While excitement and novelty have their place, reliability often proves more valuable. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 may not be the most thrilling foldable phone on the market, but it offers a dependable experience.
This latest iteration of Samsung’s clamshell foldable builds on last year’s model with a few key upgrades. Priced at $1,099—an increase of $100 from its predecessor—it aligns with the current flagship phone pricing. The inner and outer screens are now brighter in direct sunlight, the battery has been slightly enlarged, and the main camera has received an upgrade, along with the latest Qualcomm chipset.
While this description could apply to many new Android phones this year, it highlights how far Samsung’s flip phone has come. The transition from a small cover screen to the current 3.4-inch OLED in last year’s update marked a significant improvement, elevating the Flip series from “interesting” to “impressive.”
However, the Z Flip 6 is not yet on par with traditional slab phones, nor does it match the fun factor of some competitors. Despite being Samsung’s best flip phone to date, it could benefit from incorporating features seen in rival models.
Pros:
- All-day battery life
- Practical cover screen
- Seven years of software updates
Cons:
- Cover screen resolution could be improved
- Running apps on the outer screen can be challenging
- Long-term durability remains uncertain
Had I not experienced the Motorola Razr Plus, I might have considered the Z Flip 6’s cover screen quite impressive. But the Razr’s larger, higher-resolution screen that extends around the camera lenses and flash makes the Z Flip 6’s cover screen appear less sophisticated and more constrained in comparison.
Samsung’s approach to cover screen wallpapers seems underwhelming. The Z Flip 6 offers a bouncing donut wallpaper, while Motorola’s Razr Plus provides vibrant and interactive options, including an engaging turntable for audio playback. Although the Z Flip 6 features an always-on display, it lacks the playful elements that one might expect from a flip phone. Motorola’s model even includes a retro flip phone mode, adding a touch of nostalgia.
The Z Flip 6’s cover screen is slightly more customizable than its predecessor, moving from a limited widget carousel to a more traditional home screen layout. You can now add multiple smaller widgets, making the interface feel more streamlined. Samsung’s widgets, such as Spotify controls, are reliable, unlike Motorola’s, which sometimes require refreshing.
However, Samsung’s restrictive approach to running full apps on the cover screen is a drawback. Out of the box, the Z Flip 6 allows only a few apps on the small screen, requiring additional steps like installing Good Lock and a Galaxy Store module to add more apps. Motorola’s Razr Plus offers a more straightforward approach.
This feature is crucial because running full apps on the cover screen enhances the usability of a foldable phone. Although using a small screen for apps like Strava is not ideal, it simplifies tasks without needing to open the phone fully.
Typing messages on the small screen can be cumbersome, but it is useful for quick replies. Samsung uses AI to suggest responses based on previous messages, though the suggestions are often imperfect.
The Z Flip 6 has an IP48 rating, meaning it is water-resistant, but dust protection remains limited. While it has survived rough handling, its long-term durability against dust is uncertain.
The camera performance has improved with a 50-megapixel main sensor, offering high-quality images comparable to flagship phones. However, the lack of a telephoto lens is a limitation, though Samsung’s image processing is superior to Motorola’s.
Samsung aims to prove that flip phones can compete with traditional devices, but the Z Flip 6, while impressive, may not be ideal for everyone. Its day-to-day durability is adequate, but dust resistance is still a concern. The Z Flip 6 is a solid choice if you value the cover screen’s functionality, but if you’re drawn to novelty, other options like the Moto Razr Plus might be more appealing.
Samsung’s reliable software updates and excellent support make the Z Flip 6 a pragmatic choice. In contrast, Motorola’s flip phone, while charming, offers less software support. In the end, the Z Flip 6’s dependability and consistent performance make it a worthwhile option, even if it lacks the excitement of some competitors.
