Foldable and flippable smartphones have been gaining traction over the past year, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series leading the charge. The Galaxy Z Flip 5, released last year, was hailed as the best flip phone for most users. Now, with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 on the horizon, many are wondering if they should wait for the new model or go with the current one. Here’s a comprehensive look at what we can expect from the Galaxy Z Flip 6, based on the latest rumors and reports.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Z Flip 5: Table
Here’s a table comparing the biggest expected upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 versus the Z Flip 5:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | Expected Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Gen 3 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 1080 x 2640 pixels | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 1080 x 2640 pixels, higher refresh rate (up to 120Hz) |
| Cover Display | 1.9-inch Super AMOLED | 2.1-inch Super AMOLED |
| Battery | 3700 mAh, 25W fast charging | 3800-4000 mAh, 30W fast charging |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Camera | Dual rear cameras: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide; 10MP front camera | Dual rear cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide; 12MP front camera |
| Operating System | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 14 with One UI 6.0 |
| Build and Durability | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Hinge Mechanism | Improved hinge durability | Further refined hinge for enhanced durability and less crease visibility |
| 5G Connectivity | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave | Enhanced 5G with wider mmWave support |
| Other Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, wireless charging, IPX8 water resistance | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, faster wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance |
Note: The specifications for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are based on expected upgrades and rumors, as the device has not yet been officially released.
Design
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 brought significant improvements to the hinge and cover screen. The introduction of Samsung’s “Flex Hinge” eliminated the gap present in previous models, giving the phone a more solid feel and shaving 2mm off its thickness when folded. This hinge is quieter and smoother while maintaining its position for propping the phone up.
For the Galaxy Z Flip 6, no major changes to the hinge are anticipated, as Samsung has already achieved near perfection with the current design. However, we might see an even larger cover screen. The Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen was a substantial upgrade, and reports suggest the Z Flip 6 could expand this further to 3.9 inches, although this is still speculative.
In terms of colors, the Z Flip 6 is expected to offer new options, including Light Blue, Mint, Silver Shadow, Yellow, Crafted Black, Peach, and White. The last three will likely be Samsung exclusives. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that Samsung will bring back the Z Flip 4’s Bespoke Studio for more personalized designs.
Display
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 featured a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen with a 720 x 748 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. While the Z Flip 6 might see a slight increase in cover screen size to 3.9 inches, the design and resolution are expected to remain similar. The main display of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 1,750 nits of brightness, is likely to be inherited by the Z Flip 6.
Samsung might continue the trend of brighter screens, but the main specs are expected to remain unchanged. The possibility of eliminating the crease in the middle of the display is still up in the air, though Samsung Display’s new “Ironflex” foldable OLED technology might bring improvements in durability and dust resistance.
Performance and Battery
Samsung’s foldable phones usually feature Qualcomm’s top-tier chips, and this year should be no different. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is expected to house the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, though some reports suggest it might use a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 12GB of RAM instead of the standard 8GB. This approach might be a strategic move to offer different versions for various markets, allowing Samsung to standardize on Snapdragon chips.
Battery life is a crucial aspect where users hope for improvement. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a 3,700mAh battery, which typically requires nightly charging. Reports suggest the Z Flip 6 could see a modest increase to a 4,000mAh battery, potentially offering better longevity, especially if combined with power efficiency improvements.
Cameras
Camera quality is another area where Samsung could make significant strides. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a 12MP wide and ultrawide camera setup. The Z Flip 6 is rumored to feature a 50MP primary sensor, which could offer improved image quality and pseudo-optical zoom capabilities using the center pixels of the sensor. While it’s unlikely the Z Flip 6 will gain a dedicated telephoto lens, this upgrade would still enhance the overall photography experience.
Software and Updates
Software plays a critical role in the user experience of foldable phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen already supports full apps and a glanceable widget-like interface. With the Z Flip 6, Samsung might introduce more unique software features optimized for the foldable form factor. AI could play a significant role, as hinted by Samsung executives, with potential customized experiences based on device form factors.
The Z Flip 6 is expected to launch with Android 14 and One UI 6, later receiving Android 15 and One UI 7 updates. Samsung’s new seven-year update promise for the Galaxy S24 series is likely to extend to the Z Flip 6, ensuring long-term software support and longevity.
Release Date and Pricing
Samsung typically unveils its new foldables at the Galaxy Unpacked summer event. This year, reports suggest the event could be held on July 10, 2024, in Paris, ahead of the Summer Olympics. This would mark an earlier release compared to previous years.
Regarding pricing, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is expected to see a $100 increase over its predecessor, starting at $1,100 for the base 256GB model. This price hike might influence some to opt for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, especially if it receives a price drop following the release of the new model.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 promises several upgrades over the Z Flip 5, including a potentially larger cover screen, improved cameras, better battery life, and enhanced software features. While the design changes might be minimal, Samsung’s focus on refining and enhancing the user experience could make the Galaxy Z Flip 6 a compelling choice. However, the expected price increase might lead some to consider the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which remains an excellent foldable phone.