Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: Foldable Innovation Refined

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has long been the standard-bearer for large-format foldable phones. With each new release, the company has refined its design, improved durability, and expanded the software experience. Now, with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the evolution continues. It enters a market that’s more competitive than ever, with strong contenders from Google and OnePlus.

This review will break down everything that’s new and improved in the Z Fold 6. We will look at whether it’s more usable as a daily device, how its battery holds up, and if Samsung has finally perfected the foldable form factor. We will examine the design changes, performance upgrades, and camera enhancements to determine if the Z Fold 6 is a worthy successor to the Fold 5 and, more importantly, if it justifies its premium price tag in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 introduces several subtle but significant design refinements. When unfolded, it’s thinner than its predecessor, making it feel more like a sleek tablet. When folded, it’s still a substantial device, but the new, wider aspect ratio of the cover screen makes it feel more like a conventional smartphone. According to GSMArena, it measures 153.5 x 132.6 x 6.1 mm unfolded and 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm folded, weighing in at 239 grams—a noticeable reduction from the Fold 5’s 253 grams.

Samsung has used Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, paired with a tough Armor Aluminum frame that offers enhanced drop and scratch resistance. The hinge mechanism feels more robust and streamlined, contributing to the device’s overall premium feel.

A major upgrade is the introduction of an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. This is a first for Samsung’s Fold lineup, providing certified protection against dust ingress, which has been a long-standing concern for foldable phone owners. This added durability makes the Fold 6 a more practical choice for everyday use.

In hand, the device feels more balanced. The wider cover screen is a game-changer for single-handed use, allowing you to comfortably type messages and navigate apps without needing to unfold the device. The S Pen is still supported, though it remains a separate purchase and has no integrated slot.

Display

Samsung continues to lead the industry with its display technology, and the Z Fold 6 is no exception. Both the inner and outer screens have received key upgrades.

The main inner display is a 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (LTPO). Its resolution is 1856 x 2176 pixels, offering incredible sharpness and vibrant colors. GSMArena notes that the peak brightness has been significantly boosted, making it easily viewable even in direct sunlight. The infamous crease is still present, but it’s less noticeable than on previous models, particularly when viewing content head-on.

The cover screen is where the most impactful changes have been made. It is now a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a wider 22:9 aspect ratio. This makes it far more functional for daily tasks. Typing, browsing, and watching videos feel natural, reducing the need to constantly open the phone. Like the main screen, it supports a 120Hz refresh rate and boasts impressive brightness levels.

The transition between the two screens is seamless, with apps smoothly adapting from the smaller cover display to the expansive inner screen. The slimmer bezels around both displays also contribute to a more immersive and modern look.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm’s flagship processor. This is paired with 12GB of RAM, and storage options range from 256GB to 1TB. This combination delivers blazing-fast performance across the board. Apps open instantly, multitasking is effortless, and graphically demanding games run smoothly.

To manage heat during intensive use, Samsung has reportedly enlarged the vapor chamber cooling system. Tech Advisor suggests this results in better-sustained performance, preventing throttling during long gaming sessions or when using demanding apps like video editors.

The device runs Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 (or later) on top. This software is packed with features optimized for the foldable form factor, including an improved taskbar for desktop-like multitasking, drag-and-drop support between apps in split-screen mode, and a suite of Galaxy AI features.

Cameras and Multimedia

The camera system on the Z Fold 6 is largely similar to its predecessor but brings some software enhancements. The rear triple-camera setup includes:

• A 50 MP wide-angle main sensor with OIS.
• A 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• A 12 MP ultra-wide lens.

In daylight, the main camera captures detailed, vibrant photos with excellent dynamic range. The telephoto lens provides clean shots at 3x zoom, and the ultra-wide camera is great for expansive landscapes. Low-light performance is solid, thanks to effective image processing that reduces noise while preserving detail.

The device features two front-facing cameras: a 10 MP sensor on the cover screen and a 4 MP under-display camera (UDC) on the main screen. The cover screen camera is perfect for high-quality selfies, while the UDC is best suited for video calls, as its quality is still a step behind traditional selfie cameras.

For video, the Z Fold 6 can shoot up to 8K at 30fps. The stabilization is excellent, resulting in smooth footage. The large inner display, combined with high-quality stereo speakers, provides an outstanding media consumption experience, making it perfect for watching movies or playing games on the go.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is equipped with a 4,400 mAh battery, the same capacity as the Fold 5. Despite this, real-world battery life has seen a slight improvement, likely due to the efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and display optimizations. Based on tests from PhoneArena and Expert Reviews, the device can comfortably last a full day of mixed usage, including web browsing, social media, and video streaming. Heavy users, especially those who frequently use the large inner display for gaming, may need to top up before the end of the day.

Charging speeds remain a weak point for Samsung’s flagships. The Fold 6 supports 25W wired charging, which can charge the battery to 50% in about 30 minutes. Full charging takes over an hour. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging for powering up accessories like earbuds.

Software and Features

One UI on the Z Fold 6 is more refined than ever, with a strong focus on productivity. Galaxy AI is a central part of the experience, offering features like Live Translate for calls, Note Assist for summarizing and formatting notes, and Generative Edit for photos.

Multitasking is where the Fold 6 shines. You can run up to three apps simultaneously in split-screen view and add floating pop-up windows on top. The persistent taskbar at the bottom of the screen makes it easy to switch between your favorite apps, mimicking a desktop experience. App continuity ensures a smooth transition as you open and close the device.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Refined Design: Thinner, lighter, and more durable with an IP48 rating.
• Improved Cover Screen: Wider aspect ratio makes it much more usable.
• Excellent Displays: Brighter, more immersive screens with a less visible crease.
• Top-Tier Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM deliver exceptional speed.
• Powerful Software: Galaxy AI and unmatched multitasking features.

Weaknesses:

• Slow Charging: 25W charging lags behind competitors.
• High Price: Remains one of the most expensive smartphones on the market.
• Bulky When Folded: Still thicker and heavier than a traditional smartphone.
• Under-Display Camera: The quality of the inner selfie camera is average.

Who Is It For?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is not a device for everyone. It is tailor-made for a specific type of user:

• Power Users and Multitaskers: Professionals who need to manage emails, documents, and meetings on the go will love the desktop-like productivity.
• Media Consumers: The large, beautiful inner screen is perfect for watching movies, reading e-books, and playing games.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.

However, it may not be the ideal choice for users who prioritize portability, one-handed ease of use, or fast charging.

For existing Galaxy Z Fold 5 owners, the decision to upgrade depends on how much you value the design improvements. The wider cover screen and added dust resistance are compelling reasons, but the core experience remains similar. If you are happy with your Fold 5, you may not need to rush for an upgrade.

The Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a masterful refinement of an already excellent device. Samsung has addressed key pain points from previous generations, delivering a more durable, practical, and polished foldable. The wider cover screen transforms the daily user experience, while the performance and software enhancements solidify its position as the ultimate productivity tool in your pocket.

While the slow charging and high price are still notable drawbacks, they do little to detract from what is an incredibly capable and versatile device. If you are in the market for a foldable and want the best all-around experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the undisputed king. It successfully merges the functionality of a phone and a tablet into a single, elegant package that feels more ready for the mainstream than ever before.