Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable phone market for years, with the Galaxy Z Fold line receiving numerous improvements over time. However, new competitors like the OnePlus Open and Pixel Fold have emerged, challenging Samsung’s dominance. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, released in 2024, features a lighter yet stronger frame, a new ultra-wide-angle camera, and AI-powered tools. Despite these upgrades, the phone remains largely unchanged, leading to a sense of complacency that may impact Samsung’s position in the foldable phone market.
Design and Displays:
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has slightly adjusted dimensions, making it thinner and wider in certain areas. The phone features a sharper design with boxier edges and squared-off corners. The Enhanced Armor Aluminium used in its chassis is stronger, and a new dual-rail hinge provides a balance between ease of use and stability. The weight of the phone has been reduced by 14 grams, making it more manageable. The displays offer improved peak brightness of 2,600 nits, with reduced bezels for a more immersive experience.
Performance:
Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the Z Fold 6 delivers fast and responsive performance. The addition of a larger vapor chamber helps keep the phone cool during extended use, making it ideal for gaming on its large screen.
Cameras:
While the Z Fold 6 features a new 12-MP ultra-wide lens, the main and telephoto cameras remain the same as previous models. The photography quality is good but falls short compared to competitors like the Pixel Fold, which offers superior zoom capabilities and overall image quality.
AI Features:
The phone incorporates AI-powered tools like Chat Assist, Circle to Search, and translation features. New additions include Portrait Studio and Sketch to Image tools, which add fun elements but may not be essential for everyday use.
Battery Life:
The Z Fold 6 offers improved battery life due to energy efficiency enhancements, lasting up to 25 hours on its exterior cover display. However, the charging speeds remain mediocre at 25-watt wired and 15-watt wireless charging.
Wrap-Up:
While the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a solid foldable phone with great performance and battery life, it falls short in terms of camera quality compared to competitors. The phone’s high price of $1,900, along with the lack of significant upgrades, may indicate a decline in Samsung’s drive for innovation in the foldable phone market.
