Samsung launches its updated Galaxy Fold 6 and Galaxy Flip 6

If you were hoping for major updates to Samsung’s foldable phones this year, the news might be a bit disappointing. Despite numerous leaks, the changes to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are mostly incremental. Both models see slight improvements in durability, weight, and minor features, but also come with higher prices: the Galaxy Z Fold 6 now starts at $1,899, while the Z Flip 6 starts at $1,099.

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Both phones are powered by a specially tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for Samsung and, like the S24 series, include seven years of OS and security update support. They boast enhanced sturdiness, with better drop resistance due to improvements in hinge design and materials. The inner flexible glass is more durable, and both phones now have an IP48 rating. While this looks better than the previous IPX8 rating, with the “X” indicating no dust protection, the “4” only means they are protected from foreign objects of 1mm and larger, not dust.

The Z Fold 6’s outer screen is slightly wider, now measuring 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches on the Fold 5. This addresses complaints about the phone’s narrow closed dimensions. The resolution is 2376 x 968 with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the inner display remains at 7.6 inches when unfolded. The phone is also lighter, weighing 239 grams compared to the Z Fold 5’s 253 grams. These are minor yet positive changes.

The Fold 6’s camera hardware is largely unchanged, featuring a 50-megapixel main rear camera and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens. However, it now includes an updated 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that promises better low-light performance.

The Z Flip 6’s cover screen remains at 3.4 inches, the same as the Z Flip 5, and smaller than the 4.0-inch screen on the Motorola Razr Plus. Samsung hasn’t significantly updated the outer screen software, but there are new smart reply suggestions for messages, more widget options, and new interactive wallpapers that respond to phone movements.

Noteworthy updates on the Flip 6 include a larger 4,000mAh battery and a vapor cooling chamber, a first for the Flip series. The phone also gets the same 50-megapixel main camera sensor as the Fold and base-model S24 devices, along with the new ultrawide camera. It now comes with 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB, which somewhat justifies the price increase.

In 2024, AI integration is a must. The Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 include the full suite of AI features introduced with the S24 series. Samsung highlights the Z Fold’s big inner screen for using these AI features. Additionally, there’s a new “sketch to image” feature that uses AI to turn S Pen doodles into images. Interpreter mode has been updated to leverage the foldable form factor by displaying translations on both the cover and inner screens.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are available for preorder today. The Z Fold 6 starts at 256GB of storage and costs $1,899; the Z Flip 6 also starts at 256GB and costs $1,099. Samsung offers a new Z Assurance program for Fold 6 and Flip 6 buyers, providing one free replacement of the factory-installed screen protector and one discounted screen replacement. Both devices will be available for general sale on July 24th.