A close friend of mine, a long-time Fold user, recently contemplated upgrading to the latest model. A few weeks ago, he asked if it was worth waiting for Samsung Fold6. I told him I’d have a better opinion after reviewing it.
After attending the launch event, I suggested that the Z Fold5 was a solid choice, as its features were quite similar to the new Galaxy Z Fold6. However, once he saw the Fold6 in my hands, it took him only a few seconds to decide on purchasing it. This experience highlighted how differently people perceive products and how reviewers can sometimes miss user expectations.
His swift decision was clearly influenced by the significant improvements from his Galaxy Fold2. Having used all the Fold devices since Samsung introduced the segment over five years ago, I believe the Galaxy Z Fold6 is now almost a perfect foldable, as compact as models from Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus.
Holding the folded phone, it felt only slightly thicker than standard phones and not much heavier than some larger smartphones I’ve recently used. Compared to the Fold5, the Fold6 is thinner and lighter.
A noticeable difference from the Galaxy Fold5 and earlier versions is the minimal gap between the two sides when the phone is folded. Additionally, the crease is now even less visible. Users upgrading from any earlier Fold will see a marked improvement, though Fold5 owners might not find enough of a hardware upgrade to justify the switch.
The stunning 7.6-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display and the slightly larger 6.3-inch front screen are brighter than any previous Fold models. Samsung’s expertise in creating great displays shines through, especially with the improved hinge and fold mechanism.
I’ve always seen Samsung’s Fold phones as successors to the Note series, ideal for business users needing extra screen space for tasks like spreadsheets and document verification, as well as content consumption on the go. The Fold6 excels here, powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen3 SM8650-AC processor, which is capable of handling multitasking with ease. The S-Pen can be purchased separately and paired with a compatible case.
AI enhancements add a new dimension to the camera, allowing for features like subject removal or repositioning and resizing objects in photos. For example, I made my 65-inch TV appear as a 100-incher using AI. Additionally, the ability to create slow-motion videos by long-pressing them is a nice touch, though not a daily necessity for most users.
Other AI features, such as automatic transcription from audio recordings, cross-app translations, and text summarization, are highly beneficial for business users. The phone also offers AI-driven personalization with custom themes and home screen images. I particularly enjoyed the photo ambient mode, which changes the home screen images based on the weather.
The battery lasts a full day under normal use, but heavy use of the unfolded screen may require recharging by evening. The phone can be conveniently charged using a wireless charger.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6?
Despite all the AI features, the main appeal of the Samsung Fold series remains its flawless large screen and exceptional performance. Samsung has kept the Fold6 ahead of its competitors, partly because it supports a stylus. The AI features are valuable additions, but I would have preferred more significant AI-driven UI improvements. Nonetheless, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 stands out in the foldable market, benefiting from Samsung’s years of experience in this segment. I wonder why Samsung doesn’t market this more aggressively as a business phone, the true successor to the Note series and even the BlackBerry. While it might appeal to a smaller audience, it could be a more appreciative one for this phone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Pros:
– Near-perfect foldable design
– Thinner and lighter than Fold5
– Stunning 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
– Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen3 processor
– Versatile camera with AI enhancements
– Useful AI features for business users
– S Pen support (with compatible case)
Cons:
– No significant UI improvements with AI
– Expensive
– Battery life average with heavy use
– Some AI features may not be widely used
– Stylus sold separately
