Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Thinner, lighter, and boxier than ever, the Z Fold 6 attempts to turn the foldable phone from a novelty into a necessary professional tool. But is AI enough to justify the upgrade?
Updated January 28, 2026
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 represents a significant design pivot, moving toward a more industrial, squared-off aesthetic that mimics the S24 Ultra. While the internal hardware remains largely unchanged, the software experience is overhauled with Galaxy AI and seven years of support.
Pros
- Significant weight reduction (239g) makes it feel like a standard slab phone in the pocket.
- New 22.1:9 cover screen aspect ratio improves typing accuracy and app scaling.
- IP48 rating provides the first official (though limited) protection against solid particles.
- Peak brightness of 2,600 nits ensures excellent legibility under direct Australian sun.
- Seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates ensure long-term relevance.
Cons
- Camera hardware remains identical to the Fold 5, lacking the "Ultra" optics users crave.
- 25W wired charging feels archaic compared to Chinese foldable competitors.
- The S Pen still requires a separate case and is not integrated into the device body.
- The internal screen crease, while improved, is still more visible than on the OnePlus Open.
- High-intensity tasks can lead to thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 represents a significant design pivot, moving toward a more industrial, squared-off aesthetic that mimics the S24 Ultra. While the internal hardware remains largely unchanged, the software experience is overhauled with Galaxy AI and seven years of support.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has abandoned the soft, rounded edges of previous generations in favor of a sharp, "symmetrical" design language that feels remarkably like a miniature S24 Ultra. In the hand, the reduction in weight is transformative. At 239 grams, it has finally crossed the threshold where it no longer feels like carrying a literal brick.
Performance in Real Use
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, the Z Fold 6 is a powerhouse. In real-world testing, this translates to zero lag when jumping between three active apps—say, Slack, Chrome, and a YouTube video. However, the real story this year is Galaxy AI. "Sketch to Image" is more than a gimmick; for a designer or someone needing to quickly mock up an idea, being able to doodle a rough shape on a photo and have the AI render a realistic object is surprisingly functional.
Ease of Use
The cover screen is 1mm wider. That sounds negligible on paper, but in practice, it changes the muscle memory for typing. There are fewer typos, and the UI feels less squashed. Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 remains the most mature foldable interface on the market.
Reliability For the first time, we have an IP48 rating. While the '4' only protects against particles larger than 1mm, it provides a layer of psychological comfort that previous foldables lacked. Long-term hinge reliability has been a focus, and the new "dual rail" structure is designed to better distribute impact.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Display | 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2160 x 1856), 374ppi, 120Hz adaptive (1-120Hz), 2,600 nits peak brightness |
| Cover Display | 6.3-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2376 x 968), 410ppi, 120Hz adaptive (1-120Hz), 2,600 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (no microSD expansion) |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP wide (f/1.8, OIS), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom) |
| Front Cameras | 10MP cover (f/2.2), 4MP under-display (f/1.8) |
| Battery | 4,400mAh dual battery |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless, Wireless PowerShare |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1mm |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6mm |
| Weight | 239g |
| Durability | IP48 water and dust resistance, Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Operating System | Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1, 7 years of updates promised |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) |
| Additional Features | S Pen support (sold separately), Samsung Knox security, stereo speakers |
Buy
- You are a power user who needs to manage spreadsheets or edit documents on the go.
- You prioritize software longevity and want a phone that stays current until 2031.
- You frequently use multi-window multitasking for professional workflows.
- You want the most durable foldable on the market with a robust hinge mechanism.
- You are upgrading from a Fold 3 or Fold 4 where the ergonomic improvements are massive.
Skip
- You already own a Z Fold 5; the incremental hardware changes don't justify the jump.
- You are a photography purist who wants the 100x Space Zoom found on the S24 Ultra.
- You find the narrow cover screen format still too cramped for comfortable daily use.
- You require ultra-fast charging to top up your battery in under 30 minutes.
- You prefer a crease-free viewing experience offered by competitors like the Pixel Fold.
Where to Buy
Critic Reviews
Tom's Guide
Critic ReviewThe Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers impressive AI features in a lighter, thinner design along with durability improvements. I also like the slightly wider front display, which is easier to use than past Folds....
The Verge
Critic ReviewSamsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an impressive gadget, but its narrow cover screen still feels awkward - especially now that the competition has caught up in other areas
TechRadar
Critic ReviewThe inner 7.6-inch screen is 2160x1856 pixels, with a thin, flat bezel. It's a very bright screen (2,600 nits), with a crease that is less noticeable than on previous tablet foldable phones
Engadget
Critic ReviewDon't get me wrong, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still a good foldable, a great one even. It's got excellent performance, strong battery life and handy features like native stylus support. But it feels like...
Android Central
Critic ReviewThe Fold 6 is just much easier to unfold compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The hinge feels about as perfect as one can get, even smoother than the Pixel Fold and the Open
User Reviews
VicariousNickTech
It's a very bright display and it definitely gets the job done for outdoor viewing and viewing angles look really good, color accuracy is gorgeous, colors just really pop on this display
TechEdit
After over a month with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, it's time for a long-term, in-depth review – haters gonna hate, but the phone's actually pretty great
Redditor
After a month of use, the battery life is solid but not exceptional. I typically end the day around 20-25% with moderate to heavy use, which is acceptable but not impressive for a device this size
Redditor
The improved flatness and refined edges make this feel like a proper premium device. The weight reduction is immediately noticeable coming from the Fold 4
Best Buy Verified Review
Great phone, takes great pictures and is very fast. Front screen is great and actually easier to use since is not as wide as regular phones so one handed use is great and easy