Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs Z Fold 5: A Comprehensive Comparison of Foldable Flagships

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs Z Fold 5: Which premium model should you buy?

Samsung just took the wraps off of its latest foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but how does it compare to last year's model? I break down the details. Samsung this week announced a handful of new devices at its Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, and one of the most exciting was its new flagship foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Improving on last year's model, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is slightly lighter yet way more durable, with a new IP48 water and dust resistance rating and improved physical design. Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked July 2024 But some of the most exciting features of the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 are its integrations with other Samsung wearable devices, such as the new Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring, both of which made their debut this week as well. However, there are plenty of reasons to go for Samsung's flagship foldable from last year, as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains one of the most powerful foldables on the market in 2024 (while costing a little less). If you're having trouble deciding between the two, let's break down the key differences. Some of the best features of the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 are those that integrate with the other new wearables that Samsung announced this week, such as the new Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Ring, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The new Galaxy Ring, for example, pairs with the smartphone via a much-anticipated location-tracking app that allows you to find the ring should it become lost. For users with the Galaxy Buds 3 earbuds, the Interpreter mode translates audio in real time while they're connected to the smartphone. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. OnePlus Open: Which foldable phone should you buy? In addition, new double-pinch gestures with the ring can activate certain actions on the smartphone, such as snapping a photo or turning off an alarm. And to sweeten the deal, if you preorder one of the new wearables, Samsung is giving you $50 off the purchase of the new Galaxy Z Fold 6. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is slightly more durable than its predecessor, earning an IP48 water and dust resistance rating. This means it resists dust and dirt particles less than 1mm and can survive being submerged in up to 5 feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. In practice, that means this phone will have absolutely no problem being dropped in the sink (or other unmentionable household water sources). Also: How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch Ultra, and new Galaxy Ring In addition, the device's physical body has increased durability with its dual-rail hinge design, which Samsung says greatly improves its shock distribution. The folding edge also has enhanced resistance to pressure and sharp objects, making the Galaxy Z Fold 6 not only durable for a foldable, but also durable for a smartphone. It's no surprise that many of the new features on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are centered around AI functionality, and the device's large screen makes it well-suited for some of the most impressive new features. It might seem obvious, but the biggest reason to spring for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the price. While the new version comes with a list of flashy new AI features and integrations, many of the core specifications of these two phones are very similar. In fact, the phone's memory and storage configurations remain the same, and so does the battery capacity. If you're willing to wait a little longer, we'll likely see additional discounts on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 once the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is generally available on July 24th and then again in the fall.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs Z Flip 5: Key differences you should know before buying

With the Galaxy Z Flip 6 launching, you may wonder if the new model is worth the upgrade and how it stacks up to the previous version. Here's the breakdown. This week's Galaxy Unpacked event opened the doors to a slew of new and exciting tech, including two new wearable devices. The event also showcased the latest flagship foldable Samsung smartphones, like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Meant to work like an old-school flip phone with a modern AI-powered twist, the new Z Flip 6 isn't your parents' old Motorola Razr -- heck, even the Razr isn't your parents' old flip phone. Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked July 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Smart Ring, more If you want to dive back into the flip phone universe or upgrade from an older device, you may consider the Z Flip 6 and its predecessor, the Z Flip 5. Since Samsung is giving us a largely iterative update, you may not need the latest device and could probably afford to save some cash and go for the Z Flip 5, but both models have their advantages. Let's explore the two. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 may be an iterative upgrade, but the camera takes a big leap forward from the previous model's 12MP main camera to a 50MP one. The new 50MP wide-angle camera supports 2x optical zoom and AI-powered zoom with up to 10x. The FlexCam is also getting an update with new creative features like Auto Zoom, which automatically adjusts the frame by detecting the subject and zooming in and out. Galaxy AI is fully integrated into the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, with new features coming to the FlexWindow and an AI-forward Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. While the 3.4-inch FlexWindow offers new widgets and notification options, it also gives you access to new Galaxy AI features without opening the Z Flip 6. You can quickly reply to texts with suggested replies, a feature that uses AI to analyze the context of the text conversation before offering suggestions. Also: The best foldable phones (and how they compare) The Galaxy Z Flip 6 also features an AI-powered wallpaper option that changes in real time. The Photo Ambient feature changes the wallpaper depending on the time and weather, and can even analyze your wallpaper to suggest where to place the clock and change the frame color. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 are the first foldable phones to get a formal dustproofing score. Although most flagship devices boast an IP68 rating for water resistance and dustproofing, older Samsung foldables have an IPX8 rating. The Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 now have an IP48 rating, which means they can resist dust particles larger than 1mm in size. This may not sound like a big deal, but other foldables, including the latest Motorola Razr Plus (2024), OnePlus Open, Google Pixel Fold, and previous Samsung foldables, have an IPX8 rating or lower. IPX8 indicates that devices can resist continuous water immersion of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. Foldable smartphones aren't as dust-tight and water-resistant as flagship Galaxy S24 devices or iPhones because they've got more hinges and small crevices that can hold particles. Samsung has only made a few upgrades to its flip phone this time, after making some big advancements to performance and the hinge with the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5. The Z Flip 5's Flex Hinge gave the device the more solid feel of a smartphone rather than a device split in two halves, one of the biggest problems with foldables. The hinge also made the device thinner when folded, while also offering a quieter mechanism. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Three features I love Waiting for a bigger upgrade means you could get the Galaxy Z Flip 5 for a discounted price. It's already $100 cheaper than the Z Flip 6, starting at $1,000 at its full price, but the Z Flip 6 launch is sure to drive that cost down, though you can already get up to $500 in trade-in credit. Although Samsung is releasing the Z Flip 6 in six colors, including new Peach and White options, it's also discontinuing the Lavender and Green colors we saw with the Z Flip 5. While color isn't a big deal to many smartphone users, it can be more important for foldable fans, who mostly see the device's exterior when the phone is closed. If you're not excited about the new colors and prefer the Lavender or Green options, it's probably best to stick with the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: What's actually different? | Digital Trends

For years now, Samsung has been one of the dominant leaders in the foldable space. Whether you want a compact flip phone or a phone/tablet hybrid, Samsung's Flip and Fold families have a lot to offer. For the latter, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the latest and greatest addition to the lineup. Contents Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: specsSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: designSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: displaysSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: camerasSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: performance and batterySamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: software and updatesSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: should you upgrade?Show 2 more items If you're in the market for a new foldable, then the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is definitely one to consider. But what if you already have a Galaxy Z Fold 5? Is it worth upgrading? Let's take a closer look at both and see what is actually new and different. Recommended Videos Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: specs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Size 68.1 x 153.5 x 12.1mm (folded) 132.6 x 153.5 x 5.6mm (unfolded) 67.1 x 154.9 x 13.4mm (folded) 129.9 x 154.9 x 6.1mm (unfolded) Weight 239 grams 253 grams Colors Silver Shadow Pink Navy Crafted Black (online exclusive) Purity White (online exclusive) Icy Blue Cream Phantom Black Blue (online exclusive) Gray (online exclusive) Price Starts at $1,900 Starts at $1,800 Cover display 6.3-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2376 x 968 resolution with 22.1:9 aspect ratio at 410 ppi 120Hz refresh rate 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2316 x 904 resolution with 23.1:9 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate Main display 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display 2160 x 1856 resolution with 20.9:18 aspect ratio at 374 ppi 120Hz refresh rate 2,600 nits max brightness 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2176 x 1812 resolution at 373 ppi 120Hz refresh rate Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy RAM 12GB 12GB Storage 256GB 512GB 1TB 256GB 512GB 1TB Rear cameras 50MP main with DPAF, OIS, f/1.8 10MP telephoto with DPAF, OIS, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom 12MP ultrawide with f/2.2, 123-degree FOV 50MP main with DPAF, OIS, f/1.8 10MP telephoto with DPAF, OIS, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom 12MP ultrawide with f/2.2, 123-degree FOV Selfie cameras 10MP with f/2.2 (cover display) 4MP with f/1.8 (inner under-display camera) 10MP with f/2.2 (cover display) 4MP with f/1.8 (inner under-display camera) Battery 4,400mAh 4,400mAh Charging 25W fast charging 15W wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging 25W fast charging 15W wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: design The Galaxy Z Fold 6 looks similar to its predecessor, with just a few minor adjustments to the overall design. Samsung refined the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to make it sleeker and more portable. It now has a perfectly symmetrical design with straight edges, similar to what you'll find on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also uses a new dual rail hinge structure, which is reinforced by the straightened folding edge. Thanks to this new hinge design, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 can better distribute shock from external impacts more evenly. When closed, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures 68.1mm by 153.5mm by 12.1mm. When unfolded, it's 132.6mm by 153.5mm by 5.6mm. The overall weight is just 239 grams, making the Galaxy Z Fold 6 the slimmest and lightest Z Fold device ever. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 measures 154.9mm by 129.9mm by 6.1mm unfolded and 154.9mm by 67.1mm by 13.4mm when closed. It also weighs 253 grams. Although the Fold 5 was never outrageously heavy, the Z Fold 6 is considerably lighter and thinner -- something we really noticed in our Z Fold 6 hands-on. For the Galaxy Z Fold 6, you have three standard colors: Silver Shadow, Pink, and Navy. There are also two exclusive colors only available from Samsung's website: Crafted Black (which has a textured back) and Purity White. These colors are a bit more interesting than what the Galaxy Z Fold 5 came in: Icy Blue, Cream, Phantom Black, or the exclusive blue or gray colors from Samsung's website. If you ever wanted a pink foldable phone, then the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the way to go. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: displays When it comes to a folding phone, one of the most important things to factor in is the display. The Galaxy Z Fold series is known for its tall and narrow cover display, which you probably either love or hate. Samsung made some slight adjustments to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 by tweaking the aspect ratio for a more natural bar-type viewing experience. The 6.3-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display has a 2376 x 968-pixel resolution at 410 pixels per inch (ppi) and a dynamic refresh rate from 1hz to 120Hz. The inner display of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display with a 2160 x 1856 resolution at 374 ppi. The refresh rate is between 1Hz and 120Hz, and it can reach up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness. This time around, Samsung says it added enhanced layers on the inner display to help minimize the crease while maintaining the overall strength. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also has enhanced Armor Aluminum, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and an IP48 water resistance rating, making it much more durable than its predecessor. For comparison sake, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 had a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display with 2316 x 904 resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The inner display was a 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 1812 x 2176 resolution at 373 ppi and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It also had Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, but only an IPX8 rating. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: cameras Unfortunately, Samsung did not make any big changes to the camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is pretty identical to its predecessor in terms of specs. The rear has a triple-lens camera system. The 50-megapixel main camera has dual-pixel autofocus (DPAF), optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture. The ultrawide lens is 12MP and has an f/2.2 aperture and a 123-degree field of view (FOV). Lastly, the telephoto camera is 10MP and features OIS, DPAF, an aperture of f/2.4, and 3x optical zoom. The 12MP ultrawide camera is a new sensor, but otherwise, this is the same camera setup you'll find on last year's phone. There are also two selfie cameras. The camera on the cover display is 10MP with f/2.2, and the under-display inner camera is a measly 4MP with f/1.8 aperture. Thankfully, since this is a foldable, you can use the rear cameras to take selfies because those aren't terribly impressive selfie cameras. The inner display camera should work fine for video calls in a pinch, but it's not the best. If you were hoping for camera upgrades with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, then you'll be quite disappointed. It's not a bad setup by any means, but there also aren't any major improvements compared to the Fold 5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: performance and battery Since the Galaxy Z Fold is one of Samsung's top-tier smartphones, it did not skimp on the hardware. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset inside, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which originally launched with the Galaxy S24 series. Both generations of foldables have 12GB RAM. Though both phones have plenty of power, the more recent processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 edges out that of its predecessor, but only slightly. The newer chip also means that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a bit more processing power for all of the new Galaxy AI features. Storage options for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 did not change from the Fold 5 either. You have three options: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Samsung did not increase the battery capacity for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, unfortunately. It still has the same 4,400mAh capacity as the Z Fold 5. Wired charging speeds are still 25 watts, so you can get about 50% charge in 30 minutes. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also has 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging -- the same as the Z Fold 5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: software and updates The Galaxy Z Fold 5 originally shipped with Android 13 and Samsung One UI 6.1. It's slated to get four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. As such, the Z Fold 5 should get up to Android 17. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will ship with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1 layered on top. As far as software support, Samsung began to offer seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates with the Galaxy S24 line, so we should expect the same with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That means the Galaxy Z Fold 6 should get software updates all the way to Android 21. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Fold 6 have access to AI tools with the Galaxy AI suite. Some of these AI features include Circle to Search, Note Assist, Live Translate, and more. Galaxy AI features are also optimized for the larger displays of the Galaxy Z Fold series to make full use of their larger screens. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: should you upgrade? This is a tough call. After all, while Samsung did make some nice changes to the Z Fold 6, it largely remains the same as its predecessor. If you already have a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, then you have to ask yourself if you are willing to drop at least $1,900 on a new phone that's very similar to your current one. Sure, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 cover display is now more natural for viewing content, the device slimmer and lighter with a tweaked design, the hinge is more durable, and it even comes in pink! While those are very nice changes indeed, the Z Fold 6 really isn't all that different from the Z Fold 5. But if you don't already have the Galaxy Z Fold 5, then the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a worthy foldable to consider. We really liked the Fold 5 last year, and from what we've seen so far, the Fold 6 will be an even better version of that phone. That's a recipe for success if we've ever heard one, even if it means the Fold 6 isn't a particularly exciting upgrade for existing Fold 5 users.

The 6 Key Differences Between the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 5

Quick LinksThe Z Fold 6 Is Lighter and Slimmer Minor Display Improvements More Powerful With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Better Durability With IP48 Rating Longer Software Support Higher Price Tag and New Color Options The Galaxy Z Fold 6 might not seem like a big upgrade over the Z Fold 5, but Samsung has improved the hardware and added some nifty features to deliver a better experience. Below, we'll look at the main differences between them. 1 The Z Fold 6 Is Lighter and Slimmer The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is noticeably lighter and slimmer than the Fold 5. To be specific, it's 1.3mm slimmer when folded (0.5mm thinner when unfolded) and 14 grams lighter. While it's not the thinnest foldable on the market, it's the slimmest foldable Samsung makes. The lighter body will allow you to use the Z Fold 6 more comfortably with one hand. Extended gaming sessions on the big inner screen wouldn't also be as fatiguing. Similarly, the slimmer design should allow the phone to slip into your pocket easily. 2 Minor Display Improvements A book-style foldable is all about its big inner folding screen. And the Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs two key improvements over the Fold 5 in this area. While the display size remains the same across both models at 7.6 inches, the Fold 6's inner screen can reach a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. For comparison, the Fold 5's display tops out at 1,750 nits. The higher brightness should improve the screen's visibility when using the phone outdoors under direct sunlight. The Fold 6's folding display is also more durable thanks to its "enhanced layers." Essentially, Samsung has replaced the ultra-thin glass on the folding panel with a foldable thin glass, which is slightly better at withstanding sharp objects and external forces. The Fold 6 packs one key improvement for the outer display. It has a slightly wider 22.1:9 aspect ratio, making it feel less cramped and ideal for one-handed use. For comparison, the Fold 5's cover screen measures 6.2 inches with a 23.1:9 aspect ratio, This is a welcome change since the cramped outer display has been a big issue with previous models. However, the OnePlus Open and the Google Pixel Fold pack an even wider cover display, and Samsung has plenty of room to improve in this area. 3 More Powerful With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Like the best Android flagships launched in 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Qualcomm claims this chip is 20 percent more efficient and delivers 30 percent faster CPU performance than its predecessor. This should bode well for the Z Fold 6's battery life, especially since its capacity remains unchanged at 4,400mAh. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's GPU is 25 percent faster and more efficient than the 8 Gen 2 in the Z Fold 5. And to keep the chip cool, the Z Fold 6 packs a 1.6x larger vapor chamber compared to the outgoing model, meaning thermal throttling shouldn't be a problem despite packing a more powerful chip. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still a powerful chip, and you might notice the Fold 6's faster performance only in heavy workloads. RAM and storage options across the two foldables remain the same: 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. 4 Better Durability With IP48 Rating A major issue with all foldables is their durability. Due to moving parts and the fragile folding screens, they cannot withstand the same daily abuse as typical smartphones. Samsung has made notable progress in this area over the years. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has an IPX8 rating, meaning it's water-resistant for up to 30 minutes in freshwater up to 1 meter. However, Samsung achieved an IP48 rating with the Z Fold 6. The newer model provides limited protection against 1mm or greater solid dust ingress. While not as good as IP68 certification on today's flagship smartphones, this is still a notable improvement. If anything, it takes Samsung one step closer to achieving an IP68 rating on its future foldables. That's not it, though. In addition to a more durable chassis made with "enhanced Armor Aluminum," Samsung has strengthened the folding edge to better distribute shocks during a drop or fall. 5 Longer Software Support The Z Fold 6 ships with Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1 and packs some new Galaxy AI features. Earlier in 2024, Samsung rolled out Android 14-based One UI 6.1 to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which brought Galaxy AI features from the S24 Ultra. And according to SamMobile's report, Samsung is planning to bring Z Fold 6's new Galaxy AI features to the Z Fold 5 as well. Where the two phones differ in software is long-term support. Samsung promised four years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates when it launched the Z Fold 5. So, the phone should receive updates until 2028. However, with the Z Fold 6, Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates, just like it did for the Galaxy S24 series. Extended software support is one of the Galaxy Z Fold 6's best features, as it easily trumps even its competitors with superior hardware and design in this area. 6 Higher Price Tag and New Color Options Despite all the modest improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a $100 higher price tag. The base model with 256GB of storage now costs $1,899 instead of $1,799. The same $100 price hike applies to the higher storage variants. With no significant hardware upgrades, the price increase on the Z Fold 6 is hard to justify. You can take advantage of various offers that Samsung runs occasionally to get a better deal, including boosting trade-in values of older devices. As for colors, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is available in five colors, all different from the Fold 5. This includes Pink, Navy, Silver Shadow, White, and Crafted Black, with the last two being exclusive colors you can only purchase from Samsung's website. If you own the Galaxy Z Fold 5, upgrading to the Fold 6 makes little sense. The improvements are modest and do not immediately stand out. The lighter, more durable chassis, brighter display, and better performance are welcome changes, but they won't radically improve or benefit your workflow. I'd wait till 2025 to see what Samsung has in store for the Z Fold 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5 vs. Z Fold 4: Do you need to upgrade this year?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 The Galaxy Z Fold 4 marked the start of foldable phones maturing, with mainstream appeal, flagship-level cameras, and a whole bunch of productivity features in One UI. Pros Gorgeous main screen with 1,200 nits brightness Design tweaks to make it more comfortable to use Flagship cameras borrowed from the Galaxy S22 Cons Inconsistent battery life Still expensive, even two years after launch $1499 at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an iterative upgrade to the Z Fold 4. The biggest improvement is the hinge, which finally folds flat. The screen brightness has increased to 1,750 nits, weighing 10g less than the prior device. Pros Hinge finally folds flat Screen hits 1,750 nits of brightness Slightly lighter than the prior device Cons Almost exactly the same hardware as the Z Fold 4 Still expensive $1800 at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the latest foldable from Samsung, and has matured into a device with widespread appeal. It's got tons of power and productivity features, and is the book-style foldable to pick up if you're looking for one currently. Pros Super bright main screen can hit 2,600 nits brightness Secondary screen is slightly larger, wider, and shorter Longer battery life Cons $100 increase on MSRP on a phone that was already expensive Barely any upgrades $1900 at Amazon Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 6 at its semi-annual Unpacked event. The latest book-style foldable evolves the form factor, replacing the revolution of the early models, and we expect it will be featured on our best foldable phones list once we've had a little more hands-on time with it. That means foldables are finally mature enough not to need additional gimmicks to sell well, and Samsung can concentrate on improving the user experience. This year, that will include focusing on Galaxy AI, the suite of AI-powered tools that aim to simplify your daily life. With only iterative upgrades on the last few generations of Z Fold devices and Galaxy AI already being available on phones back to the Z Fold 4, you might wonder if upgrading to the Z Fold 6 is worth it. We'll break down where the last three generations of Z Fold phones are similar, and where they differ, so you can make an informed choice. Related Best preorder deals on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Get these deals while you can because the preorder phase won't last long Pricing, availability, and specs The newest Fold is here The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was announced on July 10. Pre-orders are currently live, and retail availability will start on July 24. The MSRP starts higher this year, at $1,900, $100 more than the MSRP of the Z Fold 5 or Z Fold 4. Samsung has two exclusive colors, black and white, and you can also choose pink, navy blue, or silver. There are a few preorder bonuses, like up to $1,200 in trade-in value for your old device, a free upgrade to 512GB of storage, or up to a $300 gift card, depending on which retailer you purchase from. It's also available from a wide range of carriers, so check with your preferred one before purchasing. The Z Fold 5 went on sale on August 11, 2023, with an MSRP of $1,800. It comes in Cream, Phantom Black, and Icy Blue, and Samsung has Blue and Gray as exclusive colors. The Z Fold 4 went on sale on August 26, 2022, with an MSRP of $1,800. It comes in Phantom Black, Graygreen, Beige, and Samsung had Burgundy as its exclusive color. Both devices are available from major retailers and a wide selection of carriers. They occasionally go on sale, but are still selling at MSRP currently. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3 for GalaxyDisplayInner: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200nits Outer: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 23.1:9 aspect ration7.6-inch AMOLED main screen, 6.2-inch AMOLED cover screen, both with 120Hz adaptative refresh rate7.6-inch AMOLED main display, 6.3-inch AMOLED front display, both with 120Hz dynamic refresh rateRAM12GB12GB12GBStorage256GB/512GB/1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TBMicro SD card supportNoNoNoRear cameraPrimary: 50MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; Ultra-wide: 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degrees FoV; Telephoto: 10MP, f/2.4, PDAF, 3x Optical Zoom12MP ultrawide, 50MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto10MP 3x optical zoom, f/2.4, 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.2, 50MP main camera with autofocus, f/1.8Front cameraInner Display: 4MP, f/1.8, Under Display Outer Display: 10MP, f/2.210MP cover camera, 4MP under-display main screen camera10MP cover camera, 4MP under-display main screen cameraBattery4400mAh4,400mAh dual battery4,400 mAhCharge speedWIRED: 25W; WIRELESS: 15W; REVERSE WIRELESS: 4.5W Up to 50% in 30 minutes (25W wired), Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare25W wired, 15W wireless, Wireless PowerSharePortsUSB Type-C (USB 3.2)USB-CUSB-CWeight263g8.92 ounces (252.88 grams)239gIP RatingIPX8IPX8IP48ColorsPhantom Black, Beige, Burgundy, GraygreenIcy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, (Samsung exclusive: Gray, Blue)Navy Blue, Silver, Pink, Black, WhiteOperating SystemOne UI based on AndroidOne UI 5.1.1 (Android 13)Android 14 / One UI 6.1.1Connectivity5G, 4G LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFCSIM and eSIM5G, 4G LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWBDimensions155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2- 15.8mm (folded), 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3mm (unfolded)6.1 x 2.64 x 0.53 inches folded, 6.1 x 5.11 x .24 inches unfolded153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1mm (folded); 153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6mm (unfolded)Price$1,800Starting at $1,800$1,900StylusS Pen supportS Pen Fold Edition (sold separately)S Pen for Galaxy Related Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Review: A flipping fantastic foldable for everyone Galaxy Fold 4 brings a few small improvements in key ways. The result is a fantastic foldable that everyone should buy. Here's our review! Related Galaxy Z Fold 5 review: Samsung can't get away with incremental updates for much longer The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is just a Fold 4 with a better hinge and new Snapdragon chip. But it's probably enough to claim the best foldable title again Design and display All three are book-style foldables and very similar indeed Close Samsung hasn't made sweeping design changes to the Fold line since the Z Fold 4. Each successive device has gotten slightly shorter and wider as the company tweaks things for usability and comfort. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is only one millimeter wider when folded than the Z Fold 5, but it allows the cover screen to be three millimeters wider, making it more comfortable to use. The Z Fold 4 also increased the width of the cover screen by 2.7mm, as one of the complaints previously was that the outer screen was too thin. The Z Fold 6 is 14 grams lighter than the Z Fold 5, which is 10 grams lighter than the Z Fold 4. It's iterative upgrades all the way through, but all in search of a foldable phone that will appeal to the mainstream audience. Samsung hasn't changed the camera setup on the Fold line since adding the 50MP primary camera from the Galaxy S22 to the back of the Z Fold 4. However, it has since improved how the software handles the data from those sensors, which has improved image quality. As all three phones we're talking about here have mostly the same camera sensors and software, the differences in image quality won't be substantial, if any at all. I say this mostly because the 12MP ultra-wide on the Z Fold 6 is updated for better low-light performance, so we'll have to see how well it fares once our testing is done. When it was released, the Z Fold 4 brought brighter and more vibrant screens, as did the Z Fold 5 and now the Z Fold 6. On the Z Fold, the primary screen hits 1,200 nits; on the Z Fold 5, it's 1,750 nits; on the Z Fold 6, it's 2,600 nits. See the recurring pattern? Samsung is evolving the Fold line into a standard, much like it did with the more mainstream Galaxy S devices. The Z Fold brought Gorilla Glass Victus Plus to the cover screen, and the Z Fold 5 and Z Fold 6 use the stronger Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Z Fold 4's hinge was still unable to fold fully flat. That didn't happen until the Z Fold 5, and that same hinge is used in the Z Fold 6, as far as we can tell. The most significant change to the Z Fold 6 is that it now has an IP48 rating, meaning Samsung finally tested the device for dust protection. With the early Fold models getting sand and other gunk under the screen because of the hinge, this is a huge change for the device series. Sure, that only means it's officially protected from objects of one millimeter or larger, but it's a start, and now Samsung can tweak the hinge further for better protection. Winner: Z Fold 6 Hardware and performance Different chips but similar user experience Since the Z Fold 4, the Z Fold line has received only iterative improvements. The main change? The processor numbering ticking up from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 for Galaxy in the Z Fold 4, to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the Z Fold 5, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in the Z Fold 6. These processors represent the pinnacle of processing power used on Android devices, and you'd be hard-pressed to spot any differences between them in performance when simply using the phone for daily tasks. Each is paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. All three run the latest Android and One UI versions, and all have Galaxy AI for things like live translation or sketch to draw. All three support the S Pen stylus, fold out to have roughly the same-sized main screen, and have the same set of cameras. The only possibly noticeable difference between the three is the maximum brightness of the main screen, which goes from 1,200 nits, to 1,750 nits, now to 2,600 nits in the latest device. And really, unless you're outside in the sunshine all the time, you might not even notice the difference in brightness. Winner: Tie Battery life The Fold 5 already has tons of battery life, so any improvement will be marginal Samsung hasn't changed the battery capacity since the Z Fold 4, with all three devices here having a 4,400mAh total capacity, split between one battery in each half of the foldable device. In the last two years, the processor inside has become more efficient, and One UI and Android have gotten better at managing power use. That all adds up, so the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in the Z Fold 6 will lead to improvements over the battery life of the Z Fold 5. The Z Fold 4 couldn't quite make it through a full 13-hour day, so it's already out of the running. The Z Fold 5 can, and we expect that the Z Fold 6 will improve on that, as Samsung is claiming an extra hour of LTE internet battery life in the new device. Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 6 Overall winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (unless you already own a recent Z Fold) Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 looks like one of 2024's best phones, with great screens, plenty of power, and a long battery life. If you have a Z Fold 4 or Z Fold 5, you can probably skip the upgrade, although the significantly brighter main screen could sway your decision depending on your use case. If you want to use your Z Fold 6 to watch movies, you might want to pick up a good pair of headphones, as watching anything through built-in speakers is never fun. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the latest foldable from Samsung, and has matured into a device with widespread appeal. It's got tons of power and productivity features, and is the book-style foldable to pick up if you're looking for one currently. $1900 at Samsung $1900 at Best Buy $1900 at Amazon $1900 at AT&T $1900 at T-Mobile $1900 at Verizon That's not to say that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Z Fold 5 are bad devices; they're not. If you can find one at a significantly lower price than the $1,900 the Z Fold 6 retails for, you might be tempted to pick up a bargain on one of the other best foldable phones. We can't fault anyone for thinking that, as the regular price is expensive. The teething problems with foldable devices are almost entirely gone, and they're almost as durable as regular form-factor phones now. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 The Galaxy Z Fold 4 marked the start of foldable phones maturing, with mainstream appeal, flagship level cameras, and a whole bunch of productivity features in One UI. $1499 at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an iterative upgrade to the Z Fold 4. The biggest improvement is the hinge, which finally folds flat. The screen brightness has increased to 1,750 nits, weighing 10g less than the prior device. $1800 at Samsung $1800 at Best Buy $1800 at Amazon $1800 at AT&T $1800 at Verizon $1800 at T-Mobile $1800 at Google Fi Wireless

I went hands-on with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and it made my OnePlus Open feel outdated

Do a more refined design and fancy AI features justify a price bump on the most expensive phone on the market? Here's the first take. It's hard to believe the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series is now six years old, but my first experiences with the latest shape-shifting smartphone made it clear to me just how far the South Korean giant has come -- and how much more work is needed to reach the promised land of mainstream acceptance. Also: What you missed at Samsung Unpacked July 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Ring, AI, more I won't bury the lede: This year's Galaxy Z Fold 6 costs $100 more than last year's model -- meaning it goes from very expensive to very, very expensive. It's made with more durable materials, from the hinge to the outer shell, and is thinner and lighter than ever. A "phone" that feels more like a phone in the hand is always welcome. Is the camera system finally Ultra tier? Only if you think an improved AI processing algorithm is enough of an upgrade. Also, because it's 2024, Samsung is introducing several new Galaxy AI features to give the foldable form factor a little more purpose. I don't mind that; at a starting price of $1,899, give me anything and everything. In the hand, the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 feels like the most polished version yet. I've daily driven -- or at least attempted to use often -- every Galaxy Z Fold model since the very first, and the sixth generation is easily Samsung's crème de la crème. (I'm in Paris for Unpacked, so please forgive the French.) Also: Save up to $1,500 on new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 phones - here's how The edges are more flattened and treated with metallic aluminum, which feels like, and reminds me of, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's natural titanium. Samsung also tweaked the foldable's aspect ratio, widening the internal display by 2.7mm (from 129.9mm to 132.6mm) and dropping the overall weight down to a more bearable 239g (from 253g on the Z Fold 5). As a result, the Z Fold 6 finally feels as burdenless to use as the OnePlus Open. Samsung is selling the Z Fold 6 in three general colors: Pink, Navy, and Silver Shadow (which is a lighter, whiter hue compared to Natural Titanium), and two online exclusive colors: White and Crafted Black. Based on my two-hour-long demo with the phones, you really can't go wrong with any of the options. If you want the most unique colorway, go for the Crafted Black, which has a carbon-fiber-like back cover that's full of grip. Also: Buying a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6? This model looks and feels the best in hand Samsung calls the Z Fold 6 its most durable Z series device yet, and I believe it. There's a new Dual Rail Hinge design with improved shock distribution, a folding edge for enhanced resistance to pressure and sharp objects, the outer materials include enhanced armor aluminum for scratch resistance, and the Fold finally has an IP rating for dust resistance, scoring at IP48. The biggest upgrade with the Z Fold 6, depending on who you ask, is across Galaxy AI. You'll find some familiar tools like Circle to Search and Note Assist, but such features are greatly enhanced by the larger screen real estate of the foldable. By finger or the optional S Pen, it's much easier to circle over text and images to run a Google Search, see note summaries and transcriptions while playing audio on the side, and more. Also: How to use Microsoft Edge's integrated AI image generator Add to that list the below AI features, which Samsung says will improve the productivity and communication capabilities of its Z Fold users: These hybrid AI tools -- meaning they run on-device and on the cloud -- are powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM. From my initial testing, all the features worked as intended and much better than I expected. While I don't see myself doodling over family photos and generating hats and glasses, features like Sketch to Image can be fun and tasteful for social events. Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on: Key specs, features, and everything you should know While I was in Paris for the week, something like Interpreter mode would've gone a long way when I'd rather not butcher my pronunciations. Unfortunately, the camera setup continues to feel like a non-priority for the Z Fold, with Samsung sticking to last year's 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto setup. Instead, the company has added what it calls ProVisual Engine, an AI algorithm responsible for photo features like object awareness, zooming, nightography, generative editing, and more. The Z Fold can also modify the camera's auto-mode settings based on the subjects and context in the frame, which feels like a helpful way to make photos and videos look better without having to fiddle with filters or retouches. There's plenty more to dig into with the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 -- at a starting price of $1,899, you can bet that I'll dive deeper into all its features and capabilities -- but for now, it's shaping up to be one of the best foldable phones on the market. While enthusiasts and the Foldable Faithful will be most drawn to a device of this caliber, new consumers should be just as keen on trade-in deals and other promotions both from Samsung and their mobile carriers.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 -- 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has arrived, looking a lot like its predecessor on the surface. But don't dismiss this phone out of hand -- Samsung has introduced several key changes to the Galaxy Z Flip that could make it worth the upgrade from one of Samsung's earlier foldable phones. But is it a good upgrade from your current phone? Our testing is ongoing at the moment, but our early Galaxy Z Flip 6 hands-on found come changes worth trumpeting about Samsung's foldable flip phone. Whether those improvements should have you reaching for your wallet is entirely up to you. That said, you may have to decide quickly. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 ships on July 24, and you'll have to act before then if you want to take advantage of any Galaxy Z Flip 6 preorder deals. Here's a closer look at why you might want to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 6, along with reasons for giving this update a pass. Easily, the most significant hardware change Samsung made to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 involves the phone's main camera. After using a 12MP sensor throughout the history of the Galaxy Z Flip lineup, Samsung switched to a 50MP shooter for this version. Yes, that should make for some more detailed shots at higher resolutions than you're used to on the Flip, but the new phone has another camera trick up its sleeve. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 can use pixel-binning to offer the equivalent of a 2x optical zoom, effectively giving the phone improved zoom capabilities without have to make space for a dedicated telephoto lens. Contrast that approach with the Motorola Razr Plus (2024), which replaced its ultrawide camera with a zoom lens. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 still lets you use an ultrawide shooter, but it has zoom capabilities, too, that match the 2x zooms that the Razr Plus can deliver. We're going to need to run our battery test on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to see how long it lasts on a charge, but all signs point to some positive improvements here. For starters, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Not only does that system-on-chip deliver top performance, it's also proving to be adept at managing power. Phones running on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 tend to last a long time on a charge. In addition, Samsung also found space inside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to fit in a larger battery than before. The 4,000 mAh power pack in the new phone is 7.5% larger than the one inside the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The bigger battery and more efficient chipset should improve upon that older phone's just-about average time of 9 hours and 53 minutes on our battery test. The days of foldables skimping on battery life are over, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 appears poised to join the mix of foldable phones that last longer than before. My colleague John Velasco has gotten a chance to play around with some different models in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 lineup, and he's impressed with this year's selection of colors -- Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue and Mint. (You can also opt for black, white or peach versions of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 if you order your phone through Samsung.) These pastel colors add to the sense of playfulness that makes a foldable flip phone such an appealing design. But Samsung takes things up a notch, with some sophisticated design touches. It accents the outlines of the camera lenses with the same color as the body of the phone. The result, John says, is a pleasing contrast that further distinguishes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 from other handhelds. Galaxy AI introduced some clever tools as part of the Galaxy S24 launch earlier this year, with software updates extending those AI-powered capabilities to other recent Samsung devices. And those existing features -- Circle to Search, Instant Slow-Mo and tools for summarizing notes and audio recordings, to name just a few -- are included with the Galaxy Z Flip 6. But Samsung's foldable picks up some new Galaxy AI tricks, including a few that take advantage of the phone's unique design. Suggested Replies, for example, takes the Chat Assist feature and optimizes it for the Flip's cover screen, so that you can reply to texts quickly, without having to flip open the phone. Interpreter Mode takes advantage of both screens on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 so you can have a real-time conversation with a person speaking a different language, with translated transcripts showing up on each display. A Photo Assist feature in the Gallery app of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 converts images into sketches and cartoons, while the Photo Ambient tool makes adjustments to your wallpaper based on the time of day and the weather. Some of these tools sound more practical than others, but it's clear that Samsung is not scaling back its AI ambitions, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 benefits from that. Samsung started offering seven years of software and security updates with the Galaxy S24 release this year, and now it's extending that policy to include it's latest foldables. That means you could, in theory, still be using the Galaxy Z Flip 6 as a new decade dawns, extending the phone's value. And you'll want to squeeze as much value as possible out o the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for reasons we're about to get into. You would have paid $999 for a Galaxy Z Flip 5 last year, allowing you to sneak under that all-important $1,000 threshold to get your hands on a Samsung foldable. There's no such luck with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 -- Samsung raised the price by $100 to $1,099 for the entry-level 256GB model. That price hike stings, not only because of the minimal hardware improvements beyond the upgraded main camera and move to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. It also comes at the same time Motorola managed to keep the price of its competing foldable phone, the Razr Plus, at $999. If you don't mind sacrificing some processing power, you could even grab the standard Motorola Razr (2024) for $699. Yes, preorder deals can help you save money with trade-ins, and Samsung is bumping up the storage to 512GB at no extra cost for Galaxy Z Flip 6 preorders. But the bottom line is you're paying more for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 than you have for Samsung's flip phone in quite some time. Speaking of hardware changes, Samsung had been tipped to boost the cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to 3.9 inches, which would have provided more room for apps to run natively on the exterior display. Alas, that hasn't happened -- the Galaxy Z Flip 6's cover screen is still 3.4 inches and still not able to run more apps natively like the Motorola Razr Plus does. It's nice that the Z Flip 6 supports Galaxy AI features on that cover screen, but Motorola still offers a fuller experience. For a phone that commands a premium price, you'd imagine that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 might let you charge the phone faster than it does. But this new phone remains stuck at 25W charging speeds, so filling up your battery could take some time. It's a particularly noticeable shortcoming when you look at how other Android phones embrace faster charging speeds. The Motorola Razr Plus (2024) supports 45W charging, leaving the Galaxy Z Flip 5 well behind when it's time to charge up your device. Samsung charges a premium price for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 - especially after the price hike. Its features should reflect a premium experience, even when it comes to charging. We're still testing the Galaxy Z Flip 6, so a full recommendation will have to wait. Right now, the phone seems ideal for anyone with an older device who would benefit from the better cameras and included AI features, especially if they don't mind the extra cost of this year's model. Anyone looking for bigger improvements may want to hold off on an update for now.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Early Impressions: Still as Limited as its Predecessor

You still need to install Good Lock to make your other apps available. Plus, Circle to Search doesn’t work on the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s exterior display. The $1,100 Galaxy Z Flip 6 bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 5. The camera bumps are bigger with larger frames, and the hinge is slightly more pronounced, but its still the same silhouette. As Samsung dropped the details on its latest phones earlier this week, it became apparent this would be a relatively minor update from last year's device. Samsung continues to constrain what you can do on the cover screen. Accessing apps or useful settings in the clamshell's smaller form factor is still a pain. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 still has the same 3.4-inch AMOLED “FlexWindow†exterior display as the Z Flip 5. When you first boot up the Flip 6, you don’t have any options for apps on the exterior screen. Instead, you’re presented with a wider selection of widgets from last year. Some of these are useful, especially if you’re into fitness tracking through Samsung Health. As a journalist, I think the exterior screen voice recorder is handy without opening the phone. There’s another Spotify widget to control your music, but if you’re like me and prefer Apple Music or Tidal, sorry, there’s no option. Samsung still requires users to go into their phone settings, look under Advanced Features, and then Labs to get the option to use a paltry few apps from the exterior screen. As of now, it’s the same selection as last time. You have options for Messages, Samsung Messages, Google Maps, Netflix, WhatsApp, and YouTube. That’s it. You need to download the Good Lock app from the Samsung app store to access any other apps on the cover screen. Then, you must download MultiStar and select the “I [heart] Galaxy Foldable†to launch different apps from their Good Lock widget on the exterior screen. Because the screen size hasn’t improved from the last go around, you’re still not getting the best app experience you could be. The keyboard still takes up most of the display when you type anything. Watching videos on such a small display isn’t great for folks who hate straining at tiny text. Most apps still aren’t directly designed for such a small UI, so accessing your playlists on apps like Apple Music can take more scrolling than usual. That’s to be expected, but it’s unclear why Samsung doesn’t just put the option to use all apps on the exterior screen in the phone's settings. The limited exterior screen apps are still categorized under “Labs†even though we’ve had a whole year to take these options out of the "experimental" phase. Compare this to the latest $700 Motorola Razr and $1,000 Razr+. Both let you access any of your apps and most of your device settings from the get-go from either a 3.6-inch or 4-inch exterior screen, depending on whether you opt for the less or more expensive foldable. On the other hand, Samsung has a more varied selection of widgets and panels. Google made a big deal out of its Circle to Search and other Gemini AI features coming to the latest Galaxy foldables. Samsung promised users that they would have “AI-assisted functions without needing to open the device.†This includes some of the Galaxy AI text generation for messages, even though you cannot access those texts by default without enabling them in settings. However, Samsung included a note in the fine print of its original press materials that reads, “Circle to Search is not available via the FlexWindow.â€Â Typically, you access Circle to Search with a gesture or by holding down on the gesture bar. There’s no such bar on the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s cover screen UI. Just as before, the only two controls on the exterior screen are the back and home buttons. I can already hear folks arguing that it's such a small screen that none of these apps or touted features would be handy. I go for the opposite. Their limited capabilities are a benefit for the phone. Clamshell foldables have the added benefit of keeping me from getting sucked into a black hole of social media or my bottomless pit of emails. I can check Slack or Discord without needing to reply to every message. We need to clarify that this is a different phone from last year, just not a drastically different one. It’s got a new CPU with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a bigger battery at 4,000 mAh versus 3,700 mAh on the Z Flip 5. There’s a new 50 MP camera and automatic zoom for using the foldable as a faux camcorder. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 also has a redesigned hinge and a better dust resistance rating than its predecessor, which, on paper, should help keep the new one working for longer. There are more widgets and wallpaper options now than before, but without a more open UI, this latest clamshell doesn’t feel any different than the one from last year, even when it's growing more expensive.

Galaxy Z Fold 6: My Day in Paris With Samsung's New Phone

Expertise Apple | Samsung | Google | Smartphones | Smartwatches | Wearables | Fitness trackers Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is more portable, more powerful and generally better at tasks related to work, creativity and language translation than its predecessor. So what better way to put it to the test than to rely on it during my time working in Paris? This is a city I've never been to, where I don't speak the language and feel inclined to snap photos of the bustling bistros and picturesque plazas at every turn. I've only had a day with the $1,900 Galaxy Z Fold 6, which Samsung announced during its Unpacked event on July 10. In that short time, I can already tell Samsung's new foldable phone feels more polished and slick than last year's device, while boasting some fun new AI tricks of course. I've enjoyed using the Z Fold 6's larger 7.6-inch screen to view maps while navigating the city and to browse through my photos from the day compared to a regular bar-shaped phone. That said, there's nothing overwhelmingly new about the Z Fold 6 that will convince non-foldable phone believers to convert. And at $1,900, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is essentially the price of two premium phones, which will surely make it an even tougher sell. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 reminds me of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Even though it's over the top and more than most people need, there are certain aspects that make it enjoyable to use. The first thing I noticed about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is also my favorite so far. Samsung changed the Z Fold 6's design in a way that more closely matches that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The corners are sharper and flatter, and the cover screen is more symmetrical, making it feel more like a regular phone when closed. The Z Fold 6 is also lighter than the Z Fold 5 (239 grams versus 253 grams), meaning it doesn't put as much of a burden on my pocket or purse. Now that I have the Z Fold 6, I had a chance to take a closer look at it alongside the Z Fold 5. The differences are immediately noticeable compared to the Z Fold 5's slightly smaller screen (6.2 inches versus the Z Fold 6's 6.3 inches), softer shape and heavier build. The Z Fold 5 also has a thicker bezel along the top of its cover screen compared to the sides, which doesn't feel as clean as the Z Fold 6's symmetrical borders. Samsung also made some improvements to the internal display by adding an additional layer and improving the hinge, which should make the phone more durable and reduce the crease. You can still see the crease, but it doesn't feel as pronounced when swiping across the display, which is a welcome improvement. Read more: I Visited Samsung's Home Turf to See if Foldable Phones Are Really the Future The Galaxy Z Fold 6's cameras are nearly the same as those on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. There's a 50-megapixel main camera, a 10-megapixel telephoto camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. But that ultrawide camera has been upgraded with a new sensor that should perform better in dim lighting, according to Samsung. I'll need more time to know exactly how these cameras stack up to competing foldable devices and bar-shaped phones, and whether that new ultrawide camera lives up to its claims. But so far, photos taken on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are detailed and colorful, although I did take a low-light photo of a dish taken in a restaurant that's come out blurry. I also had fun propping up the Z Fold 6 halfway to tak hands-free photos like the one below, which was shot on the Pont de l'Alma bridge over the River Seine with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. The photo may be crooked, due to the angle, but I can imagine how propping up your phone anywhere could be useful in more ideal shooting scenarios. I only wish the Z Fold 6 had Samsung's new auto zoom feature for framing selfies when the device is in Flex mode. Sadly, that feature is only available on the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Samsung's phones have two new art-related features: portrait studio and sketch to image. The former recasts a portrait in a new style, like watercolor or comic, while the latter turns rough sketches into actual pictures, much like the new feature coming to iPhones and iPads as part of Apple Intelligence. I had a lot of fun playing around with portrait studio, mostly because I was curious to see the AI's interpretation of me. As I wrote in my initial story about the Z Fold 6, these concoctions weren't always accurate, particularly the Pixar-esque cartoon style. But I was pleased to find that my Z Fold 6 did a better job at getting certain features right, like my hair color, compared to the devices in Samsung's demo room. The watercolor style in particular, pictured below, felt the most accurate and flattering. I was also impressed by the sketch to image feature's ability to turn my crude, basic sketches into actual images. All it took was the tap of a button to turn a few curved lines into a colorful image of the Eiffel Tower. The problem is that it's hard for me to imagine everyday scenarios in which these features would be truly useful beyond just having a bit of fun, or perhaps cheating when playing Jackbox party games with friends that require sketching prompts on your phone. Even though Samsung hasn't said anything about bringing these features to other handsets, it's hard to imagine why they wouldn't come to the Galaxy S24 and other Samsung devices too. In other words, even though the Z Fold 6's larger screen lends itself well to photo editing and drawing, you don't necessarily need a foldable phone for features like these in theory. Read more: Why Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 Doesn't Come With an S Pen Google's Gemini assistant is also available on the Z Fold 6, and the digital helper has been optimized to work in split screen mode. Samsung says you'll be able to open the Gemini overlay -- i.e. the little pop-up that comes up when summoning Gemini -- in a separate window on the Z Fold 6's expansive screen. The idea is to make it easier to interact with the assistant while continuing to use other apps and services on the Z Fold 6's display. Unfortunately, that feature isn't available yet, so I wasn't able to try it out. But I did use Gemini to translate French menus and get recommendations for nearby points of interest, two tasks that are more enjoyable on a bigger screen. I snapped a photo of the Arc de Triomphe and verbally asked Google: "What are some other things to do nearby?" The results were mixed. It recommended the Champs Élysées, the famous shopping avenue, which was an ideal suggestion since it's a 20-minute walk or a 6-minute drive according to Google Maps. But other recommendations, such as the Palais Garnier or Jardin des Tuileries, weren't very close. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a lot of the elements I've been wanting from Samsung's book style foldable, such as an improved front screen and a lighter build. But I'm still waiting for software features that feel truly different and make use of the fact that the Z Fold 6 has two screens rather than just one. Samsung is on the right track with the Z Fold 6's conversation mode in the Interpreter app, which displays text in one language on the front screen and the other language on the inner screen when the phone is opened halfway. But Google has already done this, and this feature is only useful on a regular basis in very specific circumstances, such as for those who travel often or just moved to a different country where they don't speak the language. There's no doubt that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is evolving into a better phone-tablet hybrid. Now, I'm just waiting to see what more Samsung can do to convince consumers that foldables are worth the high price. I'll have more to say about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in my full review after I've spent more time testing it.

Vivo X Fold3 Pro review: easily the best foldable for photography | Stuff

Only on sale in a few regionsIndia-centric software won't be to all tastes Book-style foldables aren't exactly in abundance on this side of the world, where Samsung rules the roost through a combination of brand recognition and slick software. It's a different story in China, where the best smartphones simply must have the best hardware. It's enough to make a phone fan jealous - which is why I'm stoked Vivo has brought the X Fold3 Pro to an international audience. This featherweight folder has a trio of high resolution cameras, a flagship chipset, and two sizeable AMOLED screens. Add in a monstrously big battery, and there's little else out there with such a comprehensive spec sheet. It's not exactly getting a wide release, with India and Indonesia the main markets so far - and at ₹159,999 (roughly $1900/£1500), it's not exactly cheap. But that still neatly undercuts the Galaxy Z Fold6, a phone that gives me a strong impression Samsung has taken its foot off the gas on the hardware front. Has Vivo stepped in to fill the gap for those that want the best bang per buck? At a ridiculously light 236g, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is barely any heavier than a traditional flagship phone - and almost as thin when closed. That's mighty impressive given its palm-stretching proportions. Each half is a barely-there 5.2mm thick, which is only really beaten by the Honor Magic V2. Vivo's carbon fibre hinge has that phone licked for range of angles it be used in before either snapping open or shut, which it does in a very satisfying manner. The phone folds fully open, too - something the Google Pixel Fold can't manage. The giant circular camera bump on the rear panel has a lot in common with the Vivo X100 Pro, including the Zeiss branding and how it protrudes from the glass. Vivo has dialled the cursive branding right back here, which can only be a good thing, and the frosted finish does a great job at hiding fingerprints. The whole thing is IPX8 rated, which is up there with the best foldables for water resistance but a step behind the Galaxy Z Fold6 for dust ingress. An alert slider at the side feels pinched directly from OnePlus; it's nice to have, but I've barely used it as I keep forgetting it's there. That's also the case for the IR blaster at the top of the phone. The one thing I did miss was eSim support, which will be a downer for frequent travellers. It can at least swallow two nano SIMs. This is the first foldable I've used two two under-display fingerprint sensors. The one on the cover screen was the more reliable of the pair, with the one beneath the inner screen needing a second attempt more often. As a left-handed phone user, though, I massively prefer this setup to the side-mounted scanners used by most other foldables. Size isn't everything - but it's a large part of what makes the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's pair of screens so impactful. At 6.53in and with a 21:9 aspect ratio, the outer display is a real monolith, while the 8.03in inner panel dwarfs just about every other book-style foldable. The 4:3 aspect ratio also means black bars don't eat up nearly as much screen space when streaming TV shows as they do on the square OnePlus Open. The inner screen has a punch-hole webcam rather than a camouflaged under-display sensor, but Vivo sensible stuck it right in the corner. It effectively vanishes from view when watching letterboxed video content. Both displays have high resolution AMOLED panels with impactful colours and infinite contrast. Photos and videos look properly impactful in the standard display mode, while staying on the right side of realistic. There's a Professional mode in the Settings menu that's more subdued, and I appreciate the inclusion of a colour wheel that gives fine-grain control over colour temperature. LTPO tech lets the adaptive refresh rate dip as low as 1Hz for maximum power saving when showing static images, or up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and motion. Vivo claims an eye-searing 4500 nit peak brightness - though only for a tiny portion of the screen when showing HDR video. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are both on board, and both pack a punch. More importantly, both screens easy shine bright enough to read clearly in all conditions. I could leave my sunglasses on when outside on especially sunny days and still see everything clearly. Top marks to Vivo for making the inner screen's crease barely detectable, and also for the way the non-removable screen protector keeps light reflections at bay. It's not on the same level as the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Gorilla Armor glass, but it's a major step up from the Galaxy Z Fold6. Putting the stereo speakers in the upper half of the phone was a smart move; you don't obscure them when unfolding to use the larger inner screen. They're on par with every other foldable I've tried, with a decent amount of volume and clarity. The X100 Pro's epic 1in main camera sensor may not feature here, but Vivo otherwise pulled out all the stops on the photography front. The X Fold3 Pro has a 50MP lead snapper with wide f/1.7 aperture lens, optical image stabilisation and laser-assisted phase-detect autofocus; a 50MP ultrawide (also with autofocus); and a 64MP periscope telephoto good for a stabilised 3x optical zoom. Zeiss optics and some of the most nuanced image processing of any phone brand then tip it over the edge. This is a simply brilliant cameraphone, in just about all lighting conditions. It's easily the best foldable. Pictures are stuffed full of detail, with convincing colours, effective HDR and plenty of contrast. All three lenses are well matched on exposure and colour balance, with very little in the way of visible noise or overly aggressive sharpening. Portraits and close-ups taken with the telephoto show convincing depth blur. They don't come undone in darker environments either. I definitely picked up some unwanted extra processing on faces and skin, which the X100 Pro was also guilty of; even with facial retouch turned off, there's a smoothness here that isn't entirely true to life. It can't match the best flagship phones for outright clarity, either - but it gets very close. For a foldable, that's damn impressive. The global X Fold3 Pro variant runs Vivo's FuntouchOS skin, which sits on top of Android 14. The firm has committed to three years of new Android versions and four years of security patches. That's not a bad showing, but still half of what you'll get with a Samsung or Google foldable in your pocket. My review unit had a bunch of India-specific apps preinstalled, along with a bunch of Vivo's own. Not all can be uninstalled, and the firm's bespoke app store is a bit too keen to take over update responsibilities from the Google Play Store, but at least notifications can be silenced fairly quickly. The notes and voice recorder apps are worth keeping around: they piggyback off Google's Gemini AI algorithms to summarise long strings of text and transcribe audio files. The photo gallery has a magic eraser to delete unwanted distractions, but there's none of the generative editing smarts you'll find from Samsung's latest foldable. Multitasking on the inner screen uses a combination of the stock Android app toolbar and a bespoke floating menu. Dragging out an app opens it in split view - but only ever with a portrait split. You've got to tap the dividing line every time you want a landscape view, which is frustrating. Samsung does a better job here, and the OnePlus Open has both phones beat. Vivo has added an always-on clock when the phone is propped up like a tent, and opening it up like a laptop turns the bottom half into a touchpad - but there's so much more the firm could've done with the form factor. I couldn't find any way to use the outer screen with the rear cameras for framing selfies. You don't get any stylus support here, and no Samsung Dex-style big screen mode either. You're also limited to two apps in split view, with a third in a floating window. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is still the folding world's productivity powerhouse. Like any top-tier 2024 phone, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. My review unit had a generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but the base model gets 12GB and 256GB respectively. Either way, it'll have more than enough oomph to run Android 14 perfectly smoothly. Synthetic benchmarks see it score higher than some traditional flagship phones, and it opens up an especially wide gap to the OnePlus Open (which uses a previous-gen processor). I saw no slowdowns, zero stuttering, nor sluggishness of any kind at any point during my testing. I'm expecting the Galaxy Z Fold6 to be faster still, on account of its custom-tuned silicon, but in day-to-day use I doubt you'll notice any difference. Squeezing such a potent processor into a slim chassis was always going to mean the phone gets toasty when under sustained load. A vapor chamber cooling system keeps temperatures largely in check, though, so gaming never dissolved into a slideshow. I was able to play demanding 3D titles like Zenless Zone Zero at high settings on either screen. Arguably more impressive is this phone's outstanding battery life. I spent an entire day on mobile data, streaming YouTube videos on the inner display, taking photos and running a hotspot for my work laptop, and still wasn't in the red before bedtime. The giant 5700mAh capacity is more than you'll get from any flagship phone right now, foldable or otherwise. Two days is doable if you stick to Wi-Fi and avoid gaming. Charging speeds are practically unmatched, too. The X Fold3 Pro can manage 100W over USB-C and 50W from a powerful enough Qi wireless pad; on the former I managed a complete refuel using the bundled power brick in just under 45 minutes, or half the time you'd need to fully juice a Galaxy Z Fold6. This is hands down my favourite foldable of 2024 so far. The Vivo X Fold3 Pro is as slim and light as a traditional flagship, with equally impactful performance and even better battery life. Charging speeds leave rivals for dust, and its cameras are second to none in the foldable world. Both screens are a treat for the eyes. Vivo isn't a class leader on the software front, though, lacking the productivity-boosting features found in the best foldables. The firm's long-term update commitment is average at best, too. Then there's the fact most Stuff readers are going to have to import it, which carries its own risks and doesn't include any warranty. Buying one will take commitment, then - but those that see it through will end up with a fantastic phone.