Galaxy Z Fold 6 Assessment: Samsung’s Most Polished Foldable

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Galaxy Z Fold 6 Assessment: Samsung’s Most Polished Foldable

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the most recent addition to Samsung’s increasing foldable portfolio and successor to what was thought-about an honest foldable smartphone from final 12 months – the Galaxy Z Fold 5. What has modified this 12 months? Properly, on paper, not a lot, however loads of refinements and the corporate’s go-all-in tackle AI (synthetic intelligence) options is one thing that may’t be missed.

In comparison with different flagships of 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 additionally manages to put itself someplace on the high, and we are going to discuss it intimately in a bit. However what’s not gone too properly is the pricing. To match, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched in 2022 was priced at Rs. 154,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. Equally, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched final 12 months got here on the similar value as Fold 4. The purpose value making right here is that this already was an excellent premium smartphone pricing, retaining the whole lot in thoughts. Nevertheless, the Galaxy Fold 6 this 12 months units a brand new benchmark for pricing because it begins at Rs. 164,999 for the bottom 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. If you would like extra storage in Fold 6, you need to pay Rs. 176,999 for the 512GB storage and a whopping Rs. 200,999 for the 1TB storage mannequin. Properly, that was the pricing, and now let’s dive into what the Fold 6 affords you this 12 months and whether or not it’s best to contemplate it.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Design: Thinner and lighter

  • Dimensions – 153.5×68.1×12.1mm (folded) | 153.5×132.6×5.6mm (unfolded)
  • Weight – 239 grams
  • Sturdiness – IP48 (water-resistant)

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has ditched the rounded corners seen on the Fold 5 and gone for a extra flatter design. The result’s an oblong bar design – when folded with sharper edges. That is the very first thing you’ll discover on Fold 6 when evaluating it with Fold 5 from final 12 months. Subsequent up, the bezels. The Fold 6 sports activities thinner bezels across the show and in addition encompasses a broader cowl display – making an enormous distinction in each day use in comparison with its predecessor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 weighs 239 grams

 

Dimensions-wise, Fold 6 has shed some thickness and weight. The brand new foldable is slimmer than its predecessor at 12.1mm (folded) and 5.6mm (unfolded) thickness. At 239 grams, the Fold 6 feels manner lighter in each day utilization in comparison with the Fold 5 (253 grams). Other than weight cuts, Samsung has achieved a wonderful proportionate weight distribution. This helps as a result of it makes Fold 6 helpful for texting and even doing digital camera work with only one hand.

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The cellphone options Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the entrance (cowl display) and again

 

The aluminium body feels sturdy and affords a stable hand really feel of the Fold 6 with a claimed improved scratch-resistant matte end. For defense, Samsung has supplied Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on each the entrance show and glass again. This 12 months, the corporate has additionally taken a step in the precise path by including IP48 safety, proving that Samsung has upped the sealing additional. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless not dust-resistant, so be sure to’re not utilizing it round sand surfaces or in an setting the place mud particles can enter the gadget.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with IP48 score for water resistance

 

Relating to foldables, I consider that flip or clamshell telephones have extra enjoyable color decisions than typical book-style foldables. Nevertheless, Samsung has tried to vary that impression by providing a number of choices. The Fold 6 is out there in Pink (sure, you learn that proper!), Navy, Crafted Black (Particular Version), White (Particular Version), and Silver Shadow, which we acquired for this overview. I’d have beloved to attempt White for certain, however this Silver Shadow color slowly grows on you and is a better option for the long term.

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The Fold 6 options an improved hinge mechanism

 

Speaking about enhancements, the hinge is refined on the Fold 6, specializing in making it lighter and stronger. Samsung claimed at its Unpacked briefing that the hinge carries a number of enhancements, together with enhancements added to make it extra sturdy, utilizing a twin rail hinge, and being immune to shock. The cellphone snaps solidly when folded and offers confidence in on a regular basis use.

Leaping to the crease – probably the most controversial subject for a foldable gadget. There’s good and dangerous information. Unhealthy first, it’s nonetheless there (very a lot seen). The excellent news is that the crease is additional decreased, and Samsung is ensuring to enhance the hinge mechanism with each iteration. The primary display will get a brand new safety this 12 months, although Samsung hasn’t given specifics. We all know that it’s thicker and extra sturdy to last more.

samsung galaxy z fold6 review homescreen Samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6

The primary display on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 options 7.6-inches

 

You get the cellphone, customary documentation, a SIM ejector software, and a USB Kind-C cable within the retail field. I would like Samsung to think about including a case within the retail packing containers of the foldables, contemplating the worth tag they carry, and even making it a bundle of some kind. For customers, something added as a bundle is all the time a welcome addition.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Show: Finest show on a Samsung foldable, but

  • Show – 7.6-inch foremost display & 6.3-inch cowl display
  • Show sort – Dynamic LTPO AMOLED
  • Show safety – Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (cowl display)

As talked about, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 stacks properly and ranks amongst flagship-grade smartphones. The show stands out and impressed me probably the most. Whereas there’s hardly any change on paper in comparison with its predecessor, the Fold 6 nonetheless outshines Fold 5 with its show efficiency. The Fold 6 encompasses a broader cowl display – with a minor bump – measures 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches on the Fold 5. The primary display affords a display decision of 1856×2160 pixels and 374PPI pixel density, whereas the quilt display affords 968×2376 pixels and 410PPI pixel density.

samsung galaxy z fold6 review main display Samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6

The Fold 6 affords a 91 p.c screen-to-body ratio

 

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 affords a wonderful show (foremost and canopy) for on a regular basis duties. Be it gaming, multitasking, looking, streaming, studying, or extra. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 affords a peak brightness of 2600nits, and the daylight legibility is superb. The adaptive 120Hz refresh charge guarantees smoother animations and buttery transitions in on a regular basis utilization. The Fold 6 helps each HDR10+ and HDR10 requirements whereas, as anticipated, it comes with Widevine L1 certification.

The 7.6-inch foremost display is without doubt one of the finest you’ll find for multimedia consumption. The under-display selfie digital camera on the primary display hides virtually completely, and you may take full benefit of the actual property.

Curiously, Fold 6 is wider than Fold 5; nevertheless, the primary display specs do not change. Samsung has translated a slight bump in width with improved decision and side ratio. The quilt display is now simpler to make use of because of a wider 6.3-inch measurement, which makes it excellent for typing fast texts, emails or chatting on social media apps.

samsung galaxy z fold6 review cover Samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6

The quilt display on the Fold 6 measures 6.3 inches and affords 410PPI pixel density

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Efficiency: Setting the benchmark for different foldables

  • Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
  • RAM – 12GB LPDDR5X
  • Storage – 256GB/512GB/ 1TB UFS 4.0

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and the cellphone feels snappy in real-world efficiency. It would not miss a beat – be it multitasking, gaming, streaming, photograph or video enhancing. The Galaxy Fold 6 outshines all different 2024 foldables within the efficiency division. Gaming is dealt with easily, and I had fun making an attempt out Name of Obligation: Cellular and Asphalt Legends Unite on the Fold 6. Curiously, Samsung selected to go for a bigger vapour chamber on the Fold 6, which has paid off. I did not discover any heating points, thanks to raised thermal administration.

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The cellphone options 12GB of RAM and is available in three storage variants

 

You probably have ever puzzled if foldables can deal with heavy-duty duties, then Galaxy Z Fold 6 is right here to reply that query. In our artificial benchmark exams, Fold 6 carried out excellently, which was anticipated, and you may discover the ends in the desk beneath.

Benchmark Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Cowl/ Major) Vivo X Fold 3 Professional (Cowl/ Major) OnePlus Open (Cowl/ Major)
AnTuTu v10 1,642,118 / 1,695,896 2,051,650 / 2,063,526 1,305,500 / 1,26,4480
PCMark Work 3.0 18,688 / 18,460 14,489 / 14,251 10,276 / 10,521
Geekbench 6 Single 2,216/ 2,197 2,143 / 2,167 1,426 / 1,056
Geekbench 6 Multi 6,725/ 6,689 6,562 / 6,800 4,096 / 4,114
GFXB T-rex (fps) 120 / 120 120 / 120 60 / 60
GFXB Manhattan 3.1 (fps) 120 / 120 120 / 105 60 / 60
GFXB Automotive Chase (fps) 119 / 119 102 / 67 60 / 46
3DM Slingshot Excessive OpenGL Maxed Out / Maxed Out Maxed Out / Maxed Out Maxed Out / Maxed Out
3DM Slingshot Maxed Out / Maxed Out Maxed Out / Maxed Out Maxed Out / Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life 15,678 / 15,210 Maxed Out / Maxed Out Maxed Out / Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Limitless 18,786 / 17,898 17,985 / 18,721 13,731 / 13,731

The speaker on the Fold 6 is succesful and loud sufficient to fill a small room. The readability can also be wonderful. The decision high quality is unbelievable, and the foldable can comfortably latch to networks in low community zones. I had a good time typing on the quilt display of the Fold 6 and observed that it packs a strong haptic motor. It is good that Samsung has caught up on fundamentals whereas masking the premium finish of the spectrum. Good work total within the efficiency division by Fold 6.

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The Galaxy Fold 6 packs stereo audio system

 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Software program and AI: Including worth

  • Software program – One UI 6.1.1
  • Model – Android 14
  • Newest safety patch – June, 2024

The Galaxy Fold 6 runs One UI 6.1.1 based mostly on Android 14, and recently, when you’ve got used a premium Galaxy gadget, there’s little to take a look at right here. You’ll be handled with a well-recognized UI with minimal bloatware. The transition from the quilt to the primary display is clean, and most apps open easily and not using a stutter. Samsung guarantees seven years of Android and safety updates on the Fold 6, which ought to outlive the cellphone itself – in case somebody buys a cellphone now and plans to maintain it until 2031. It is a good factor to have, for instance, the IP score in your cellphone. You would possibly by no means use it when water can spill on the gadget, however the safety provides you peace of thoughts.

Samsung’s new foldables – Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 include a number of AI options. This manner, Samsung ensures it stays forward of the AI curve that rivals are slowly pushing out with their new telephones. Principally, the iPhone 16 subsequent month might be Apple’s subsequent massive wager with AI.

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Each Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 include a number of AI options

 

However, for Samsung, the bottom was ready in January solely when the corporate unveiled the S24 sequence with the whole Galaxy AI push. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are simply carrying that ahead and in a great way. I talked about them intimately in my Flip 6 overview, however most of these AI options are enjoyable to play on the Fold 6, because of extra display actual property provided right here.

I’ll begin with my favorite choose, and that is the Notes app from Samsung. The Word help brings a bunch of AI options like auto-formating, summarising notes, transcribing and summarising voice recording, auto-generating covers based mostly on content material in notes, fixing grammar and spelling, and translating textual content in notes. It additionally affords PDF overlay translation for fast translation of PDF paperwork – a characteristic you will not discover totally free on the Web. Throughout my overview of the Fold 6, the Notes app was on my dwelling display and was my go-to app for a number of work-related duties.

Sketch to picture was one other of my favorite AI options on Fold 6 and was a enjoyable option to discover the artistic facet of a nasty painter. The characteristic is so good that it makes you are feeling you’ll be able to draw. However that is simply AI doing the heavy lifting for you. I additionally tried the Interpreter characteristic’s dialog mode, which might translate in real-time and labored flawlessly.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 runs OneUI 6.1.1 out of the field based mostly on Android 14

 

Portrait Studio can convert your portraits to 3D cartoons or any most well-liked obtainable types, whereas Photograph Help provides you AI photograph enhancing instruments. The Fold 6 is a superb cellphone should you love studying, and the looking help characteristic may help you summarise a webpage textual content and even assist with translations. Should you want chat help, AI can supply assist by the Chat help characteristic, which might compose textual content based mostly in your request and in addition help you with altering the textual content’s tonality and checking grammar.

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Portrait Studio characteristic in motion on the Fold 6

 

All of those options mixed may help together with your each day duties, however provided that you utilize them appropriately and, in fact, if they’re useful in your work. For me, most of those have been very helpful and enjoyable to discover.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Digital camera: Respectable however not one of the best on the market

  • Major digital camera – 50-megapixel, Twin Pixel PDAF, OIS, f/1.8 aperture, AF
  • Telephoto digital camera – 10-megapixel, PDAF, 3x zoom
  • Extremely-wide digital camera – 12-megapixel, f/2.2 aperture
  • Selfie – 4-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture & 10-megapixel cowl display entrance digital camera with f/2.2 aperture

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs the rear digital camera setup we noticed on the Fold 5 and Fold 4. The large change this time is the upgraded ultrawide sensor for higher low-light pictures. The selfie cameras are additionally the identical as what we noticed final 12 months.

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The first digital camera is a 50-megapixel sensor

 

Leaping straight to the digital camera outcomes, the Fold 6, whatever the digital camera {hardware}, takes some superb daylight pictures. Loads of particulars and pictures are colour-accurate, vivid and vibrant in most well-lit conditions. Pictures have a wonderful dynamic vary, and autofocus works properly. It captures first rate pores and skin tones in portraits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 daylight digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

Even the bokeh pictures got here out properly. I beloved the depth estimation on Fold 6, which was correct in most portrait pictures.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

Coming to the ultrawide digital camera, the pictures are first rate in daylight conditions, with ample particulars and a superb dynamic vary. Nevertheless, one stunning information is that there isn’t any autofocus on this digital camera, which implies should you attempt to use Fold 6 as your point-and-shoot digital camera, it’s possible you’ll find yourself with some outcomes with gentle focus. The telephoto digital camera can also be a succesful one.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

In low-light situations, pictures barely get sketchy due to many elements, together with irregular autofocusing. There are excessive ranges of noise in low-light pictures in addition to underexposed topics in a number of of our samples.

One other downside was within the zooming division. The Fold 6 is not a cellphone that takes good zoom pictures, and there is not any doubt about it.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 night time digital camera samples (faucet to see bigger picture)

 

 

The 4-megapixel under-display digital camera on the primary display is finest used for video calls and is not apt for social media uploads. The ten-megapixel digital camera, however, is best for social media uploads and does a wonderful job in each lighting state of affairs. Samsung has additionally barely improved video high quality on the Fold 6.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 might not win one of the best digital camera award in premium smartphones. Nevertheless it packs succesful cameras. It is simply that I want to check each side of the gadget, retaining the worth in thoughts, and that units my bar excessive for the Fold 6 to match.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Battery: Nonetheless catching up

  • Battery capability – 4,400mAh
  • Charging charge – 25W (wired) & 15W wi-fi
  • No charging adapter within the field

The battery division is barely touched by Samsung this 12 months for the Fold 6. It is like the corporate selected to keep away from bumping battery capability to make sure that the load stays decrease than final 12 months’s Fold 5. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 packs a 4,400mAh battery, and it lasted almost for a day with combined utilization the place I spent probably the most time with the quilt display, whereas for duties like studying tales, enhancing, and streaming, I ended up utilizing the interior show. Contemplating the battery specs have not modified, Fold 6’s battery efficiency is kind of much like that of Fold 5. In our video loop check, the Fold 6 lasted for 20 hours and 24 minutes, throughout which we ran the movies on the larger interior show, which was spectacular.

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The Fold 6 sports activities a 120Hz refresh charge

 

Battery life apart, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 disappoints in charging speeds. Samsung, for causes it is aware of finest, is holding on to 25W quick charging help at a time when Android flagships priced upwards of lakh help minimal 65W charging speeds. In the course of the overview, we observed that the Fold 6 expenses from 0 to 50% in half-hour. Nevertheless, full charging takes over 100 minutes, which is not good for a cellphone that prices virtually a bomb.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Assessment: Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the best foldable but from the home of Samsung. It delivers on so many issues it guarantees, and it’s a boon for multitaskers. The shows are among the finest on the foldables I’ve used; efficiency is snappy, whereas software program with AI options is a USP. The extra time you spend with Fold 6, the extra you’ll be a fan of the shape issue – particularly the use instances it affords, which really feel like a number of gadgets are rolled into one. In a time when smartphone producers are slowly getting bullish on AI options on their gadgets, Samsung can proudly boast that it has efficiently built-in a bunch, they usually work positive.

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The highest-of-the-line Fold 6 variant with 1TB storage prices Rs. 200,999

 

It is a supremely succesful foldable smartphone, however it might not outright beat different Android flagships, together with the Galaxy S24 Extremely. The reason being easy: it is not meant for that. So, why must you purchase it? If you wish to expertise a refined book-style foldable smartphone with tons of AI goodness and top-notch efficiency, then Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the cellphone for you. It affords among the finest UI experiences you’ll be able to’t get on different foldables just like the OnePlus Open (Assessment) and Vivo X Fold 3 Professional (Assessment). The software program help promise is the cherry on the cake.

Now, let’s discuss some issues. The most important downside is that foldables don’t attraction to everybody, and the second is the pricing of the Fold 6. Due to the folding type issue, it’s fragile in comparison with different telephones with a bar design and appeals to a distinct segment audience. In fact, the pricing is on the excessive facet.

Speaking about options, the Galaxy S24 Extremely (Assessment) affords virtually the whole lot that Fold 6 affords at a lesser value, minus the fold design. OnePlus Open and Vivo’s X Fold 3 Professional are additionally obtainable should you strictly need a book-style foldable apart from Fold 6.