I’ve been using the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as my primary phone for the past month. In that time, I’ve realized that Samsung has refined this book-style form factor to near perfection. Sure, I still have some personal gripes about the narrow cover display, but the premium build on the Z Fold 6 is impressive. In the end, is that premium build enough to justify a $1899 starting price, given the subpar camera hardware, extra bulk, and lack of an S Pen? Let’s jump in and find out.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Design and Build Quality
- Display
- Performance
- Camera Performance
- Software and Features
- Battery Life and Charging
- Audio and Media
- Price and Value
- Conclusion
Introduction
Many people review a phone after a week or two of use, but this can be misleading. The honeymoon period can cloud your judgement of any new device. I prefer to wait until I’ve had at least a month to step back from the hype and evaluate everything a phone has to offer. With a foldable, extended time with the device is even more important. Questions about usability, comfort in the hand, and durability all come to mind. This year Samsung opted against massive design changes and upgrades, to the disappointment of many fans. However, this did allow them to refine the Z Fold 5 core and produce a well-intentioned smartphone for 2024.
Heading into this review period, I had three main concerns – the usability of a slightly wider (but still narrower than my S24 Ultra) cover display, the camera, and battery life. The preference for a wide cover display is certainly a personal one, but the camera quality and battery life have been suspect on the Z Fold lineup for several generations. Samsung didn’t do much to quell their critics in the camera hardware department, using the same sensor year over year. Battery life is always subjective, but my hope was for better screen-on time due to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
Before we get into the processor specs and battery life numbers, let’s talk about the aforementioned (minor) redesign and refined hinge mechanism.
Design and Build Quality
Exterior Design (Hinge, Materials, Overall Aesthetics)
Samsung has the best hinge mechanism in any foldable phone on the market. There’s really no other way to put it. The crease still lives across the main display (more on that later), but this hinge is absolutely superb. It occurred to me that the crease is likely a byproduct of this truly exceptional hinge. If the noticeable crease is indeed necessary for engineering purposes, I think it’s worth it. In addition to slimming down the profile of the phone, Samsung made the hinge more compact. Opening and closing the Z Fold 6 provides a satisfying feeling, that you can’t get on any other book-style foldable.
Fold Mechanism and Durability
With this redesign, Samsung’s hinge on the Z Fold 6 is still equally durable. I have dropped my past Z Fold devices a few times, and the hinge has yet to fail. Hopefully, my Z Fold 6 will not suffer this fate, but I am confident it could survive. Comparing the Z Fold 6 to the OnePlus Open and Chinese rivals, reveals just how much Samsung innovated in this design aspect. The hinge on these other foldables isn’t bad, but they do not have the same satisfying feel and do not lay as flat as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (around 178 degrees).
Size and Portability
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 portability is paradoxical. The new slimmer design is great, but it’s still heavier and thicker than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I used the Galaxy S24 Ultra from January 2024 until I started reviewing the Z Fold 6 in late July. The weight difference is less of the problem this year, the Z Fold 6 being only 7 grams heavier than the S24 Ultra. On the other hand, thickness does present some usability problems when using the cover screen. I often find gripping the phone to be difficult with the thicker frame, particularly when typing. This is certainly not a deal breaker or universal problem, but it is something to consider if you plan to move from a slab phone to a foldable. With an additional 3.5mm of thickness over Samsung’s flagship slab phone, you’ll definitely notice this change when using the Z Fold 6.
The question of portability boils down to how often you plan to utilize the Z Fold 6 in unfolded form. The phone is thinner when unfolded than the S24 Ultra, but also much more difficult to use one handed. This presents occasional issues while using the phone on the go. I often find myself using the cover screen about 60% of the time, because it is just easier while walking around, out and about.
Display
Main Display: Quality, Brightness, and Features
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 truly shines when it comes to display quality. Both the main and cover displays are incredibly bright, making outdoor visibility a non-issue, even in direct sunlight. This level of brightness sets the Fold 6 apart from most devices on the market, making it best-in-class for outdoor viewing. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast remains sharp, delivering an excellent visual experience whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching a video, or multitasking with multiple apps.
While the overall improvements in the display quality are minimal compared to the Z Fold 5, there is a notable refinement in the foldable’s hallmark feature: the crease. The interior crease on the main display seems to be slightly reduced, which is a welcome improvement for those who found it distracting on previous iterations. Although it’s still there, the reduced prominence makes for a smoother visual experience, especially during media consumption.
Secondary Display (Cover Screen): Usability and Specs
The cover display, while incredibly bright and vibrant, continues to present some usability challenges. Its narrow aspect ratio remains largely unchanged, which may take some getting used to—especially for those transitioning from a traditional “slab-style” phone. Many users may find the narrower cover screen to be comfortable for quick tasks like checking notifications or responding to messages. However, if you’re someone who frequently uses the cover display for more involved interactions, the narrowness could become an annoyance. It’s definitely something worth considering if you’re used to wider, more conventional smartphone displays.
Comparison with Previous Generation (Fold 5)
In terms of raw display performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 brings only marginal improvements over the Fold 5. Both the inner and outer displays deliver top-tier brightness and color reproduction, but outside of the slightly diminished crease on the main screen, there isn’t much that distinguishes the Fold 6 from its predecessor in this department. Still, if you are a fan of book-style foldables, the Z Fold 6 will continue to impress.
Overall, if you’re already a fan of foldables, particularly those with a book-like design, you will likely enjoy the Z Fold 6. Its displays remain some of the best on the market, and the reduced crease is a nice touch for those who prioritize aesthetics and immersion. However, for those coming from a slab-style phone, it’s worth carefully considering how often you’ll be relying on the cover display versus the main screen—especially given the narrow form factor of the cover screen.
Performance
Processor and Internal Hardware
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to performance. At the heart of this device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, one of the most robust processors currently available for Android devices. Whether you’re juggling multiple apps or running intensive tasks, the Fold 6 doesn’t break a sweat. Coupled with 12GB of RAM, this device excels in both day-to-day operations and more demanding applications. The hardware is clearly designed to deliver a smooth and responsive experience, no matter how much you push it.
Multitasking and Software Optimization
Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 continues to lead the pack when it comes to multitasking on Android, and the Z Fold 6 showcases this beautifully. The multitasking features are extensive and highly customizable, from multi-window support to pop-up windows that let you resize and position apps exactly where you want them. This level of customization makes multitasking more intuitive and seamless than any other Android skin currently on the market. The large display is perfect for handling multiple apps at once, making this device a productivity dream.
The robustness of One UI 6.1.1 truly shines in this area. It’s easy to snap two or even three apps into place on the screen, and everything runs smoothly, without any noticeable slowdown. This seamless integration between hardware and software makes the Fold 6 a standout for productivity-minded users.
Gaming and Heavy-Duty Tasks
If you’re into gaming, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is superb. The main display’s large screen provides an immersive experience, with smooth gameplay and stunning graphics that really make the most of the hardware. Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or casual games, the performance is top-notch.
One UI 6.1.1’s Game Booster feature enhances the gaming experience even further by optimizing performance and reducing distractions. You can block notifications and adjust system settings to ensure the game runs at its peak without interruptions. This results in a highly immersive gaming experience that feels natural on the massive foldable display. Indeed, the Z Fold 6 handles high-performance games without stuttering or overheating is one of the key reasons gamers should consider this device.
The performance of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points. Its exceptional multitasking capabilities, paired with its ability to handle intensive gaming, make it a standout in the foldable market. Whether you’re seeking a device that can boost productivity through multitasking or offer an immersive gaming experience, the Z Fold 6 delivers on both fronts. If performance is a priority for you, the Fold 6 should be high on your list of devices to consider.
Camera Performance
Camera Specs Overview
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a versatile camera setup designed to cater to a wide range of photography and videography needs, here are the highlights: The Main Rear Camera boasts a 50 MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), offering high resolution and excellent detail for general photography in outdoor lighting. Next, an Ultra-Wide Camera features a 12 MP sensor with a 123-degree field of view, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. Samsung returns the Telephoto Camera with a 10 MP sensor with 3x optical zoom and OIS, allowing for detailed zoomed-in shots without significant loss of quality. Around front on the cover screen, a you’ll find a 10 MP sensor for selfies and video calls when the device is folded. On the main display, we have a 4 MP sensor discreetly placed under the main display, primarily used for video calls and facial recognition when the device is unfolded. This setup enables the Z Fold 6 to handle various shooting scenarios, from ultra-wide landscapes to detailed close-ups, making it a well-rounded option for mobile photography enthusiasts.
Photography Performance: Day and Night
The hardware is mostly unchanged from the Z Fold 5, most of the extra magic happens on the software side this year. Samsung definitely improved the computational photography algorithm applied in brightly lit outdoor scenarios. The primary 50MP uses Pixel binning for a 12MP output by default and these images look crisp and well balanced when the lighting is right. On the other hand, the primary sensor can still struggle at night or in poorly lit indoor scenarios. The detail can suffer in these shots and you also lose some of the dynamic range you get with the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s primary shooter. The 3x Zoom photos look passable, but Samsung needs to improve their software algorithms to refine detail at small zoom distances. While most users will not be overtly bothered by the quality, Samsung is lagging behind competing OEMs in this area. Colors can look a bit muddy on the 3x Zoom shots in anything but the best lighting conditions. As for the ultra-wide sensor, the improvements are consistent with those observed in the main camera. The distortion correct algorithm is significantly improved (as Samsung claimed in the press conference) and brightness is also noticeably better than the Z Fold 6. Colors still look a bit patchy from the ultra-wide sensor, another area Samsung can improve in software processing overall.
While telling you about the camera specs and performance is great, you can see the general quality yourself from my sample photos below. If you’d like to check out the original uncompressed image, feel free to grab those files from my shared folder on Google Drive.
Video Recording Quality and Features
When it comes to video, the Z Fold 6 is somewhat middle of the road. The overall quality is very similar to that of the Z Fold 5, though Samsung made some improvements with software processing and stabilization. One area where I found the video capability lacking, is in thermal performance and efficiency. I recorded a few short 4K clips at 60fps and the Z Fold 6 was noticeably warm. These were not 10+ minute videos, they were 2-3 minute clips of my youngest son’s swimming lessons. While it is certainly reasonable to expect thermal challenges with space-constrained foldables, heating up after 3 minutes is disappointing.
In general, if you take 1080p video clips for your family, you will be mostly happy with the quality of the camera. If you don’t mind a little heat or use a tripod, the 4K footage is also very usable, though dynamic range and color still suffer from the outdated hardware. Once again, Samsung has massive room for improvement in video quality for 2025.
Comparison with Other Flagship Cameras
The Z Fold 6 camera compares favorably to other foldable phones on the market in the United States. The camera is superior to the OnePlus Open in many regards and is on par with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The issue for Samsung is that the camera is way behind Chinese foldable rivals and virtually every flagship slab phone globally. As a global leader in smartphone innovation, we expect Samsung to lead in camera hardware in every category and that just isn’t the case yet with foldables. We hope that Samsung finally brings the Z Fold lineup in line with the Galaxy S Ultra flagships in terms of camera hardware. From the early leaks of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, they seem to be on the right track.
Software and Features
One UI 6.1.1 Features: Optimizations for Foldables
Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 brings a host of foldable-specific features to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, showcasing the company’s commitment to optimizing the software for this unique form factor. One of the standout features is the real-time translation tool, which fully utilizes the larger display by offering a conversation view. This feature is incredibly useful for travelers or those frequently communicating across languages, as it allows both parties to see translations side by side, making conversations feel seamless and natural on the expansive main display.
The Galaxy AI features are another impressive addition. For example, the sketch-to-image functionality is not only fun to experiment with but also practical, especially for content creators who may use the Z Fold 6 for brainstorming or visualizing ideas.
Flex Mode and Multi-Window Functionality
Flex mode remains one of the most useful and distinguishing features of Samsung’s foldable devices, and the Z Fold 6 continues to build on this innovation. In Flex Mode, you can prop the phone up at various angles, effectively using it as a tripod when taking photos, which is perfect for hands-free shots or time-lapses. Another particularly unique use case is watching YouTube videos in Flex mode, where the top half of the screen displays the video while the bottom half shows comments or live chat. This dual-view experience feels tailor-made for content consumers and creators alike, making the most of the foldable form factor.
As discussed earlier, the multi-window functionality in One UI 6.1.1 is unmatched. The Z Fold 6’s large main display offers an exceptional canvas for multitasking, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously without feeling cramped. Whether you’re working on documents, checking emails, or watching a video alongside your tasks, the experience is seamless and well-optimized. Samsung’s attention to detail in multi-window management makes this device ideal for productivity-focused users.
App Compatibility and Adaptability
One of the most welcome features of the Z Fold 6 is the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, which significantly enhances the multitasking experience. The taskbar allows for quick access to your most-used apps, making app switching efficient and intuitive. It almost feels like a mini desktop experience within the confines of a mobile device, which is a testament to how Samsung designed One UI 6.1.1 to cater to productivity.
Additionally, more apps than ever are now optimized for the foldable display of the Z Fold 6. This makes for a smoother and more consistent experience across various use cases, whether you’re gaming, working, or simply browsing social media. The optimization ensures that apps scale properly and take full advantage of the larger screen, making the Z Fold 6 feel like a polished and versatile device. It would be nice to see additional optimization when moving between the cover screen and main display (some apps still fail like Youtube Studio). However, Samsung is largely at the mercy of Google and 3rd party developers in this regard.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 retains the same battery capacity as its predecessor, which might be a point of contention for some, especially given the power demands of such a large, dual-display device. However, despite no changes in battery size, the device does see a noticeable improvement in battery life, thanks largely to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This optimization helps the Z Fold 6 make better use of its power, giving you a more reliable battery experience throughout the day.
Charging Speed: Wired and Wireless
When it comes to charging, the Z Fold 6 supports up to 25W wired charging. While this is fast enough for most users, it’s worth noting that Samsung is still way behind some of its Chinese competitors who are pushing past 100W fast charging speeds. For heavy users or those who are constantly on the go, faster charging is essential, and it’s an area where Samsung must make improvements next year. What’s worse, Samsung offers 45W charging on the S24 Ultra, making it a sizable downgrade in charging speed if you switch to the Z Fold 6. Wireless charging isn’t as outdated, clocking in around the industry standard of 15W, but it isn’t class-leading either. Overall, charging speeds are an area of disappointment for the Z Fold 6.
Real-World Battery Performance
In terms of real-world battery life, I averaged around 5.5 hours of screen-on time per day. My usage included a mix of about 60% WiFi and 40% LTE, with a variety of activities such as gaming, web browsing, video streaming on YouTube and Netflix, and tending to daily work tasks. Given the power-hungry nature of the large main display, this performance is reasonable and should comfortably get most users through the day.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers decent battery life but disappointing charging speeds, so there’s still room for improvement. The efficiency gains from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 have helped extend the device’s battery performance, making it an upgrade over the Fold 5. However, when compared to most rivals, Samsung’s charging speeds still fall short, and there’s always a desire for more battery life on such a large-screen device. For the average user, the battery performance will likely be sufficient, but heavy users may still find themselves reaching for the charger sooner than they’d like.
Audio and Media
Speaker Quality
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers an exceptional audio experience, thanks to its six speaker setup. As a physical larger device, the Z Fold 6 surpasses the S24 Ultra in sound quality. The sound is open and feels close enough to put you in the middle of the action for a good movie. Dolby Atmos takes this experience to another level, attempting to recreate the in-theater feel with object-tracking immersive sound.
Media Playback: Video and Music Experience
When it comes to media consumption, the Z Fold 6 excels. The combination of its massive, high-quality display and superior audio makes it my go-to device for streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Watching movies or TV shows feels immersive, as the large screen truly enhances the viewing experience, and the audio quality complements it perfectly.
Listening to music through the Z Fold 6 is equally satisfying, especially when paired with high-end headphones. Android’s support for various Bluetooth codecs means that when I pair the device with my Bang and Olufsen H95 headphones, the sound quality is exceptional. The clarity and richness of the sound, whether I’m listening to music or watching a movie with Dolby Atmos activated, creates a truly immersive experience. Streaming high-quality audio on services like Tidal takes this to another level, showcasing the full range of what the Z Fold 6’s audio system is capable of.
Consuming media on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is simply delightful. The combination of the large, immersive display and the quad speaker setup delivers a superior experience, making this device an excellent choice for anyone who values high-quality audio and video playback. Whether you’re watching the latest Netflix series or enjoying music through premium headphones, the Z Fold 6 excels in providing a rich and immersive multimedia experience.
Price and Value
Price Point Analysis
The Z Fold 6 starts at $1899, which is $100 more than last year’s Z Fold 5. That price is a bit hard to swallow, given the iterative design upgrades and minimal changes to camera hardware. Many users, myself included, also wanted to see a larger battery, larger cover display, and built-in S Pen slot. Samsung decided to deliver none of those upgrades in 2024. Given all of this, the Z Fold 6 is a tough sell for those converting from a recent S line flagship phone. You end up paying more money to switch, but receive significant downgrades in many key categories in return.
Of course, the unique form factor of the Z Fold 6 changes the value proposition if you require a small tablet in your pocket at all times. Busy professionals, gamers, and those consuming media all the time are likely to enjoy the Z Fold 6 despite the high price. The price of the Z Fold 6 isn’t unreasonable for the tech on display, but it is quite high for the minimal upgrades, especially if you already have a Z Fold 4 or Z Fold 5.
Comparison to Competing Foldables and Flagships
Samsung doesn’t have a lot of competition in the foldable market in the United States. Its two biggest rivals stateside, Google and OnePlus, both have compelling alternatives to the Z Fold 6. The OnePlus Open and Pixel 9 Fold Pro have larger cover screens, and in the case of the Pixel, a far better camera. However, Samsung still rules on the software front when it comes to foldable smartphones. Productivity, multitasking, and gaming are a breeze in One UI 6.1.1, making the Z Fold 6 the pound for pound winner in the US market right now. This does not mean Samsung should be lackadaisical, OnePlus’ first foldable effort impressed on many fronts and their software is headed in the right direction. Google could also improve things with their multitasking capabilities and easily take the lead in this market if Samsung continues with tiny hardware upgrades year over year.
On the international front, Samsung is playing in a much different ballgame. Competition from Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo intensified over the past year, leaving Samsung and the Z Fold 6 lagging behind. Many of these Chinese manufacturers now offer a much larger cover display, flagship quality camera, and a much lighter/thinner form factor. While Samsung still has a slight edge in software, Xiaomi is making real progress in this area as well. According to rumors, Samsung may release a Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in China and Korea to remedy many of the Z Fold 6 deficiencies. While it would be great for Samsung to fight off competition in these key markets, we’d sure love for the Z Fold 6 Special Edition to make its way stateside.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The Z Fold 6 is an excellent foldable smartphone and One UI 6.1.1 shines on this device. There is no question in my mind that Samsung is still on top of the book-style foldable category in the US, mostly thanks to software advantages. The minor design refinements and slightly larger cover display are nice, but don’t go far enough. Samsung didn’t change much from the Z Fold 5 on the hardware side of things and that is extremely disappointing. To pay $1900 and still have a subpar camera in your pocket, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. While most buyers understand the compromises of getting a foldable, Samsung needs to step up their game in 2025 to fend off competition from numerous OEMs entering the foldable space. Apple is also planning to enter this market in 2026 or 2027, so Samsung should continue innovating to poach Apple users interested in foldables.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 6?
Foldable Newcomers
If you’re looking to break into the foldable market for the first time, the Z Fold 6 is definitely a phone to consider. Moving from a slab phone to foldable is a tough decision. You must carefully consider how you use your phone on a daily basis. My recommendation to potential foldable converts – carefully track your usage time and see how often you would use the cover vs main display. If you think you would use the main display at least 30% of the time, you will enjoy the Z Fold 6 form factor. Keep in mind, the your camera quality will suffer if you’re switching from a flagship slab device (S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro). If the camera compromises don’t bother you and you need the added productivity, go for it. Samsung still has the best trade in deals, we suggest buying it directly from their website.
Upgrading
On the other hand, the value proposition for those considering a year over year upgrade from the Z Fold 5 is rather low. Samsung doesn’t offer enough radical improvements to warrant the extra $600+ investment to upgrade. If you have a Z Fold 4 or older, the camera and display improvements may appeal to you, but I think Z Fold 4 users can hold off another year as well. We hope Samsung brings out the kitchen sink in 2025 for the Z Fold 7 feature list. As for me, I’ll be switching back to my S24 Ultra as my daily driver. The slab life is better aligned with how I work. The Z Fold 6 will stick around in my lineup, but I plan to use it as a productivity and media consumption device when traveling or on the couch at home.
We hope you enjoyed our Galaxy Z Fold 6 review. It’s been a fun ride, thanks for coming along! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, hit us up on X. If you’re considering the S25 Ultra as your next phone, check out our free mystery box program to get bonus accessories on launch day!
