WIRED Tries: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung has released Galaxy Z Fold 6 in its latest foldable lineup. What are the new upgrades from its predecessor and does Z Fold 6 justify its premium price tag (from 7,199 AED)?
Pros:
- Thinner, lighter, better hinge mechanism.
- Boosted performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
- Better battery life
Cons:
- High price
- Cover screen limitations
Design
At first glance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 doesn’t stray far from the design language of the Fold 5, but there are subtle yet significant refinements. The device is slightly thinner and lighter. The new matte finish on the back definitely adds to the premium feel. However, while Samsung claims it is fingerprint-resistant, finger smudges are still quite obvious. The narrow cover screen has been marginally enlarged, but it’s still not the full-sized display that some might hope for.
Source: Samsung
Display
The main screen on the Z Fold 6 is still a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, but now it has an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. This means you get smoother scrolling and animations without compromising on battery life, as the refresh rate adjusts based on the content. Samsung also boosted the brightness from 1750 nits to 2600 nits.
Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a step up from the Fold 5’s Gen 2. This upgrade delivers faster processing speeds and better energy efficiency.
Storage-wise, the Fold 6 remains the same as the Fold 5 with 12GB of RAM and storage options starting at 256GB, with configurations up to 1TB for those who need ample space for apps, media, and files.
Camera
Hardware-wise, the Fold 6 doesn’t seem to get an upgrade. It still comes with a 10MP lens for the cover, a 4MP UDC lens, a 50MP Wide-angle Camera, a 10MP Telephoto lens, and a 12MP Ultra Wide Angle lens. However, Samsung claims that its Ultra Wide Angle lens has an upgrade in better low-light performance.
Battery life
The 4400mAh battery found in the Samsung Fold 6 is the same as that of the Fold 5, but thanks to the improved efficiency of the upgraded Snapdragon processor and the adaptive refresh rate, users can expect better battery life. On a full charge, the device can comfortably last through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are supported, making it convenient to power up the device or share battery life with other gadgets.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 builds on the strengths of the Fold 5 while addressing some of its weaknesses. However, the high price point and not-so-obvious improvements mean it might not be the perfect device for everyone, especially those who already have a Fold 5. If you’re an early adopter or someone who values cutting-edge technology and versatility, the Z Fold 6 is well worth considering. For others, the decision to upgrade might depend on how much value you place on these improvements.
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