Exploring the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

Recently, I made the leap from the S24 Ultra to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, having previously transitioned from the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It seems I can't resist changing phones, can I?

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Switching to Samsung has proven to be surprisingly smooth. Aside from minor issues related to the lack of multi-device compatibility found in Apple's ecosystem, my digital life has continued without a hitch. This familiarity makes reviewing the Z Flip6 not only relevant but also enjoyable; I've truly found my place here.

Z Flip6 Specifications and Pricing

Let's dive into the pricing first. For those in the U.S., the Flip6 has seen a price increase of about $100 compared to its predecessor. In the UK, however, the price remains stable: £1,049 for 256GB and £1,149 for 521GB. This keeps the Z Flip in the flagship price range, but the specifications certainly justify it.

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The compact Z Flip6 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and offers 12GB of RAM, along with two storage options as previously mentioned. The internal display features a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits. Meanwhile, the cover display is a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED panel boasting 1,600 nits of peak brightness, also with a 120Hz refresh rate.

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The battery capacity is the largest ever for a Z Flip, at 4,000mAh, promising an additional three hours of video playback. The camera system has also been upgraded, featuring a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 12MP main camera with optical zoom. The device now has an IP48 water resistance rating, an improvement over the Z Flip5's IPX8, and is available in seven colors, including the yellow variant sent to me for review.

What I Appreciate About the Z Flip6

There’s much to admire about the Z Flip6. Last year's model was one of my favorites due to its sheer enjoyment factor. In an era dominated by high-powered flagships and AI features, the fun aspect can often be overlooked.

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Fortunately, the Flip6 maintains its playful essence while becoming more robust. Samsung made sensible upgrades, including the latest Snapdragon chip, 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB on the Flip5), extended battery life, brighter displays, improved cameras, and the incorporation of all the Galaxy AI features from the S24 series.

I still appreciate its size; it’s compact and enjoyable to carry. It's hard to convey the satisfaction of holding the Flip6 until you've experienced it yourself—it truly enhances the ownership experience. The design remains similar to last year’s model, which is perfectly fine; it’s an attractive device that closes flat and comes in a variety of colors, including the unique yellow-gold of my review unit.

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The cover screen is still a standout feature, transforming the Z Flip into a highly personal and distinctive device. Taking selfies with it is an enjoyable experience, especially with the main camera’s capabilities. While you can run apps on the cover screen, it feels more like a novelty than a necessity.

Flex Mode is another genuinely helpful feature of the Flip6. By partially opening the phone and placing it on a surface, it's perfect for watching content, monitoring timers, or taking photos and videos. You can even convert the Flip6 into a mini laptop with a virtual touchpad. While the practicality of this mode might vary, I appreciate its presence.

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The camera system excels in capturing beautiful images at 0.6x and 1x, though I wish it offered more optical zoom. Beyond 2x, the quality diminishes, but this is likely not a concern for most users.

Areas for Improvement in the Z Flip6

After careful consideration, I've identified two aspects of the Z Flip6 that could use improvement. The first is the camera. While the Flip6 is a fantastic device, it can't quite compete with the S24 Ultra, which boasts a superior camera system with 5x optical zoom. I would love to see a more advanced camera setup in future Z Flip iterations.

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The second drawback is battery life. Compared to traditional smartphones, Samsung’s foldable phones still lag behind in battery performance. While I'm willing to compromise given the unique features of the device, improvements in this area would be welcome in future models. It can last a day or so, but it doesn't match the two-day battery life I'm accustomed to.

Who Should Consider the Z Flip6?

This is a tricky question. To truly enjoy the Flip6, you need to embrace the Z Flip lifestyle, which may be challenging to understand until you dive in. Samsung seems to target a younger, trendier demographic, but I believe the appeal extends beyond that. Personally, despite not fitting into that youthful category, I find this phone incredibly enjoyable. If I weren't a tech YouTuber frequently switching devices, I would be seriously tempted to make the Flip6 my primary smartphone.

If you're tired of bulky smartphones and seeking something more engaging and fun, there's a reason you're reading this review. I suspect you'll love the Z Flip6.

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If you're uncertain, consider borrowing one from a friend or visiting a store to try it out—you might be pleasantly surprised.

Conclusion

I haven't addressed the topic of AI in this review, and there are two reasons for this. First, I've discussed Galaxy AI in earlier articles. Second, I don't believe it's as significant for users as manufacturers might hope. In fact, AI rarely comes up in the comments on my YouTube videos; people seem far more focused on traditional smartphone features.

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On the essential front, the Flip6 excels and offers unique capabilities. Priced just above £1,000, it’s hard to dispute its value. Samsung's thoughtful upgrades from the Flip5 make this an appealing choice.

This phone isn't aimed at Flip5 owners—upgrading wouldn't make much sense—but for newcomers to the Flip series, now is an excellent time to join. Just be prepared for the Z Flip lifestyle; if you've read this far, you're likely ready!

Additional Resources

In this video, the creator explores how they transformed a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 into a device reminiscent of an iPhone Flip, showcasing the fun aspects of the device.

This comparison video pits the Samsung Z Flip6 against the iPhone 15 Pro, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both devices.