The Galaxy Z Flip was the first foldable smartphone that gave a glimpse of what was possible. It wasn’t perfect, but Samsung put a lot of unique ideas into the device, and it was genuinely fun to use. Fast forward to 2024, and Samsung has once again tried to push the boundaries of smartphone design with the release of the Galaxy Z Flip6. This latest iteration of the popular foldable device brings with it a number of improvements and new features aimed at enhancing the user experience and manages to make a case for its relevance once again.
If you have used one of Samsung’s foldable phones before, the design has remained relatively consistent with previous iterations. The Galaxy Z Flip6 retains the slim and compact form factor that made its predecessors so popular. When folded, it slips easily into a pocket or small bag, making it incredibly portable, especially when compared to the larger phones on the market. Samsung has made some subtle but significant changes to the design this time around.
The phone now has flat edges reminiscent of the Galaxy S24 series, giving it a more modern and consistent look. The aluminum frame has been upgraded to Armor Aluminium, which Samsung claims is 10% more scratch-resistant than the material used in the Z Flip5. I didn’t put the phone through any rigorous durability tests, but it managed to stay immaculate during my two weeks with it, and I am clumsy.
This brings me to one of the more notable physical improvements in terms of durability: the new IP48 rating. This means that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is now protected against particles larger than 1mm, a significant step up from its predecessor. The device retains its IPX8 water resistance rating, allowing it to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
“This means that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is now protected against particles larger than 1mm, a significant step up from its predecessor.”
The hinge mechanism on the Galaxy Z Flip6 is a little less noticeable when you first pick it up, but it has also been refined, resulting in a stronger and smoother folding action. Samsung has also managed to make the crease in the main display less noticeable, both visually and to the touch, addressing one of the common criticisms of foldable devices. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still there, and you can still see it. However, compared to previous iterations, Samsung has made some notable improvements.
Looking past the physical design and actually turning on the phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 features two displays: the main folding screen and the cover screen. The internal display remains a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The peak brightness has been significantly increased to 1,942 nits compared to 1,504 nits on the Flip 5, making it much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight.
The 3.4-inch cover display is unchanged in size from the Z Flip5, but it now supports a 120Hz refresh rate, up from 60Hz. This makes interactions with the cover screen feel more fluid and responsive. The cover display continues to be a standout feature, allowing users to check notifications, control music playback, and even use select apps without opening the phone.
Once you actually turn on the Galaxy Z Flip6 smartphone, you will be greeted by Samsung One UI 6.1, based on Android 14. With this being 2024, there are several new AI-powered features introduced this time around that leverage the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6’s unique form factor. The Flex Mode, which allows the phone to be used when partially folded, has been expanded with new capabilities. For example, users can now take hands-free selfies or group photos using voice commands or hand gestures.
One of the most exciting new features is the AI-powered Flex Window. This allows for more advanced multitasking on the home screen, including the ability to run multiple widgets simultaneously. The Interpreter feature can now work in split-screen mode on the home screen, allowing for real-time translation during face-to-face conversations.
“With this being 2024, there are several new AI-powered features introduced this time around that leverage the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6’s unique form factor.”
Samsung has also introduced new customization options for the home screen, allowing users to create personalized wallpapers using AI-generated designs. This adds a layer of individuality to the device that many users will appreciate, although the AI-generated feel can get boring after a while. I don’t know if I am convinced the AI features add much beyond gimmicks for the most part, at least beyond the real-time translation. That is something I find fantastic, especially as someone who travels.
This is the year I finally feel like I’m not being held back by the performance of a Galaxy foldable because the Z Flip6 feels as fast as any flagship you can buy. Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, and the phone flies. The new processor brings improvements in both performance and power efficiency.
“Samsung putting effort into keeping things cool means the Galaxy Z Flip6 runs faster and longer without overheating, and that is a good thing for everyone.”
When it comes to gaming, the Z Flip6 handles demanding titles with ease. Games like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact run smoothly at high frame rates and maximum graphics settings. The larger main screen provides an immersive gaming experience, and the compact form factor makes it comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions.
This year, Samsung has made a real effort to improve the performance of the phone by incorporating a vapour chamber that is up to 50% larger than the one in the Z Flip5, helping to maintain consistent performance during intensive tasks such as gaming. This means less thermal throttling and more stable frame rates over time. While it may seem minor, the biggest thing that will hold back a smartphone is the heat, so Samsung putting effort into keeping things cool means the Galaxy Z Flip6 runs faster and longer without overheating, and that is a good thing for everyone.
“The main camera on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 has been upgraded from a 12MP sensor to a new 50MP sensor.”
In the past, I have bemoaned the fact that Samsung has not put more effort into the camera on the Flip series of phones, as they feel it is made for creatives, and it seems that this year, they have finally listened. The main camera on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 has been upgraded from a 12MP sensor to a new 50MP sensor. This brings it up to par with Samsung’s flagship S series devices and results in noticeably better image quality, especially in low light. It also means that this is a phone you can actually use to take pictures you want to show off and even create some content that can be used in a variety of media.
Beyond the main camera, you will find a serviceable 12MP ultra-wide lens, which remains unchanged from the previous model. On the front, there’s a 10MP selfie camera housed in a hole-punch cutout on the main display. While I would have loved to see a more versatile camera array, Samsung has addressed my biggest concern, and pictures now actually look good and feel more vibrant. Video is now something you can show off. It may not replace a more flagship camera-based phone like the Samsung S24 Ultra or the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but it will do most people without much issue.
The camera software has been enhanced with new AI-powered features. These include improved night mode performance, better edge detection in portrait mode and more advanced professional controls for fine-tuning shots. Flex Mode continues to offer unique photography possibilities, along with using cover preview mode to take better selfies with the main camera. Users can place the phone on a surface and use hand gestures to trigger the shutter, making group selfies and low-angle shots easier than ever.
I did not expect to be raving about the battery in a Flip device, but Samsung has somehow managed to impress me. Samsung has managed to squeeze in a 4,000mAh battery in the Z Flip6, up from the 3,700mAh unit in the Z Flip5. Combined with the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, this results in noticeably better battery life. Most users should be able to get through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing to recharge. This is a welcome improvement, as battery life has been a concern with previous foldable devices.
Charging speeds remain unchanged, with the Z Flip6 supporting 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. While not the fastest in the industry, these speeds are adequate for most users. There are compromises made to make it all fit in the unique formfactor, but I am honestly okay with them. Samsung has addressed most of my issues from past devices, but kept the essence of what makes the Z Flip phones so exciting, something I did not honestly expect walking in.
While not a revolution in the overall formula, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 represents a refinement of the foldable phone concept that addresses many of the gripes from past generations. The improved camera system, longer battery life and more powerful processor make it a more viable everyday option for those who have been hesitant about foldable devices in the past. Improved durability and water resistance provide additional peace of mind. The new AI-powered features, particularly those using the cover display and Flex Mode, add real value to the user experience. They show that Samsung is thinking critically about how to maximize the foldable form factor.
Even with that all said, the Galaxy Z Flip6 still comes with some compromises that make it hard to recommend to everyone. The main display, while improved, is still more vulnerable to damage than traditional smartphone screens. The folding mechanism, despite improvements, may still be a point of concern for some users in terms of long-term durability. It is an inherent issue with the concept, and despite efforts to improve things, I still would be worried about dropping this phone compared to a standard glass-screened device.
That is all before touching on the price tag. This year, the price tag has increased, with the Z Flip6 now starting at $1,099, which may also give some potential buyers pause. It puts this phone in direct competition with high-end traditional smartphones, which often offer more advanced camera systems and larger batteries. It also puts it into the price range of many flagship devices from companies like OnePlus and Xiaomi, which could make some people question whether the novelty is worth the investment.
For those who value the compact form factor and uniqueness of a foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip6 is the most sophisticated and powerful flip-style foldable on the market. It successfully blends style, functionality and innovation in a way that few other devices can match.
Samsung has finally proven that the Galaxy Z Flip6 is more than just a novelty; it’s a powerful smartphone that just happens to fold in half. Whether it’s right for you depends on how much you value its unique design and features versus the potential trade-offs in durability and price. I know for me, the allure of a phone that can transform from a compact square to a full-size device will be hard to resist, especially given the improvements Samsung has made with this latest iteration.
- DON’T STOP TO CROP: Capture stunning hands-free photos using FlexCam with Galaxy AI to frame up your shot automatically; Whether you’re posing in front of a famous landmark or want to get the whole group in, keep everything you want in frame¹
- TAKE PICS FROM GOOD TO GREAT WITH GALAXY AI: Galaxy Z Flip6 takes great photos and easily fixes imperfections, moves objects and enhances colors using Photo Assist with Galaxy AI²
