Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Z Flip 6: Which Foldable Phone is Right for You?

Foldable phones are the new big thing in the smartphone world, and Samsung is leading the charge with its Galaxy Z series. As we eagerly await the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 launch, excitement is building. These upcoming models are set to improve on the already impressive Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, which have wowed users with their innovative designs and powerful features.

Together with our friends from Thinborne, let’s help you figure out which of these new foldable phones is right for you. Let’s compare the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, looking at design, performance, camera quality, software features, and price. We aim to give you all the information you need to make the best choice when these new foldable phones hit the shelves.

Design and Build Quality

Overall Design

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 cater to different tastes in the foldable phone market. The Z Fold 6 adopts a book-style fold, offering a tablet-like experience when opened. This phone is ideal for multitasking and large-screen activities. In contrast, the Z Flip 6 features a clamshell design, making it highly compact and easy to carry around.

Rumored details for the Z Fold 6 suggest minimal changes from the Z Fold 5, maintaining a similar overall look but with minor tweaks for improved usability. When unfolded, leaks indicate dimensions of 153.5 x 132.5 x 6.1mm. It is slightly shorter and broader than its predecessor. Materials will likely include premium glass and metal, with potential enhancements for dust-proofing and durability.

The Z Flip 6, according to leaks from @evleak, also sticks closely to the design of the Z Flip 5. It maintains similar dimensions and screen sizes but with aesthetic tweaks like colored rings around the rear camera lenses. Official case leaks and renders show that the Z Flip 6 will come in stylish colors like Lavender and Mint. It may also feature a dual-lens rear camera and familiar port and button arrangements.

Display

For displays, the Z Fold 6 is expected to boast a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable screen with a 1-120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,600 nits1. Its cover screen might be 6.3 inches, possibly incorporating Corning Gorilla Armor for added toughness.

The Z Flip 6’s main display remains 6.7 inches, while the cover screen could increase from 3.4 to 3.9 inches, as per the source. It should offer a similar 120Hz refresh rate and thicker glass to reduce the visible crease and enhance durability. Improved hinge mechanisms are also expected across both models, promising smoother folding and better longevity.

Portability and Ergonomics

Portability is a crucial selling point for both devices. The Z Fold 6 is rumored to be slightly lighter than the Z Fold 5, weighing around 239 grams. When folded (153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1mm), its dimensions aim to balance compactness with functionality.

The Z Flip 6 is designed for those who prioritize convenience. Slightly thicker to accommodate a bigger battery, it is rumored to weigh approximately 187 grams and measure 165.0 x 71.7 x 7.4mm when unfolded and 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm when folded. This makes it extremely pocket-friendly and easy to use with one hand, appealing to users looking for a sleek and stylish device without compromising performance.

Performance and Hardware

Processor and RAM

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are set to deliver top-tier performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This powerful processor is also found in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 line and promises significant improvements in speed and efficiency. While there was early speculation about an Exynos chipset being used in some regions, recent reports confirm that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be used globally for both models1.

The Z Fold 6 is expected to come with at least 12GB of RAM, continuing the trend from its predecessor. Benchmarks indicate that this combination of chipset and RAM will make the Z Fold 6 exceptionally powerful, even outperforming the Galaxy S24 Ultra in some tests2. The Z Flip 6, on the other hand, is rumored to offer configurations starting at 8GB of RAM, with high-end versions featuring up to 12 GB. This should ensure smooth multitasking and efficient performance across both devices.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is crucial for foldable phones, which often have large displays and versatile usage patterns. The Z Fold 6 is expected to feature a 4,600mAh battery, slightly larger than its predecessor’s 4,400mAh capacity. This ensures all-day use, even with its expansive screen. Fast charging and wireless charging capabilities are anticipated.

The Z Flip 6 is rumored to include a slightly larger battery than the Z Flip 5, potentially around 3,887mAh to 4,000mAh. This should provide sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. Like its counterpart, the Z Flip 6 is expected to support fast, wireless, and possibly reverse wireless charging, offering various convenient charging options.

Storage Options

Both models’ storage configurations cater to varying user needs. The Z Fold 6 will likely offer multiple storage options, including 256GB, 512GB, and an impressive 1TB variant2. This ample storage ensures that users can store extensive amounts of data, apps, and media without worry.

Similarly, the Z Flip 6 is anticipated to start with 256GB of internal storage, with a higher-end 512GB option available. These configurations provide plenty of space for most users, although neither model is expected to support expandable storage via microSD cards. Therefore, choosing the right storage capacity at purchase will be essential.

Software and Features

Operating System and UI

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are expected to run on the latest version of Android, paired with Samsung’s One UI 6 overlay. This combination promises a smooth, user-friendly experience explicitly tailored for foldable devices.

One UI 6 will likely bring several foldable-specific features such as multi-window support, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously on the large screen of the Z Fold 6, and app continuity, which lets you seamlessly switch between the cover screen and the main display. These features enhance productivity and make the most out of the foldable form factor.

Unique Features

Each foldable model comes with its own set of unique features that cater to different user preferences. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is rumored to support the S Pen, making it an excellent choice for note-taking, drawing, and other pen-based tasks. This feature turns the Z Fold 6 into a versatile device for both work and play, appealing to users who need a powerful tool for productivity.

The Z Flip 6, on the other hand, is known for its Flex Mode, which allows the device to hold itself open at various angles. This mode is great for hands-free video calls, selfies, and video watching. Additionally, Samsung has hinted at new AI-powered software features for its foldables. These may include enhancements like Generative Edit, Live Translate, and Chat Assist, all of which utilize Galaxy AI to improve usability.

Connectivity and Extras

The Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are expected to offer cutting-edge connectivity options, including 5G support for ultra-fast data speeds, Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless performance, and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless device pairing and low-energy use.

Another highlight is Samsung’s commitment to providing long-term software support. Both models are expected to receive seven years of software updates, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.

Camera Capabilities

Camera Setup

The camera setups of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are designed to cater to different user needs, focusing on versatility and quality.

Galaxy Z Fold 6

Rumors suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will retain the same camera setup as the Z Fold 5, which includes:

• 50MP main camera
• 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom
• 12MP ultra-wide camera
• 10MP cover screen camera
• 4MP under-display camera on the foldable screen

However, there are whispers about Samsung possibly upgrading the main camera to the same 200MP sensor found in the Galaxy S24 Ultra2. Additionally, improvements to the under-display camera for better quality and less visible creasing are also anticipated.

Galaxy Z Flip 6

For the Galaxy Z Flip 6, several sources hint at a significant upgrade to a 50MP main camera, up from the 12MP sensor on its predecessor. The secondary camera is expected to remain a 12MP ultra-wide, providing a versatile dual-camera setup. The front-facing camera is rumored to continue with a 10MP sensor4. These upgrades significantly improve the Z Flip 6’s image quality and versatility, aligning it more closely with high-end flagship devices.

Photo and Video Quality

Thanks to their upgraded hardware and AI-powered software features, both the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are expected to deliver impressive photo and video quality enhancements.

With the potential inclusion of a 200MP sensor, the Z Fold 6 could offer exceptional detail and clarity in photos, rivaling some of the best camera phones on the market2. Even if it retains the 50MP main camera, Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms and AI enhancements should provide excellent results. Improvements in low-light performance, dynamic range, and color accuracy are anticipated.

On the other hand, the shift to a 50MP main camera for the Z Flip 6 promises substantial improvements in photo resolution and detail3. This enhancement, combined with AI-driven features like Generative Edit and Live Translate, can make the Z Flip 6 a powerful tool for photography enthusiasts and casual users. Enhanced video recording capabilities, including improved stabilization and higher resolution options, are also expected.

Unique Camera Modes and Software Enhancements

Both models will likely benefit from Samsung’s latest software innovations, such as Galaxy AI, which includes features like Generative Edit for manipulating objects in photos and Live Translate for real-time translation during calls. These enhancements are designed to leverage the unique capabilities of foldable phones.

Pricing and Availability

Expected Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are positioned at different points in the premium market, reflecting their distinct features and target audiences.

The starting price for the Z Flip 6 is expected to be at least $999.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,649, similar to the Z Flip 51. However, there are conflicting reports about potential price changes. Some suggest that a new method of crafting the bezels could make the device slightly cheaper, while others indicate a possible $100 increase. This would cost the Z Flip 6 around $1,099.99, with corresponding rises in other regions.

Meanwhile, the Z Fold 6 is rumored to see a $100 price increase over its predecessor. It will likely start at $1,899.99 in the US. For reference, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at $1,799.99 / £1,749 / AU$2,599. This price point reflects the Z Fold 6’s advanced features, including its larger display and S Pen support.

Release Date and Availability

Samsung has officially announced that the next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on July 10. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 are expected to be unveiled at this event.

• Pre-order and Reservation: Reservations for the next Galaxy Z devices are tipped to go live before the official launch event. Samsung often offers pre-order bonuses such as instant Samsung Credit and discounts, which can provide significant savings3.
• Initial Availability: Both the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are expected to be available in key markets such as the US, UK, and Australia shortly after the announcement. These regions typically see the earliest availability, with subsequent rollouts in other areas.
• Trade-In Programs: As part of the launch, Samsung will likely offer attractive trade-in programs, allowing customers to exchange their old devices for discounts on the new foldables. This can help offset the high upfront cost and make the new models more accessible.

Which Foldable Phone is Right for You?

Deciding between the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 depends on what you value most in a smartphone. Let’s break it down to help you make the best choice.

Galaxy Z Fold 6

The Z Fold 6 is designed for those who need a device that can handle productivity, multitasking, and immersive media consumption. Its book-style foldable design features a large internal display and a cover screen, making it ideal for users who:

• Want a tablet-like experience with their phone.
• Need more screen real estate for work, watching movies, or gaming.
• Appreciate the added functionality of S Pen support for note-taking and creative tasks.If you’re leaning towards the Z Fold 6, considering accessories to protect and enhance your device is smart. Explore our selection of Z Fold 6 case to find options that suit your style and needs.

Galaxy Z Flip 6

The Z Flip 6 caters to users prioritizing portability, style, and ease of use. Its clamshell design folds into a compact size, perfect for slipping into a pocket or small bag. This model is best for those who:

• Prefer a sleek, stylish phone that makes a statement.
• Want a device that’s easy to carry around without sacrificing functionality.
• Enjoy innovative features like Flex Mode for hands-free shooting and unique angles.

Ultimately, the best foldable phone for you will depend on how you plan to use it. Consider what features are non-negotiable for your lifestyle and which device aligns with those priorities.

• Power Users: If productivity and immersive experiences are your top priorities, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the way to go.
• Casual Users: If you want a stylish, compact device that’s easy to use, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is your best bet.

Embrace the future of smartphones and choose the foldable that fits your life. The next generation of innovation is almost here. Be ready to unfold your potential.