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Samsung has dominated the market for flexible screen phones ever since the first Galaxy Fold was released in 2019. However, the distance between Samsung and its main rivals has been closing swiftly with the arrival of competitors like the OnePlus Open, Pixel Fold, and 2024 Moto Razrs. I'm not sure if this will be enough to keep Samsung's newest generation of bendable devices at the top of the rising mountain of foldable competitors, even though the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6—two of several devices unveiled at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris—are lighter, faster, and more durable than previous models.
The Most Significant Adjustments For 2024
The Z Fold 6 and Z Flip improvements may be broadly classified into two categories: the extension of Samsung's Galaxy AI features, which were initially introduced with the S24 series earlier this year. These adjustments were made to capitalize on the phones' flexible design and a variety of improved parts, such as quicker silicon and better camera sensors. However, both gadgets seem more like improved versions of last year's models than a complete redesign, so anyone hoping for significant design improvements will have to wait.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 engine from Qualcomm powers both phones, and their 12GB of RAM is a significant upgrade over the Z Flip 6, which had just 8GB of RAM at its most. Additionally, the Flip 6 has the biggest battery of any Z Flip—4,000mAh—so its longevity should be noticeably increased. The two new camera sensors on the Z Flip are identical to those on the normal S24 and include a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP option for the ultra-wide lens. However, this is arguably the largest difference.
Unfortunately, the Z Fold 6 just gets a new 12MP ultra-wide sensor and keeps the same 50MP primary camera with 3x telephoto found on the Z Fold 5, even though it costs more and has a bigger body that appears to have more area for fancier camera technology. Similar to the S24, Samsung has increased the maximum brightness of the Z Fold 6's outside and inner screens to 2,600 nits. Unfortunately, the Z Flip 6's primary screen is the only one receiving this bump to maximum brightness.
The manufacturer claims that the Enhanced Armor Aluminum used to make the frames of both models is 10% stronger than the previous version. Additionally, according to Samsung, the folding edge of its flexible displays has been improved to better withstand pressure and touch with pointed objects. The company's new Z Assurance program, which offers owners of the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 a free one-time replacement of Samsung's factory-installed screen protector, may be the most beneficial update for long-term usage.
This should provide individuals who are hesitant to commit to a phone with a more sensitive flexible screen further piece of mind, since I have experienced bubbling screen protectors on many generations of previous Z Folds. In addition, Samsung is aiming to make repairs about equal to replacing the display on a typical S24 by providing a one-time discount on screen replacements.
Impressions Of The Z Flip 6: A More Photo-friendly, Portable, Foldable
This year seems to have seen the most improvements made to Samsung's smaller foldable, unlike others, when the Flip loses out to its larger sister. The two additional cameras are a major addition, particularly for a phone that targets more socially concerned and fashion-sensitive consumers. I adore that Samsung is providing greater parity between its most small foldable and its classic candy bar-style devices by employing the same sensors found in the S24.
In addition, the phone has a unique auto-framing mode that lets you hold it upright on a flat surface and adjusts the magnification level based on the number of people in view and your distance from it. You will need to exercise some patience, though, as I did observe during our demo that it took a moment or two for the viewfinder to adapt.
Meanwhile, Samsung has added support for a wider range of widget sizes and functionalities and raised the amount of widgets you can see on a single page on the outer screen of the Z Flip to four. This greatly improves overall usability by making it much simpler to check applications or start timers without having to unlock the phone. Additionally, there are brand-new interactive wallpapers that provide entertaining diversions.
Examining The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Firsthand
In terms of AI, there's a new on-device messaging tool that will read up to seven prior messages to deliver you more helpful and contextual smart answers, in addition to the already-available services like browsing assistance, dictation, and Circle to Search. The concept is that you can answer to friends and family more precisely when you're on the road and don't have to spell everything out yourself. Furthermore, despite the Z Flip 6's somewhat smaller external display than the Z Fold 6, Samsung has added multi-screen real-time translation capabilities. By doing this, you may turn your cover display so that the person on the other side can read messages translated into their language and you can see their answers in yours.
Upon considering a bigger 4,000mAh battery, brighter main display, much more base RAM, and the new Z Assurance program, it appears like Samsung is removing many of the Z Flip's drawbacks in comparison to the normal S24. This implies that there is no need for compromise for those who desire a genuinely small device, possibly expanding the potential market for the Z Flip. In order to improve long-term performance, the Z Flip 6 will also feature its first vapor chamber. If that wasn't enough, Samsung offers an enormous selection of accessories, such as brand-new covers with integrated LED lights, just in case people weren't drawn to your folding phone. You may also read this:Latest Innovations in Sonos Ace Headphone Technology
First Thoughts On The Z Fold 6: Slimmer And Sharper
You might argue that the Z Fold 6 didn't require as many updates as the Flip because it had gone through one more iteration, and Samsung seems to agree. In terms of memory, storage capacity, and overall architecture, not much has changed. Nevertheless, the Z Fold 6 now weighs just 239 grams (8.43 ounces) thanks to the use of Samsung's improved Armor Aluminum and a new dual-rail hinge. That weighs just a few grams more than the S24 Ultra and is 14 grams less than the model from the previous year. Although it might not seem like much, as soon as you take it up, you notice it right away.
Additionally, the Z Fold 6's primary screen is really 3 mm larger and 1 mm shorter to provide a better viewing experience when watching movies, even if it is still 7.6 inches across. Likewise, the external display, which is around 1 mm bigger, follows a similar tale. This modification makes typing simpler and gives the phone's onscreen keyboard additional space. Meanwhile, Samsung enlarged its vapor chamber by 60% to guarantee flawless visuals even during extended gaming sessions, better serving players who frequently choose the Z Fold's spacious interior display.
Images From The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Hands-on
Regarding AI, Samsung is adding a few new capabilities to the Z Fold 6's toolbox, such as dual-screen translation and translation overlay—the latter of which has the ability to alter words directly in the text rather than spewing them out as a large, unformatted blob. More fun, if frivolous, is the new Portrait Studio function, which lets you take an existing photo and turn it into a styled image (comic, watercolor, 3D cartoon, etc.). Alternatively, you may use the Sketch to Image tool to make a crude drawing of an object (such as a crown or sunglasses) over a photo, and then use on-device processing to create a more realistic substitute. Aside from maybe pulling practical jokes on your buddies, the effects were remarkably lifelike.
With its brighter displays (2,600 nit peaks for both), lighter design, and improved processing, the Z Fold 6 still feels a lot like a flagship foldable, but there are a few much-needed features that we haven't yet seen. This has improved primary and telephoto cameras as well as features like an integrated pen and S-Pen slot. Google demonstrated with the Pixel Fold that large, flexible phones don't have to come with subpar cameras. Additionally, Samsung hasn't made any adjustments to the camera located beneath the Fold's primary screen. My main complaint is that the Z Fold and Z Flip 6 are $100 more expensive than the phones from the previous year. The largest deterrent for individuals interested in foldables has always been price, which increases significantly for high-end devices like the Fold, which cost just under $2,000. Furthermore, I had high hopes that Samsung would use its size to provide a big-screen choice that was more reasonably priced after five generations.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 will open today at a price of $1,900 and $1,100, respectively. On July 24, official sales of the devices will commence. The Z Fold 6 will come in three primary color options: silver shadow, pink, and navy. Two other color options—crafted black and white—will only be offered by Samsung. The Z Flip 6 will come in four primary color options: mint, blue, yellow, and silver shadow. There will also be Crafted Black, white, and peach varieties available.