Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review: the best folder going is only minor upgrade
Lighter weight, better screens, faster chip and fancy AI features are all welcome, but feel iterative for the price.
Samsung’s most advanced, hi-tech folding phone for 2024 is the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which looks to see off rivals from Google, OnePlus and others with a lighter frame, bigger and better screens, and the fastest chip available for Android.
Premium Design and Pricing
The latest phone-tablet hybrid from the category pioneer is designed to be the ultra-premium device of choice for buyers, but faces stiff competition from several worthy challengers, most of which undercut the South Korean firm on price.
The sixth-generation device costs an eye-watering £1,799 (€1,999/$1,899.99/A$2,749), making it more expensive than last year’s model and even more than Samsung’s top new laptop.
Needless to say, the Fold 6 is for the well-heeled only, priced according to the many expensive gadgets it hopes to replace: your tablet, phone and PC.
Improvements and Features
Samsung made big improvements to the physical design of the Fold series with its fifth-generation model last year. The Fold 6 builds on that in small but meaningful ways, including a 14g reduction in weight that makes it only 7g heavier than Samsung’s top normal phone, the S24 Ultra. That alone makes it easier to hold and carry in a pocket or bag.
The Fold 6’s flattened, matt aluminium sides make it easier to open with your thumbs while the wider outside screen feels less cramped than previous versions for messaging and phone-type things.
Open the Fold 6 like a book for the 7.6in tablet screen, which is significantly brighter than previous models, making it much easier to read outdoors. HDR films really pop. You can still see the crease under the glare of lights and feel it in the centre where it folds, but it otherwise disappears into the background during use.
Specifications:
- Main screen: 7.6in QXGA+ 120Hz Amoled flexible display
- Cover screen: 6.3in HD+ 120Hz Amoled
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB
- Operating system: One UI 6.1 based on Android 14
- Camera: 50+12+10MP rear with 3x telephoto; 10MP and 4MP selfie cameras
- Connectivity: 5G, dual sim, esim, USB-C, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS
- Water resistance: IP48 (1.5 metres for 30 minutes)
- Dimensions folded: 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1mm
- Dimensions unfolded: 153.5 x 132.6 5.6mm
- Weight: 239g
Performance and Battery Life
The Fold 6 has the same top Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM as the S24 Ultra and Z Flip 6 and benefits from the power when multitasking. It runs up to eight apps on screen simultaneously without breaking into a sweat and handles AI, games and various apps with aplomb.
The battery lasts about 48 hours between charges when using a mix of the outside and inside screens for about seven hours, which is similar to the best regular phones and longer than the main folding competition.
The phone is generally repairable. Inside screen repairs cost £514. Samsung offers a self-repair programme, as well as Care+ accidental damage insurance that reduces the cost of repairs to £139.
Sustainability and Software
The Fold 6 is made from recycled materials and Samsung offers trade-in and recycling schemes for old devices. The phone runs One UI 6.1 based on Android 14 and will receive software and security updates for seven years from release, making it one of the longest-supported phones available.
One UI is better than competitors’ software at making use of the extra size and flexibility of the folding screen. It has a similar set of AI features to the S24 series and Flip 6, including various AI tools and services.
Camera and Conclusion
The Fold 6 has a similar five-camera setup to the previous models but doesn't stand out compared to other flagship phones on the market.
Despite its high price, the Fold 6 offers a premium experience with top-of-the-line features and performance. It is a device tailored for those who want the latest technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.
