The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 were launched this week with a host of exciting new features. Pre-orders have started to open in Malaysia until June 24. For readers looking to make a purchase, we've listed 10 interesting and disappointing things about both of these flip-screen phones so you can find out if they meet the needs of everyday use.
Attractive – The design of Z Fold6 is getting more attractive and lighter
This year's Z Fold6 design does not disappoint at all because it realizes two features that have been requested by owners since the first generation. The first is that the body is now more boxy and the outer screen is wider. The 6.3″ external screen has a ratio that is more like a regular candy bar smartphone. Typing is more comfortable without the screen feeling cramped.
The boxy body makes the device feel more solid and stable in the hand. The non-gloss finish also helps to reduce the problem of the body too easily trapping dirt. Another thing that is quite surprising is that the Z Fold6 is now lighter. Weighing 239 grams, it is only 7 grams heavier than an S24 Ultra. User complaints saying the heavy Z Fold series will not be repeated this year.
Interesting – Live Translate Using Two Screens
Live Translate allows conversations between two individuals who do not share the same language to be carried out in real time. It's a feature that was first introduced through the Galaxy S24 series. On the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, a secondary screen on the outside is used to allow two-way conversations through Liv Translate to be done more easily. Place the phone in Flex Mode and both screens will be activated to display the audio text of the conversation being held.
Disappointing – Charging Still Slow 25W
We are disappointed that charging on the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 is still only 25W which we categorize as slow. This makes the battery need to be charged for more than an hour to reach 100% capacity. Over the past two years, we've seen mid-range devices from Vivo, Oppo, Realme and OnePlus that support at least 66W charging. It is unforgivable that a smartphone costing more than RM4000 still uses 25W charging in 2024. In comparison Vivo X Fold3 Pro which is also a folding screen device supports 100W charging.
Interesting – Higher Waterproof IP48
Finally, the foldable screen phone has IP48 waterproof and dustproof capabilities. Only Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 have IP48 capability in the market. Improved capability compared to IPX8 only on previous models. In an increasingly competitive market, only Samsung offers a foldable screen device with waterproof and dustproof capabilities. For those who really need this feature, Z Fip6 and Z Fold6 are the two best choices.
Disappointing – No Major Changes To Camera Configuration
The camera on the Z Fold6 is the same as the Z Fold5 and Z Fold4. On the Z Flip6, only one camera is upgraded from 12MP to 50MP. This means that the Fold series recycles the same camera for three models in a row. If the Z Fold and Z Flip series were affordable devices, recycling the camera components would be more forgivable to keep costs down. But both of these folding screen devices are sold at a price of more than RM4000 each. What is Samsung's reasonable excuse for not upgrading the camera as seriously as the competition?
Interesting – Enhanced Galaxy AI Features
Bringing AI features to smartphones, tablets and computers is the hottest feature of the year. The Galaxy S24 series last January became the first smartphone to be offered with various AI features under the Galaxy AI umbrella. On both these devices, Samsung offers some more exclusive and useful Galaxy AI features. Among the things that attract attention is that Chat Assist can now be instructed to write for emails, social media and comments on the site.
Also included is Sketch to Image that uses the S Pen on the Z Fold6. Sketches of chicken claws can be turned into interesting works using generative AI. Pictures can also be edited to add elements using S Pen sketches. Galaxy AI is the most complete artificial intelligence feature on Android before and now it's even better.
Interesting – Galaxy Z Flip6's Battery is Bigger
The Z Flip6 battery is now 4000 mAh, 300 mAh higher than last year's Z Flip5. We see this as the right approach because one of the issues we often hear from Flip owners is the less than satisfactory battery life when compared to devices of the same size but of the folding screen type.
Disappointing – Galaxy Z Fold6 Battery Still Small