Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: A Worthy Upgrade for Existing Fold Series Users

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has been caught in a cycle of repetitive iterations for the past few years as the competition has drastically improved. However, with the new Galaxy Z Fold 6, it appears Samsung has finally made a meaningful leap forward. This latest model brings significant enhancements that make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those who already own a previous Galaxy Fold device.

Design and Build: Slimmer, Sleeker, and More Refined

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 may not look drastically different from its predecessors at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals a series of thoughtful design changes. The device is slightly wider, thinner, and lighter than the Fold 5. These incremental adjustments culminate in a device that feels significantly better in the hand. Samsung has managed to trim the Fold 6 down to 12.1mm in thickness from the 13.4mm of the Fold 5, making it sleeker and more comfortable to hold.

For context, I have been using a Galaxy Z Fold 4, and while the Fold 5 didn’t compel me to upgrade, the Fold 6 immediately felt like a substantial improvement. The reduced thickness and refined design make it feel more modern and polished, addressing one of the major complaints about the previous models being too chunky.

Display: Wider and More Usable

One of the most notable changes in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the width of the display. Previous models were criticized for having a narrow outer display that many users found impractical. The Fold 6 addresses this by making the device 1mm wider and significantly reducing the hinge and bezel sizes. This seemingly minor adjustment results in a much more user-friendly outer display.

The inner display also benefits from this redesign. The wider aspect ratio makes it feel more expansive and immersive compared to earlier models. The crease, a common concern among foldable phone users, is now much less noticeable. These improvements make the Fold 6’s display one of the best on the market for a foldable device.

Performance and Hardware: Powerful and Efficient

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. This ensures that the device can handle any task with ease, from multitasking to gaming and productivity. The Fold 6 also features a 4,500mAh battery with improved power efficiency, allowing for longer usage times even with the larger displays.

Samsung has also made significant improvements to the hinge mechanism. The new hinge is more durable and smoother, enhancing the overall user experience. The device now supports a wider range of angles for the Flex Mode, making it more versatile for different use cases.

Camera: Enhanced Photography Capabilities

The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has received some notable upgrades as well. The device features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. These enhancements result in better photo and video quality, particularly in low-light conditions.

The front-facing cameras have also been improved, with a 10MP sensor on the outer display and a 16MP under-display camera on the inner screen. This allows for high-quality selfies and video calls, whether the device is folded or unfolded.

Software: Optimized for Foldable Experience

Samsung has continued to refine its software to take full advantage of the foldable form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 runs on One UI 6.0, based on Android 14, which offers a range of features optimized for multitasking and productivity. The device supports multi-window mode, allowing users to run up to three apps simultaneously on the main display. This is particularly useful for professionals and power users who need to juggle multiple tasks at once.

Samsung has also improved the continuity between the outer and inner displays. Apps now transition more seamlessly when switching between the folded and unfolded states, providing a more cohesive user experience.

Competition: Still Playing Catch-Up

Despite these significant improvements, Samsung still faces stiff competition in the foldable market. The OnePlus Open, widely regarded as the best foldable of last year, continues to outshine the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in several areas. Google’s upcoming Pixel Fold 2 (or Pixel 9 Pro Fold) also looks promising, with innovative features and cutting-edge technology. Brands like Honor are also pushing the boundaries of what foldable devices can achieve, raising the bar for the entire industry.

A Worthwhile Upgrade with Room for Improvement

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is undoubtedly a significant upgrade for existing Fold series users. The refined design, wider displays, improved performance, and enhanced camera system make it a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade from an older model. However, Samsung still needs to innovate further to reclaim its position as the leader in the foldable market.

The company’s reluctance to make bold changes has cost it the crown in the foldable space. To regain its leadership, Samsung must tap into the ambition that made it the first to deliver a mass-market foldable device. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a step in the right direction, but the next iteration needs to break the mold and introduce truly groundbreaking features.

For now, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an excellent upgrade for loyal Samsung users, offering a blend of refinement and innovation that makes it one of the best foldable phones currently available. As the foldable market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Samsung responds to the ever-increasing competition.