If you were born in the 1990s like me, it’s likely you have fond memories of the flip phones that were all the rage in the early 2000s. Getting hands on with the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 not only exemplified the significant leap in foldable technology over the last two decades but delivered a unique sense of nostalgia.
As an avid owner and user of a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it’s no secret that Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile innovation, no matter the form factor. While the Galaxy Flip and Fold series have always caught my attention (based on appearance only); it’s never been enough for me to consider switching from a traditional smartphone design – until now.
Here are some observations from my hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and why it may represent the future for foldable smartphones.
- A compact and pocketable design
With the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung has developed its most compact smartphone to date, and this certainly stands out when unboxing the device. When closed, the phone is incredibly compact – roughly the size of a small wallet – making it easy to transport in a bag or even a pocket, without compromising on a quality feel and finish.
While the form factor is sleek, the foldable hinge is well constructed for optimal durability. The mechanism feels solid with no noticeable gaps when the phone is closed and there’s reduced creasing at the centre of the display when open compared to predecessor Flip models.
It also carries an IP48 water resistance rating for unexpected spills.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is available in a range of colours including Blue, Yellow, Mint and Silver Shadow, plus two options exclusive to Samsung online – Crafted Black, White and Peach.
2. A stunning display (or two)
A key highlight of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display when the device is open, offering sharp and vivid colours and deep blacks, plus excellent brightness, even in direct sunlight. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling is intuitive and smooth. Combined, these factors make the device enjoyable to use whether browsing the web or watching video content.
But who can forget the cover display? Now at 3.4-inch, this is much more functional than predecessor models. It serves as a hub to manage notifications, control music, check Samsung Health updates and much more.
The FlexWindow feature allows AI-assisted functions to reply to texts directly with Suggested Replies based on the context of previous messages and provides tailored responses. In addition, the AI-powered Photo Ambient feature updates wallpapers in real-time based on time and weather.
With FlexMode, it’s possible to use the phone in a half-open position when multi-tasking. A noteworthy feature is Interpreter which allows you to communicate with others in a different language using the dual screen.
For example, type a question in English and it will automatically translate in real-time to a language of your choosing (such as French) on the cover display. When the person replies in French, it automatically translates to English for you, allowing an easy and convenient conversation with no awkward pauses.
3. Powerful yet efficient performance
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM, making performance lightning-fast and multi-tasking seamless. The device runs Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI which is clean, intuitive and optimised for the foldable form factor.
The 4,000mAh battery makes it the biggest Flip battery ever and is a significant improvement on previous models, although it won’t provide the same power as Samsung’s non-foldable phones.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers 256GB and 512GB options but there’s no microSD slot for further expansion.
4. A versatile camera system
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 features a dual-camera array on the back including an upgraded 50MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens. The 50MP sensor offers two times optical zoom and AI zoom capabilities elevate the shooting experience with up to 10 times zoom.
In good lighting conditions, the camera system captures crisp, detailed and vibrant shots, while the Nightography feature ensures high-quality content in low light.
The 10MP selfie camera on the front is well-suited for video calls and selfies but doesn’t offer the same quality as other flagship smartphones. In saying that, it has the added benefit of using the external display as a viewfinder when taking selfies with the rear cameras.
FlexCam uses Auto Zoom to zoom in or out on subjects and provides a preview of the shot on the FlexWindow for a hands-free selfie experience. Enhance images using AI Photo Assist, which can move, resize or delete objects and fill in the background.
Verdict: The SamsungGalaxy Z Flip 6 combines cutting-edge technology and a range of AI-powered features with a compact, durable, premium and stylish design. If you’ve been hesitant about foldables (like me), this device might just change your mind.
It may not deliver the same tech specs as Samsung’s flagship Galaxy series, but it certainly stands out from the crowd and offers a fun and unique mobile experience.