is a good factor to have, for instance, the IP ranking in your telephone. You would possibly by no means use it when water can spill on the machine, however the safety offers you peace of thoughts.

Samsung’s new foldables – Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 include a bunch of AI options. This manner, Samsung ensures it stays forward of the AI curve that rivals are slowly pushing out with their new telephones. Principally, the iPhone 16 subsequent month can be Apple’s subsequent massive wager with AI.

Each Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 include a bunch of AI options

However, for Samsung, the bottom was ready in January solely when the corporate unveiled the S24 collection with your entire Galaxy AI push. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are simply carrying that ahead and in a great way. I talked about them intimately in my Flip 6 evaluate, however most of these AI options are enjoyable to play on the Fold 6, because of extra display screen actual property supplied right here.

I’ll begin with my favorite decide, and that is the Notes app from Samsung. The Be aware help brings a bunch of AI options like auto-formating, summarising notes, transcribing and summarising voice recording, auto-generating covers based mostly on content material in notes, fixing grammar and spelling, and translating textual content in notes. It additionally presents PDF overlay translation for fast translation of PDF paperwork – a characteristic you will not discover free of charge on the Web. Throughout my evaluate of the Fold 6, the Notes app was on my house display screen and was my go-to app for a number of work-related duties.

Sketch to picture was one other of my favorite AI options on Fold 6 and was a enjoyable technique to discover the artistic aspect of a foul painter. The characteristic is so good that it makes you’re feeling you’ll be able to draw. However that is simply AI doing the heavy lifting for you. I additionally tried the Interpreter characteristic’s dialog mode, which might translate in real-time and labored flawlessly.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 runs OneUI 6.1.1 out of the field based mostly on Android 14

Portrait Studio can convert your portraits to 3D cartoons or any most well-liked accessible types, whereas Picture Help offers you AI picture modifying instruments. The Fold 6 is a superb telephone should you love studying, and the searching help characteristic can assist you summarise a webpage textual content and even assist with translations. If you happen to want chat help, AI can provide assist by means of the Chat help characteristic, which might compose textual content based mostly in your request and likewise help you with altering the textual content’s tonality and checking grammar.

Portrait Studio characteristic in motion on the Fold 6

All of those options mixed can assist along with your day by day duties, however provided that you employ them appropriately and, after all, if they’re useful in your work. For me, most of those have been very helpful and enjoyable to discover.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Digicam: First rate however not the perfect on the market

• Fundamental digital camera – 50-megapixel, Twin Pixel PDAF, OIS, f/1.8 aperture, AF
• Telephoto digital camera – 10-megapixel, PDAF, 3x zoom
• Extremely-wide digital camera – 12-megapixel, f/2.2 aperture
• Selfie – 4-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture & 10-megapixel cowl display screen entrance digital camera with f/2.2 aperture

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs the rear digital camera setup we noticed on the Fold 5 and Fold 4. The massive change this time is the upgraded ultrawide sensor for higher low-light pictures. The selfie cameras are additionally the identical as what we noticed final yr.

The first digital camera is a 50-megapixel sensor

Leaping straight to the digital camera outcomes, the Fold 6, whatever the digital camera {hardware}, takes some superb daylight photographs. Loads of particulars and pictures are colour-accurate, vivid and vibrant in most well-lit conditions. Photographs have a superb dynamic vary, and autofocus works nicely. It captures respectable pores and skin tones in portraits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 daylight digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

Even the bokeh photographs got here out nicely. I beloved the depth estimation on Fold 6, which was correct in most portrait photographs.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

Coming to the ultrawide digital camera, the pictures are respectable in daylight conditions, with ample particulars and a very good dynamic vary. Nevertheless, one surprising information is that there isn’t any autofocus on this digital camera, which suggests should you attempt to use Fold 6 as your point-and-shoot digital camera, chances are you’ll find yourself with some outcomes with comfortable focus. The telephoto digital camera can be a succesful one.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

In low-light situations, pictures barely get sketchy due to many components, together with irregular autofocusing. There are excessive ranges of noise in low-light pictures in addition to underexposed topics in a number of of our samples.

One other downside was within the zooming division. The Fold 6 is not a telephone that takes good zoom photographs, and there isn’t any doubt about it.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 evening digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

The 4-megapixel under-display digital camera on the principle display screen is finest used for video calls and is now not apt for social media uploads. The ten-megapixel digital camera, however, is healthier for social media uploads and does a superb job in each lighting scenario. Samsung has additionally barely improved video high quality on the Fold 6.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 could not win the perfect digital camera award in premium smartphones. However it packs succesful cameras. It is simply that I would like to match each side of the machine, holding the worth in thoughts, and that units my bar excessive for the Fold 6 to match.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Battery: Nonetheless catching up

• Battery capability – 4,400mAh
• Charging price – 25W (wired) & 15W wi-fi
• No charging adapter within the field

The battery division is barely touched by Samsung this yr for the Fold 6. It is like the corporate selected to keep away from bumping battery capability to make sure that the load stays decrease than final yr’s Fold 5. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs a 4,400mAh battery, and it lasted almost for a day with combined utilization the place I spent probably the most time with the duvet display screen, whereas for duties like studying tales, modifying, and streaming, I ended up utilizing the inside show. Contemplating the battery specs have not modified, Fold 6’s battery efficiency is kind of much like that of Fold 5. In our video loop take a look at, the Fold 6 lasted for 20 hours and 24 minutes, throughout which we ran the movies on the larger inside show, which was spectacular.

The Fold 6 sports activities a 120Hz refresh price

Battery life apart, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 disappoints in charging speeds. Samsung, for causes it is aware of finest, is holding on to 25W quick charging help at a time when Android flagships priced upwards of lakh help minimal 65W charging speeds. Through the evaluate, we seen that the Fold 6 costs from 0 to 50% in half-hour. Nevertheless, full charging takes over 100 minutes, which is not good for a telephone that prices nearly a bomb.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Overview: Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the perfect foldable but from the home of Samsung. It delivers on so many issues it guarantees, and it’s a boon for multitaskers. The shows are among the finest on the foldables I’ve used; efficiency is snappy, whereas software program with AI options is a USP. The extra time you spend with Fold 6, the extra you’ll be a fan of the shape issue – particularly the use instances it presents, which really feel like a number of gadgets are rolled into one. In a time when smartphone producers are slowly getting bullish on AI options on their gadgets, Samsung can proudly boast that it has efficiently built-in a bunch, they usually work fantastic.

The highest-of-the-line Fold 6 variant with 1TB storage prices Rs. 200,999

It is a supremely succesful foldable smartphone, however it could not outright beat different Android flagships, together with the Galaxy S24 Extremely. The reason being easy: it isn’t meant for that. So, why do you have to purchase it? If you wish to expertise a refined book-style foldable smartphone with tons of AI goodness and top-notch efficiency, then Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the telephone for you. It presents among the finest UI experiences you’ll be able to’t get on different foldables just like the OnePlus Open (Overview) and Vivo X Fold 3 Professional (Overview). The software program help promise is the cherry on the cake. Now, let’s speak about some issues. The most important downside is that foldables don’t attraction to everybody, and the second is the pricing of the Fold 6. Due to the folding type issue, it’s fragile in comparison with different telephones with a bar design and appeals to a distinct segment audience. After all, the pricing is on the excessive aspect.

Speaking about options, the Galaxy S24 Extremely (Overview) presents nearly every thing that Fold 6 presents at a lesser value, minus the fold design. OnePlus Open and Vivo’s X Fold 3 Professional are additionally accessible should you strictly need a book-style foldable aside from Fold 6.