Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6: looking ahead

Six years into the foldable phone revolution, Samsung could be further along with its folding smartphones. The new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 are significantly closer to matching their non-folding counterparts, featuring enhanced durability, slimmer designs, brighter screens, and lighter builds. However, these improvements come with a higher price tag: the Fold6 starts at $1,900, and the Flip6 at $1,100, each $100 more than their 2023 predecessors.

The integration of the popular S Pen stylus from the Galaxy S Ultra series into the Z Fold lineup was anticipated, turning it into a mini drawing tablet. More apps supporting a multi-pane layout on the 7.6-inch screen, rather than just scaling up from a normal phone format, were also expected. More creative uses of the available screen real estate, as seen with the OnePlus Open, would have been welcome. Additionally, a 5X zoom camera like that on Google’s Pixel Fold could have been included. Even in the realm of folding flip phones, Motorola’s approach with a larger external screen feels more innovative compared to Samsung’s updates on the Flip6, which seem a bit stale. Let’s see together what to consider on buying Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

Overlooked durability

This criticism might seem harsh, considering Samsung’s achievements. Few companies boast a six-generation lineup of folding phones. These devices now genuinely feel like traditional smart-phones, a feat no other folding handset in the US market can claim. Concerns about water resistance are largely alleviated with improved durability—these phones are now tested for some dust resistance with an IP48 rating. The specs are on par with the Galaxy S24 flagship series.

Samsung offers a free replacement screen protector if the internal screen is scratched within a year of purchase or a reduced $200 screen repair fee if it is cracked within two years. These perks certainly mitigate some of the anxiety around investing in a phone with a hinge.