Introduction
When the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was announced, I knew I had to get my hands on it. As a long-time fan of their flagship devices and a tech enthusiast always craving the next big thing, the idea of a foldable phone was too tempting to resist. Transitioning from the Galaxy S24 Ultra—Samsung’s top-tier non-folding smartphone—I was eager to see how the Fold 6 would compare, especially since this was my first experience with a foldable device. Could the Fold 6 truly redefine the smartphone experience? Let’s dive into my comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that struck me about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 was its premium build quality. Despite being a phone that folds in half, it measures just 12.1mm thick when folded, which is impressive for a device of its kind. The Armor Aluminum frame feels sturdy, and the hinge mechanism operates smoothly, instilling confidence in its durability. After months of daily use, the hinge shows no signs of wear, and the folding action remains as satisfying as ever.
However, using a protective case adds a bit of bulk, particularly around the hinge, making the device feel less sleek compared to the 8.6mm thickness of the S24 Ultra. The Fold 6 has an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance, which is a step down from the S24 Ultra’s IP68 rating. While it’s reassuring to have some level of protection, the foldable design does introduce more vulnerability to the elements.
Display Experience
One of the main attractions of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is its expansive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display with a resolution of 2160 x 1856 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The cover display is a 6.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2376 x 968 pixels, also featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. This dual-display setup offers a unique user experience.
When unfolded, the main display is perfect for media consumption and gaming. Playing Roblox with my son or diving into Need for Speed feels incredibly immersive. The large screen makes visuals pop, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth animations. Games like Roblox adapt well to the unconventional aspect ratio, filling the screen beautifully.
Watching videos is a mixed bag. While the larger screen enhances the viewing experience, the 5:4 aspect ratio means that most videos display with sizable black bars. Even so, I find myself preferring the unfolded screen over the cover display because the sheer size adds to the enjoyment, despite the imperfect fit.
In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch display with a traditional 19.5:9 aspect ratio (3088 x 1440 pixels) offers a more consistent experience for standard media formats. Apps like TikTok and Instagram Reels fit perfectly on the S24 Ultra, whereas on the Fold 6, text and content can sometimes be cut off or improperly scaled, especially on the cover screen.
As for the crease in the foldable display, it’s noticeable at first but fades into the background during regular use. When the screen is on and you’re engaged with content, your eyes naturally overlook it. However, in bright lighting or when viewing solid colors, the crease can become more apparent.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the S24 Ultra are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and come with 12GB of RAM. Whether I’m multitasking, gaming, or running demanding apps, the Fold 6 handles everything with ease. I haven’t experienced any lag, slowdowns, or overheating issues. The performance is on par with the S24 Ultra, making daily operations smooth and efficient.
The Fold 6 offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, similar to the S24 Ultra. However, neither device supports expandable storage via microSD card, so choose your storage capacity wisely based on your needs.
Battery Life
The Fold 6 is equipped with a 4,400 mAh battery, while the S24 Ultra boasts a larger 5,000 mAh battery. Despite the Fold 6 having a slightly smaller battery and powering a larger main display, I found the battery life to be surprisingly robust. On a typical day involving web browsing, social media, gaming, and video streaming, the Fold 6 comfortably lasts through the day.
Charging speeds differ between the two devices. The Fold 6 supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, whereas the S24 Ultra offers faster 45W wired charging alongside the same 15W wireless charging capability. In practice, this means the S24 Ultra can recharge more quickly, which is convenient if you’re often on the go and need a rapid top-up.
Camera Quality
For someone like me who frequently uses their phone for vlogging and content creation, the camera system is a critical factor. Here’s where the Galaxy Z Fold 6 doesn’t quite match up to the S24 Ultra.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 50MP wide-angle lens
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP lens
- Telephoto Camera: 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom
- Front Cameras:
- Cover Screen: 10MP selfie camera
- Under-Display Camera: 4MP on the main screen
Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 200MP wide-angle lens
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP lens
- Periscope Telephoto Camera: 50MP lens with 5x optical zoom
- Telephoto Camera: 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 12MP selfie camera
The absence of the 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom on the Fold 6 is noticeable. On the S24 Ultra, this lens allows for stunning close-up shots without loss of detail. The Fold 6’s 3x telephoto lens doesn’t offer the same level of clarity when zooming in, and digital zoom beyond 3x results in significant quality degradation.
That said, the Fold 6 introduces some unique photography features:
- Hands-Free Shooting: By folding the phone at a 90-degree angle, you can set it on a flat surface for stable, hands-free shots or videos—a built-in tripod of sorts. This has been incredibly useful for vlogging and capturing group photos without needing extra equipment.
- Rear Camera Selfies: You can use the high-quality rear cameras for selfies by utilizing the cover screen as a viewfinder. This results in better image quality compared to the under-display front camera, which, at 4MP, is serviceable but not exceptional.
While the Fold 6’s camera system is competent for everyday photography, it doesn’t match the versatility and superior image quality of the S24 Ultra, especially in low-light conditions and high-zoom scenarios.
Software Experience and Multitasking
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 runs Samsung’s One UI, which has been optimized for the foldable experience. The interface smoothly transitions between the cover display and the main screen, and apps often pick up right where you left off when switching between screens.
Multitasking Capabilities
The Fold 6 shines in its ability to handle multiple apps simultaneously:
- Split-Screen Mode: You can run up to three apps on the main display at once, which is great for productivity tasks like emailing while referencing documents or watching a video while browsing social media.
- App Continuity: Apps seamlessly adjust when switching between folded and unfolded states.
- Edge Panel: A sidebar that provides quick access to your favorite apps and app pairs.
Personally, I don’t utilize multitasking features extensively, but for users who crave productivity on the go, the Fold 6 offers a laptop-like experience in your pocket.
App Optimization
Not all apps are fully optimized for the Fold 6’s unique aspect ratios. While Samsung and major developers have made strides in supporting foldable screens, some apps display with black bars or awkward scaling, particularly on the cover display. It’s not a deal-breaker but can be an occasional annoyance.
Unique Foldable Features
The foldable design introduces several features that enhance the user experience:
- Flex Mode: When the phone is partially folded, certain apps adjust their layout to make use of the two halves of the screen. For example, in the camera app, the viewfinder appears on the top half while controls are on the bottom.
- S Pen Support: The Fold 6 supports the S Pen Fold Edition, allowing for precise input and note-taking. This is a boon for creatives and professionals who like to sketch or jot down ideas on the fly.
- Gaming and Media: The large main display offers a tablet-like experience without the bulk. Games that adapt to the screen look and play beautifully, and reading articles or ebooks is more comfortable on the eyes.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After several months with the Fold 6, I’m pleased to report that it holds up well to daily use:
- Hinge Mechanism: Remains smooth with no loosening or creaking.
- Screen Protection: The Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) is more durable than previous generations, but it’s still more susceptible to scratches than traditional glass screens. A screen protector is highly recommended.
- Water and Dust Resistance: The IP48 rating means it’s protected against splashes and light rain, but you should be cautious around dust and sand, which can interfere with the hinge mechanism.
Price and Value Assessment
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with a premium price tag, starting at $1,899, compared to the S24 Ultra’s starting price of $1,299. The question is whether the foldable experience justifies the extra cost.
For media enthusiasts, gamers, and those who value cutting-edge technology, the Fold 6 offers a unique experience that’s unmatched by traditional smartphones. However, if camera performance and durability are your top priorities, the S24 Ultra provides better value with its superior camera system and more robust water and dust resistance.
Final Thoughts
So, should you make the leap to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6?
Who It’s For:
- Tech Enthusiasts: If you love being on the cutting edge of technology and want a device that stands out, the Fold 6 is a thrilling choice.
- Media Consumers: The large, vibrant main display enhances gaming, video watching, and reading.
- Productivity Users: Multitasking features and S Pen support make it a mini workstation.
Who Might Hesitate:
- Photographers and Content Creators: If top-tier camera performance is non-negotiable, the S24 Ultra remains the better option.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The high price point may not be justifiable for everyone.
- Durability Concerned Users: The foldable design, while improved, is still more delicate than traditional smartphones.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an impressive feat of engineering that offers a glimpse into the future of smartphones. It excels in delivering a unique and immersive user experience but comes with trade-offs in camera quality and durability. For me, while I thoroughly enjoy the large screen and innovative features, I find myself missing the unparalleled camera capabilities of the S24 Ultra.
If Samsung could combine the Fold 6’s foldable form factor with the S24 Ultra’s camera system, it would be the perfect device in my eyes. Until then, the choice between the two comes down to what you value most in a smartphone.
What are your thoughts on foldable phones? Would you make the switch? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. All opinions expressed are my own.