Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Buy It or Skip It? A Detailed Review
Galaxy Z Fold 6 Snapshot
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Inner Display | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED (2,160 x 1,856), 20.9:18 aspect ratio |
Outer Display | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2,376 x 968), 22.1:9 aspect ratio |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz adaptive (inner and outer displays) |
Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
RAM | 12GB |
Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Rear Cameras | 50MP main wide-angle (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP telephoto (f/2.4) with 3X optical zoom |
Selfie Cameras | 10MP (f/2.2, outer), 4MP (f/1.8, inner) |
Battery | 4,400 mAh |
Dimensions (Folded) | 6 x 2.68 x 0.47 inches |
Dimensions (Unfolded) | 6 x 5.2 x 0.22 inches |
Weight | 8.4 oz (239 grams) |
IP Rating | IP48 |
Price | From $1,899 / £1,799 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Pricing and Release Date
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is priced from $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,749 for the 256GB storage option, which is $100 higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 5. For the 512GB variant, the cost is $2,019 / £1,899 / AU$2,949, and the 1TB model is priced at $2,259 / £2,099 / AU$3,299. Each model includes 12GB of RAM.
Powerful Performance and Gaming Capabilities
As expected from a flagship device featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers ample power for multitasking and demanding gaming. The larger vapor chamber in the phone also helps deliver improved sustained performance.
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Geekbench (Multi/Single Core): 6,901 / 2,172
- Adobe Premiere Rush: 40.35 seconds
- 3DMark Solar Bay: 7,513 / 29 fps
Galaxy Z Fold 5:
- Geekbench (Multi/Single Core): 5,498 / 2,078
- Adobe Premiere Rush: 41.75 seconds
- 3DMark Solar Bay: 5,625 / 21.4 fps
OnePlus Open:
- Geekbench (Multi/Single Core): 4,935 / 1,552
- Adobe Premiere Rush: 68 seconds
- 3DMark Solar Bay: 5,360 / 20.4 fps
Google Pixel Fold:
- Geekbench (Multi/Single Core): 3,849 / 1,387
- Adobe Premiere Rush: 60 seconds
- 3DMark Solar Bay: Not supported
On Geekbench 6, which assesses overall performance, the Z Fold 6 scored approximately 6,900 in multicore and 2,170 in single-core tests. These scores are more than double those of the Tensor G2-powered Pixel Fold and surpass the OnePlus Open, although we anticipate faster future versions of these foldables with newer processors.
In our Adobe Premiere Rush test, which transcodes 4K video to 1080p, the Z Fold 6 completed the task in around 40 seconds, significantly quicker than the competition, which typically takes a minute or longer.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also outperformed the OnePlus in the 3DMark Solar Bay ray-tracing test, achieving a frame rate of 29 fps compared to 20 fps for the OnePlus.
Gameplay on Diablo Immortal was smooth, even during intense scenes with many enemies on screen. The action remained steady as I executed my blades and special attacks against bosses, wolves, and spiders.
Battery Life Could Be Improved
Although the Z Fold 6 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, we hoped for better battery performance. Yet, our Tom’s Guide battery test, which measures continuous web surfing over 5G at 150 nits brightness, did not reflect a substantial boost.Smartphone Battery Life: A Comparative Look
When evaluating the battery performance of flagship smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open, and Google Pixel offer distinct results.
- Galaxy Z Fold 6: The battery lasts for approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes. This impressive duration highlights its capability to support heavy usage throughout the day.
- OnePlus Open: Users can expect a battery life of around 11 hours and 31 minutes. This extended lifespan is ideal for those who need their device to last through long hours of use without recharging.
- Google Pixel: With a battery life of 10 hours and 21 minutes, the Pixel provides solid performance, though slightly less than the OnePlus Open.
These varying battery life figures reflect the differences in performance and usage expectations among these leading devices.
Cameras: Continually Outstanding
Don’t expect major changes between the cameras of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and its predecessor, the Fold 5. However, that’s not a negative aspect, as both phones deliver outstanding photo quality. Samsung’s cameras are known for their bold, slightly oversaturated images, and the Z Fold 6 continues this tradition. The new model steps up its game in low-light conditions, producing more vivid and brighter photos. Still, achieving optimal results in Night mode depends on your ability to keep the camera steady.
The Z Fold 6 features a powerful 50MP f/1.8 main camera with dual-pixel autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and an 85-degree field of view. By default, it employs pixel-binning to generate 12MP images with sharp clarity and vibrant color. For those who demand even greater detail, the full 50MP mode provides enhanced resolution and reduced contrast.
Design: A Refreshing Twist on the
| Device | Closed Dimensions (HWD) | Open Dimensions (HWD) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 | 6.04 x 2.68 x 0.48 inches | 6.04 x 5.22 x 0.22 inches | 8.43 ounces |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | 6.10 x 2.64 x 0.53 inches | 6.10 x 5.11 x 0.24 inches | 8.92 ounces |
| Google Pixel Fold | 5.50 x 3.10 x 0.50 inches | 5.50 x 6.24 x 0.23 inches | 9.98 ounces |
The Z Fold 6 and Fold 5 feature the same button and port layout. The volume rocker and power button/fingerprint sensor are situated on the right edge. The fingerprint sensor functions effectively with minimal errors, and Samsung has improved it to allow fingerprint recognition even when the device is closed—a feature absent in the Z Fold 5. Face Unlock is also available, though it is less secure. A USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer is located at the bottom right of the open device, and dual speaker grilles are positioned at the top left and bottom left of the frame. The grilles on the Z Fold 6 have a sleek, slit-like design, unlike the nine distinct holes found on the Z Fold 5. The SIM tray on the left frame accommodates one physical nano-SIM, and the Z Fold 6 also supports eSIM.
The front screen and back panel of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the same material used for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Corning claims that this updated glass better withstands drops on rough surfaces compared to the original Victus. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features the newer Gorilla Armor, which offers improved scratch resistance, enhanced drop protection, and reduces screen reflections by 75%. Given the higher starting prices of the Galaxy Z Fold series, it would be beneficial to see them incorporate similar advanced materials as the S24 Ultra.
For the Z Fold 6's frame, Samsung has utilized a fortified Armor Aluminum that is 10% stronger than the Armor Aluminum used in the Fold 5. Additionally, the Z Fold 6 introduces official dust resistance, earning an IP48 rating, which surpasses the IPX8 rating of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Both models are capable of withstanding water submersion, but the Z Fold 6 also provides protection against the ingress of particles 1mm or larger. In comparison, the Pixel Fold has an IPX8 rating.
The build quality of the Z Fold 6 is exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout. The most noticeable design changes are the squarer corners and increased width. Fans of the Galaxy Note and S24 Ultra will recognize the pressure from the corners, although some users might find them uncomfortable at first. While I noticed the corners initially, they became more natural to handle after a few hours. Holding the closed Fold 6 by the hinge side is more comfortable due to the curved design of the hinge. I found the Z Fold 6 more comfortable to use when open rather than closed, thanks to the improved weight distribution.
The hinge functions smoothly with just the right amount of resistance, allowing the device to maintain angles between approximately 45 and 135 degrees; outside of this range, it either snaps open or closed. Like its predecessors, the Z Fold 6 is expected to endure up to 200,000 folds. In contrast, OnePlus asserts that its foldable phone, the OnePlus Open, can handle up to a million folds.
On the rear, three cameras are arranged in a raised, pill-shaped module with a flash located to the right. The rest of the back features a colored panel. The Z Fold 6 is available in Pink, Navy, or Silver Shadow (the color of my test unit). Samsung also offers two exclusive colors on its website: Crafted Black or White. The matte finish on the back, frame, and hinge gives the Z Fold 6 a refined appearance, though the back of my test unit was prone to showing smudges.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 supports the S Pen stylus on its inner screen, but it is sold separately. Samsung confirms that any S Pen compatible with previous Z Fold models will also function with the Z Fold 6.
