Device: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Price: Upwards of Rs 109,999
Foldable smartphones constitute a growing segment and, according to TrendForce, market penetration is expected to reach five per cent by 2028. It means a growing number of people are buying these phones with a fresh form factor. Samsung has been producing the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip phones for a number of years and is the market leader in the category.
So how does it feel to use the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6?Let’s look at the specs. The base model comes with 256GB of storage, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12GB of RAM, a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED main screen, 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen and this also has a 4,000mAH battery. The Galaxy Z Flip6 now has a 50MP main camera, the hinge is smaller and it helps reduce the screen crease. There’s plenty of AI. It wouldn’t be out of place to say, it’s almost like the Galaxy S24 but folded in half. The phone has some legitimate horsepower under the hood.
But this year’s Flip phone has something that was not in abundance last year — competitors like Motorola and Oppo. Has Samsung done enough to stay on top?
Stunning design
Functionality, of course, matters more than appearances but I can’t ignore the fact that the device looks brilliant even though the overall design remains nearly identical to last year’s Galaxy Z Flip5. Gone is the glossy back and instead we have a lovely matte finish and there is a pair of eye-catching rings around the cameras on the cover screen.
The phone looks striking and it feels solid, like one continuous piece. It has an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can be submerged under 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes. More importantly, there is dust resistance. The number ‘4’ can resist ingress of materials greater than 1mm, so you may not place this inside a sand castle but it’s good for everyday use.
Samsung’s clamshell-style foldable has a new 50MP main camera, putting it on par with non-folding flagship phone cameras. Picture: The Telegraph
The 3.4-inch cover screen has a folder-type cutout to house the cameras. There are plenty of widgets optimised for the outer screen and you can also select from a range of wallpapers. The good part is that you can run almost any Android app that you want on the outer screen.
Packed with AI features
The Galaxy Z Flip6 has the same 10MP selfie camera in the internal display as last year’s Flip hone. The 12MP ultra wide camera has a new sensor and there is a new 50MP main camera that’s similar to the one on the Galaxy S24. This is the best Flip phone camera so far and you can compare it to phones like Pixel 8 and, of course, the Galaxy S24.
The Galaxy Z Flip6 is packed to the gills with AI features. Picture: The Telegraph
Images from the main camera have a good degree of detail and textures. It’s a camera that you can use every day and the processing is spot on. The ultra-wide camera experience has improved drastically — subjects look dramatic without skewing too much into fisheye territory.Using the Flip6 can change the way you take pictures or shoot videos. First, you are using the main camera to take selfies, which brings out the best in photos. Also, the phone can become its own “tripod”. From watching videos to recording videos to video calls, I can just make the Flip sit on the table and make it work; I don’t have to balance it against a book or something.
The external 12MP ultra wide has an upgraded sensor. Picture: The Telegraph
A fun feature to play with is the auto zoom in and out, powered by Galaxy AI. It is slightly slow in picking up changes in position but it works perfectly.
I have already written about the AI features on the Samsung phone. But I must point out a few features. The first is the ability to draw on a photo and turn your sketch into a photo-realistic looking object. It’s wild. Second, the interpreter mode. It uses both screens on the phone to show each speaker what the other person is saying in their own language. This can be helpful when you are travelling.
Images from the main camera retain plenty of details. Picture: The Telegraph
The other interesting feature is Portrait Studio which turns portraits of people into artwork. It’s fun and works but I am not sure when I will use this. The AI features that I will use often are Circle to Search and zooming in and out to reframe a shot.
Should you buy it?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor combined with 12GB of RAM make this a peppy device. High-demanding tasks like video recording, playing video games and AI features are easily taken care of. There is a built-in vapour chamber cooling system which prevents things from getting hot.
The phone has one of the best implementations of phone camera AI: The auto zoom feature can take selfies to the next level. Picture: The Telegraph
The larger 4,000mAh battery has made it an all-day phone, even if you crank up the brightness and shoot plenty of videos. The fact that Samsung is offering seven years of OS and security upgrades is a great deal in itself.
The Flip6 can be the most practical choice for many people. I want to carry a device that easily fits my pocket and even when folded, it’s useful — I can do a number of tasks on the outer screen. If I need to check out notifications, it can be done on the outer screen. In fact, the flip can help cut down on screen usage. Once we unlock a smartphone, hours are spent browsing social media.
What can be improved? There is still a slight crease on the main display. Second, I want DeX mode to come to the Flip. If that happens, this can become a device for productive tasks.
After about 10 days of using Galaxy Z Flip6 I feel the form factor has come to a point where it can appeal to a larger audience. For many, this can well become the first flip-style foldable phone. No, it’s not for those who already have the Flip5 but if you have any older Flip phones, it’s time to upgrade.
Overall, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is a great travel buddy; it has a number of helpful AI features to keep you busy. And it’s durable with excellent software support.
High notes
The best flip phone experience, IP48 rating, well-tuned cameras, excellent software upgrade cycle, improved battery life, plenty of AI features
Muffled note
No telephoto lens
