Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: A Two-Week Journey with the Ultimate Foldable
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the most anticipated devices of 2024, continuing Samsung’s bold innovation in the foldable smartphone space. After two weeks of using the device, I am impressed by its design and functionality, although it does come with its quirks. In this review, I will take you through the good and the bad of this unique phone, touching on first impressions, the camera, battery life, durability, and what you can accomplish with this cutting-edge foldable.
First Impressions: A Futuristic Masterpiece?
The moment I unboxed the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the premium build quality was immediately noticeable. Samsung has refined the design to make it sleeker and more ergonomic compared to its predecessor, the Fold 5. The hinge mechanism is smoother than ever, giving the device a more seamless feel when opening and closing it. At just 13.4mm when folded, it is thinner than the Fold 5, and lighter too, weighing 253g – a marked improvement for users seeking better portability.
However, the form factor is still divisive. When folded, the narrow cover screen (6.2 inches) is usable for basic tasks, but still feels cramped for anything more intensive. Once you open the phone, though, you are greeted by a massive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. The display is brighter and crisper than before, but it still has the infamous crease in the middle. While it is less prominent this time, it is something you will notice during usage.
Camera: More Than Just Numbers
Samsung has packed the Fold 6 with a solid camera array: a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The cover display houses a 10MP selfie camera, and there is a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen.
The 50MP main sensor produces vibrant images with great detail in well-lit conditions. Colours are punchy, and the dynamic range is impressive, especially in daylight photography. In low-light scenarios, the Night Mode continues to deliver with better clarity and reduced noise, but it is not as flawless as the camera systems in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The ultrawide lens offers great versatility, capturing expansive landscapes without losing much detail, but the 3x optical zoom, while useful, feels underwhelming compared to competitors with more powerful zoom capabilities.
As for the selfie cameras, both the cover display and the under-display camera do a decent job. However, the under-display camera is still not as sharp as a traditional camera, so while it is a cool piece of tech, the results are softer, especially in low light.
Battery Life: Good but Not Great
Samsung’s Fold series has historically struggled with battery life, and while the Fold 6 has made some improvements, it is not perfect. The device houses a 4400mAh battery, the same as its predecessor, and supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
During my two weeks with the Fold 6, I noticed that moderate use — which included checking emails, browsing, social media, and some gaming — got me through a day, but just barely. Heavy use, especially with the large inner display, will have you scrambling for a charger by the late afternoon. The 25W charging is serviceable, but with competitors offering faster charging speeds, it feels slightly dated.
That said, the Fold 6 is efficient when you optimise its battery settings, but this is a phone that still requires charging every day, a minor letdown for a device at this price point.
Durability: Better, But Still Fragile
Durability has always been a concern for foldable phones, and Samsung has taken steps to make the Fold 6 more robust. The main display is now made of Ultra-Thin Glass that is supposedly 50% more durable than the Fold 5. Additionally, the hinge is stronger, and the entire phone is IPX8-rated for water resistance.
However, no matter how durable Samsung claims it to be, foldables remain more fragile than traditional smartphones. After two weeks, I treated the Fold 6 with extreme care, knowing that accidental drops or even rough handling could compromise its longevity. The screen protector on the foldable display is another weak point, prone to scratches and peeling over time. It feels more durable than previous iterations, but users must still exercise caution.
What Can You Do with the Fold?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 shines in its versatility. The large inner display is a productivity powerhouse, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously in split-screen mode. For instance, I found myself easily juggling Google Docs, a web browser, and WhatsApp without any lag. For professionals and content creators, this makes working on the go a breeze. The stylus compatibility (though you have to buy it separately) adds to the functionality, especially if you are into note-taking or light sketching.
For entertainment, the Fold 6 is a joy to use. Watching Netflix or YouTube on the 7.6-inch display feels immersive, with stunning visuals and smooth playback. Gaming is equally impressive, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring that even graphics-intensive titles run without a hitch.
The Good and The Bad
The Good:
- Impressive display quality and refresh rate
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Versatile for multitasking and productivity
- Improved hinge and build quality
The Bad:
- Battery life is still not ideal
- Camera system, while good, does not match flagships like the S24 Ultra
- Durability remains a concern, despite improvements
- Expensive (not for everyone)
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a testament to how far foldable technology has come. It is more refined and functional than ever, making it a compelling choice for power users, multitaskers, and those who want to embrace the future of smartphones. However, it still comes with some trade-offs, particularly around durability and battery life. At its price point, the Fold 6 is not for everyone, but for those who can justify the cost, it is a truly unique device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be.
