Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung continues to refine its foldable phone lineup with the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 6. This latest iteration brings subtle yet impactful changes that enhance the overall experience while competing against the rising stars in the foldable market, such as the Motorola Razr Plus 2024. In this detailed hands-on review, we explore the new features, design tweaks, and how the Galaxy Z Flip 6 stacks up against the competition.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 maintains a similar design language to its predecessor but introduces small refinements that make a big difference. The phone's frame is now completely flat and sports a matte finish, giving it a more premium and solid feel. This design choice is reminiscent of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, which has received positive reviews for its aesthetics.
The color options for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 include Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, and Mint. Exclusive colors available on Samsung.com are Crafted Black, White, and Peach. The Crafted Black, in particular, stands out as a sleek and sophisticated choice, although it was not available for hands-on testing.
Improved Durability
One of the most notable improvements is the inclusion of dust resistance, with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 now boasting an IP48 rating. This enhancement provides peace of mind, ensuring that the device is more durable and can withstand various environmental challenges.
Display and Hinge Enhancements
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 retains the same display size and resolution as the previous model but brings significant improvements to the hinge mechanism. The crease on the main display, a common issue with foldable phones, is now much less noticeable. This advancement brings the Galaxy Z Flip 6 closer to the smooth display experience of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024.
However, Samsung has not upgraded the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming rate on the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24, which feature improved PWM rates, the Flip 6 still operates at a 240Hz PWM rate. This may cause discomfort for users sensitive to flickering lights.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. This powerful combination ensures smooth performance and better handling of on-device AI features. Samsung has introduced several new functionalities, such as a dual-screen interpreter mode that translates conversations on the cover screen and suggests replies for messages directly from the cover screen.
The FlexCam feature has also been enhanced with a new Center Stage-like function that frames you in the photo as you move, zooming in and out accordingly. While it doesn't always work perfectly, it's a promising addition that could be particularly useful for capturing dynamic moments.
Camera Upgrades
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 sees an upgrade in its camera system with a 50MP primary sensor, offering 2x optical zoom and improved low-light performance. These enhancements are expected to deliver better photo quality, building on the decent performance of last year's model.
Battery and Charging
The device is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, supporting 25W wired charging, 15W fast wireless charging 2.0, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. These capabilities ensure that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 can keep up with the demands of modern users, providing ample power and convenient charging options.
User Experience and Cover Screen Functionality
Despite the improvements, the Galaxy Z Flip 6's cover screen functionality remains a point of contention. While the cover screen is large and vibrant, Samsung continues to limit its usability by not allowing access to all apps. Instead, the focus is on panels and widgets, which have received upgrades like interactive and AI-generated wallpapers.
This approach contrasts sharply with Motorola's strategy for the Razr Plus 2024, which offers a larger cover screen with more extensive app access. This difference may influence users who prioritize cover screen functionality in their foldable phone experience.
Pricing and Market Position
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is priced at $1100 for the base model, marking a $100 increase from the previous version. This price point places it in direct competition with the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, which is priced at $999. Additionally, Motorola has launched a cheaper Razr 2024 model with similar design and specs for just $699.
Samsung offers early buyers a storage upgrade, doubling the 256GB model to 512GB, which could be a compelling incentive for those willing to pay the premium price.
A Mixed Bag of Improvements and Limitations
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings several welcome improvements, particularly in design, durability, and camera capabilities. However, the limitations of the cover screen functionality and the unchanged PWM rate may deter some users. The increased price also raises questions about its competitiveness in a market where foldable phones are becoming more affordable.
As the foldable phone battle intensifies, Samsung must continue to innovate and address user feedback to maintain its leadership position. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a step in the right direction, but there's still room for improvement to meet the evolving demands of foldable phone enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (1-120Hz), 2640 x 1080 resolution, 22:9 aspect ratio, 2600 nits |
| Cover display | 3.4-inch AMOLED, 60Hz, 720 x 748, 306 ppi |
| Operating System | Android 14 (One UI 6.1.1) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Camera 1 | 50MP wide, f1.8, 1.0μm, Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 85˚ |
| Rear Camera 2 | 12MP ultrawide, f2.2, 1.12μm, 123˚ |
| Front-facing Camera | 10MP wide, f2.2, 1.22μm, 85˚ |
| Battery | 4,000mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired charging, 15W fast wireless charging 2.0, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Weight | 187g |
| Dimensions (folded) | 71.9 x 85.1 x 14.9mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded) | 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm |
| Protection | IP48, Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (cover display, rear panel), PET screen protector (inner display) |
| Colors | Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, Mint |
| Samsung.com exclusive colors | Crafted Black, White, Peach |
For those interested in the latest foldable phone technology, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a mix of refined design, enhanced durability, and upgraded camera features. However, potential buyers should weigh these improvements against the limitations of the cover screen functionality and the higher price point. Pre-orders are available now, with the device set to hit stores on July 24.
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