The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is generating significant buzz ahead of its release, but it’s important to consider whether it is a worthy upgrade, especially for users of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. While there are some improvements, there are also several reasons why this new model might not justify the upgrade for current Z Fold 5 users. Here, we outline the five major issues with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and why it might only be a compelling choice for those with older models like the Z Fold 4 or earlier. If you’re just looking for quick answers to questions about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 before buying, check our quick hits at the bottom of this post!
Marginally Wider Cover Display
One of the most anticipated improvements was a wider cover display. The narrow cover screen of the Z Fold 5 made it difficult to type or text with one hand, a significant drawback for many users. Although the Z Fold 6 features a slightly wider cover display—about 3 mm wider—it’s not a substantial change. This minor adjustment does little to improve usability compared to traditional smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which offers a much more practical cover screen.
Persistent Visible Crease
Another major concern that remains unaddressed is the visible crease in the foldable display. The Z Fold 5 had a noticeable crease, and unfortunately, the Z Fold 6 shows no significant improvement in this area. The crease is still highly visible from various angles, detracting from the overall user experience. Competing brands like Vivo, Honor, and Xiaomi have made strides in minimizing the visibility of the crease in their foldable phones, making Samsung’s lack of innovation here particularly disappointing.
Absence of an S Pen Slot
The lack of a built-in S Pen slot is another notable omission. The Z Fold 6, like its predecessor, does not feature a dedicated slot for the S Pen. This omission is surprising, given the device’s potential as a creative tool and the enhancements expected in the S Pen’s functionality with the upcoming One UI 6.1.1. A built-in S Pen slot would have been a significant convenience, preventing the pen from being misplaced and enhancing the overall utility of the device.
Unchanged Camera Hardware
The camera setup on the Z Fold 6 remains identical to that of the Z Fold 5. While the camera rings have been redesigned to look more aggressive, the internal hardware has not changed. Users are left with the same sensors and camera quality, which fall short of the capabilities offered by the Galaxy S24 series. This stagnation in camera hardware means that while the Z Fold 6 might offer some software optimizations, it won’t match the camera performance of other flagship devices in Samsung’s lineup.
Increased Price
Finally, the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to increase to $1,899 USD, a $100 hike from the Z Fold 5’s starting price. Given the incremental improvements and persistent issues, this higher price point may be difficult to justify. Consumers might find better value in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which offers superior camera performance and a more user-friendly display at a lower price.
Conclusion
While the Galaxy Z Fold 6 introduces some enhancements, such as a slightly wider cover display and a lighter design, it fails to address several key issues that users have been hoping for. The persistent visible crease, absence of an S Pen slot, unchanged camera hardware, and increased price make it a less compelling upgrade for current Z Fold 5 users. However, for those using older models like the Z Fold 4 or earlier, the Z Fold 6 might still offer enough improvements to justify the switch.
As always, it’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully before making a purchasing decision. For the latest updates and detailed reviews, stay tuned to our channel and website. If you are planning to pre-order the Z Fold 6 or other upcoming Samsung devices, be sure to sign up for early preorder links to make sure you don’t miss out on your preferred color and storage configuration. Plus you are also eligible for our free mystery box program. Sign up now and get a free case, cleaning kit, and other accessories when you buy a new Galaxy smartphone through our affiliate link on launch day!
Quick Hit: Galaxy Z Fold 6 FAQ
- Does the Galaxy Z Fold 6 have an S Pen slot? Sadly not, Samsung did not include an S Pen silo this year.
- Is the Galaxy Z Fold 6 lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 5? Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is significantly lighter and somewhat thinner than the Z Fold 5. The device is 14g lighter than its predecessor.
- Is the Galaxy Z Fold 6 wider than the Galaxy Z Fold 5? Yes, but only by around 3mm. However, Samsung has slimmed down the bezel to make the screen real estate a bit larger.
- Is the Galaxy Z Fold 6 more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 5? Yes, the price went up $100. Samsung does offer several great trade in deals that can bring this price down quite a bit.
- Does the Galaxy Z Fold 6 have a better camera than the Galaxy Z Fold 5? No. While Samsung has improved software processing, the hardware is nearly identical.
- Does the Galaxy Z Fold 6 still have a crease? Yes, the crease is still very visible, it is not much of an improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
