Max Buondonno/ZDNET
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 is now available on Amazon for just $899. This offer is for the 256GB variant in Silver, but other configurations have also seen similar price drops.
ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
The $1,219 Galaxy Z Flip 6 is Samsung's latest innovation in the realm of modern flip phones. It features several enhancements including a sturdier design, improved performance, a new primary camera, and a larger battery. However, the changes are not groundbreaking, which is notable as its price has increased by over $200 compared to Motorola’s Razr Plus.
Samsung’s introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 marks the sixth iteration of its foldable phone series. By this stage, most users are accustomed to the functionalities and the unique form factor of folding phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 represents the most refined clamshell model to date, although it has minimal changes from the Z Flip 5. One noticeable difference is the $220 increase in the starting price, now at $1,219. After a week of usage, the main question remains: Is the higher price justified, especially when Motorola's Razr Plus did not experience any price increase? Let’s explore this further.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung did not drastically alter the Z Flip 6’s design from its predecessor. The switch to matte aluminum sides from the previous glossy finish is a welcome change. The company has also introduced an IP48 rating for dust protection, a first for its foldable phones. Additionally, the hinge has been reinforced, which results in a shallower crease along the screen’s middle.
Despite the enhancements, the cover screen remains the same size as the Z Flip 5’s, a notable point given Motorola’s Razr Plus features a larger 4-inch display. Motorola’s display extends to the edges and behind the cameras, permitting app usage without opening the phone, something the Z Flip 6’s limited widget-based cover display cannot do.
Performance and Display
Opening the Z Flip 6 to access the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display feels rewarding. This screen boasts Full HD+ resolution, vibrant color reproduction, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB and 512GB, the device excels in performance. However, heat management remains an area for improvement, as the Z Flip 6 tends to get warm during extensive use, especially in the summer or intensive activities like gaming.
Camera Capabilities
The camera system on the Z Flip 6, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, provides a noticeable upgrade over the Z Flip 5. The 50MP main camera offers superior detail and sharpness, and captures high-resolution images suitable for cropping or printing. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide lens performs adequately in daylight but struggles in nighttime conditions.
Comparing photos taken with the Z Flip 6 and the Motorola Razr Plus reveals that the Z Flip 6 delivers truer colors, better lighting, and improved nighttime photography. Video quality also supersedes the Razr Plus. The flexible form factor of the Z Flip 6 enhances the shooting experience, allowing for hands-free photos and unique video recording angles.
Software and Features
Running on One UI 6.1 over Android 14, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasts various features including Edge panels, split-screen modes, customizable UI, performance optimizations, and exclusive foldable functionalities. Samsung commits to up to seven years of software updates, ensuring long-term support.
AI features such as context-aware replies, live translations, conversation recording, and auto-transcriptions add convenience, although they are not revolutionary. The battery, enhanced from 3,700mAh to 4,000mAh, lasts throughout the day under cautious usage.
Buying Advice
At $1,219, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 might appear less thrilling compared to its predecessor, especially with the considerable price increase. Existing Z Flip 5 owners are unlikely to upgrade, while Samsung targets older Flip models' users or newcomers to foldables. Nevertheless, the Z Flip 6 delivers a solid performance overall.
However, the Motorola Razr Plus remains a compelling alternative with its superior cover display, vegan leather design, and lower price. If you can forgo an ultra-wide camera and extended software updates, the Razr Plus might be worth considering.
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