The verdict is in. We tested the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for several weeks. Find out what we thought of it.
Ergonomics, screen, photo, performance, AI, Samsung has decided to improve the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in small touches rather than completely revising its copy.
These are adjustments and corrections that make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 even better but is it enough to face increasingly bold competition? The answer is in our test. (not sponsored). Click here to buy
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Design and ergonomics
Samsung has adjusted the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to make it even more pleasant to use on a daily basis. The shape is closer to that of the Galaxy S24 UltraThe edges are more angular and you can feel it more in the palm of your hand.
In return, it becomes less thick and lighter. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures only 12.1mm when folded compared to 13.4mm for the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It also loses a few grams. The Z Fold 6 is getting closer to the 234g of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It now weighs only 239g compared to 253g for the Z Fold 5.
More compact, it will deform your trouser pockets less, but Samsung can still do better.
One of the most appreciable developments is its change in format. The external screen is less narrow and less long. It gains 1mm in width and goes to a diagonal of 6.3 inches. Thanks to this small change, you will be less tempted to unfold the smartphone to perform the slightest action.
On the other hand, Samsung still plays the card of a refined design. The coating of the shell is matte and completely smooth. It does not mark fingerprints, which is a good point. This excessive zenitude is only disturbed by the three vertically aligned cameras. Incidentally, they strongly destabilize the smartphone when it is flat.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also becomes the first foldable in the Z Fold range to be IP48 certified. The “4” means that it is protected against dust greater than 1mm and the “8” that it is waterproof. The proof in pictures as you can see in the photo below.
The screens
We won’t dwell on the quality of Samsung screens. As expected, it is there. Both panels are based on Dynamic AMOLED X2 technology which guarantees vibrant colors and deep blacks.
As previously mentioned, the diagonal of the external screen increases to 6.3 inches. It is wider and is closer to the shape of a classic smartphone. This is not the only new feature, its brightness level now goes up to 2600nits. This is also the case for the foldable screen.
As you can see from the pictures, both screens are readable without any problems in direct sunlight.
Another change is that the outer panel becomes LTPO. As with the foldable screen, its refresh rate varies between 1Hz and 120Hz.
The 7.6-inch foldable screen also benefits from an improvement. Samsung has doubled the pressure resistance of the edges of the panel. On the other hand, Samsung has not revised the design of its hinge and the central fold is still very present under the fingers.
The performances
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This chip is accompanied by 12GB of RAM. This configuration gives maximum power to the Z Fold 6 to take advantage of Galaxy AI, multitask or even play.
The Z Fold 6 excels in all these areas but especially in gaming. The very demanding Genshin Impact runs without slowdown with the graphics set to maximum and a frame rate of 30fps. The processor does not weaken even at 60fps.
Samsung has enlarged the vapor chamber by 60%. This improves comfort by limiting the heating phenomenon but it does not disappear. The feeling of heat is more intense at the cameras but nothing unbearable. Moreover, the smartphone will heat up a little more if you play on the external screen with the smartphone folded.
This is not likely to happen very often because you will not resist the appeal of its 7.6-inch foldable screen for long. It is a feast for the eyes as soon as you open it. The wow effect is guaranteed.
Gaming on this foldable screen is a real pleasure. This format is all the more enjoyable since Samsung has reinforced the edges of the screen where the controls are usually located. They resist pressure better. You can let go and not repress your warrior instinct in the middle of a battle.
The audio part is not left out. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 delivers balanced and unsaturated sound through two stereo speakers. The only criticism is that you have to put your hands on the cameras so as not to hide the audio outputs when it is unfolded. They end up full of fingerprints.
Galaxy AI and Artificial Intelligence
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 stands out for the deep integration of artificial intelligence into its interface and applications. Using AI features is simple, fluid and natural.
Photo editing, drawing, text generation, instant translation, transcription, text formatting, AI is everywhere. Whether AI works locally or in the cloud, Samsung insists on data security and confidentiality.
We invite you to watch our video to see how Galaxy AI works.
Autonomy
A 4400mAh battery powers the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung didn’t see fit to increase its capacity compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Z Fold 6 still does not do too badly. Its autonomy can vary from simple to double depending on the frequency of use of the foldable screen.
If you open it every two minutes, don’t expect to make it to the end of the day. On the other hand, in the case of mixed use, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will not let you down. The battery lasts a day without any problem.
For example, a 20-minute game of Genshin Impact on the foldable screen with graphics at maximum and at 60fps consumes 6%.
The big disappointment comes from the charging speed. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is compatible with 25W charging. For a smartphone of this level, it’s surprising especially since the charger is not even in the box. You have to be patient and wait 1h30 for the battery to recover 100% energy.
The photo – Effective day and night
Samsung is taking over the camera setup from the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It consists of a 50MP wide-angle with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle, and a 10MP X3 telephoto lens. As with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the set is effective both day and night.
The main sensor produces shots with great sharpness and vibrant colors without falling into the psychedelic. The photos retain a touch of naturalness. The device also performs very well in very bright conditions.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also shows itself to be up to par at nightfall. The photos are sharp and the algorithm manages to remove noise without sacrificing details. We also give it a special mention for its management of lime sources. The device manages to preserve the mood and atmosphere of the scenes even in difficult conditions.
Zoom, ultra wide angle and portraits
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a telephoto lens with an optical zoom X3. It can go up digitally up to a magnification X30. The optical stabilizer allows to capture sharp photos with a good level of details up to a magnification X10. Beyond that, the contour precision fades. The photos below give an example of a zoom X3, X10, X20, X30.
The ultra wide angle limits distortions on the sides. There is just a slight feeling of suction in the center. We also appreciate the homogeneity of colors with the main sensor.
Portrait Mode offers different focal lengths. The intensity of the background blur is adjustable. The depth effect is very pronounced and the clipping is very soft. The algorithm surrounds the subject with a halo of blur to give more naturalness and character to the photo.
What we think about it
Sold at €1999, it is still expensive but there is no doubt, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an excellent foldable smartphone. The improvements made by Samsung change everything. They correct the defects that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 could have. The Z Fold 6 is thinner and lighter, its external screen is more functional, etc. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is much more pleasant to use than its predecessor.
Compared to its few competitors, it is time for Samsung to make a real transformation, particularly in terms of weight and thickness. Its One UI interface, refined for years and adapted to the foldable, tips the scales in its favor. One UI is fluid, simple, complete and the ease of use of AI gives it a head start. The question is for how long.
In the end, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a safe bet that has improved without revolutionizing itself. It remains a must-have in the foldable smartphone segment.
Follow this link to buy it. or available here or still here
Sold at €1999, it is still expensive but there is no doubt, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an excellent foldable smartphone. The improvements made by Samsung change everything. They correct the defects that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 could have. The Z Fold 6 is thinner and lighter, its external screen is more functional, etc. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is much more pleasant to use than its predecessor. If we compare it to its few competitors, it is time for Samsung to make a real transformation, particularly in terms of weight and thickness. Its One UI interface, refined for years and adapted to the foldable, tips the scales in its favor. One UI is fluid, simple, complete and the ease of use of the AI gives it a head start. The question is for how long. In the end, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a safe bet that has improved without revolutionizing itself. It remains a must-have in the foldable smartphone segment.
Design
8
Screen
8
Performances
9
Autonomy
7
Photo
8
PROS
- Larger outdoor screen
- Thinner and lighter
- Ultra powerful processor
- Brighter screens
- Certification IP48
- Day and night photo quality
- Ease of use One UI
- Galaxy AI
CONS
- Average autonomy
- Charge only 25W???
- Heats up quickly
- Visible fold
- Efforts to be made on the thickness
