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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 doesn’t look any different than the Z Flip 5 from 2023. So, what makes the newer model better? Before you try finding the older model at a discount, take a look at the features that make the Z Flip 6 worth your money.
The Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chip
It’s no surprise that the newer phone packs the newer chip. But if you’re buying a high-end phone in 2024, it should pack a flagship chip, and in that regard, there’s no better option in the Android world than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Qualcomm claimsthat the 8 Gen 3 is 30 percent faster in CPU performance and 25 percent faster in GPU performance than its predecessor, the 8 Gen 2. It’s also 20-25 percent more power efficient. Overall, that’s a big year-on-year jump for Qualcomm.
On top of that, Samsung has packed a vapor chamber cooling system inside the Z Flip 6, which should allow it to sustain its CPU performance for longer periods.
Higher-Resolution Main Camera
One of the biggest complaints people had about the Z Flip 5 was that it wasn’t particularly great for taking photos—especially compared to other high-end phones. Thankfully, with the Z Flip 6, Samsung has ditched the 12MP primary wide lens with a 50MP unit; it’s the same primary camera as the Galaxy S24.
Unfortunately, the Z Flip 6 uses the same 12MP ultrawide camera, but on the bright side, it can now shoot 4K video at 60FPS instead of 30FPS. The Z Flip 6’s camera hardware also uses Samsung’s ProVisual Engine—like the S24 Ultra—to help you capture better photos, especially in low-light conditions.
More RAM for Effortless Multitasking
The Z Flip 5 we reviewed in 2023shipped with 8GB of RAM, which is adequate for a phone of its size. However, if you’re a power user,you might want more RAMto multitask effortlessly.
Fortunately, Samsung has bumped the RAM to 12GB as standard on the Z Flip 6. So, you should be able to keep several apps running in the background and switch between them with ease.
Improved Durability With IP48 Rating
Samsung claimsthe Z Flip 6 is more durable than its predecessor, thanks to an enhanced Armor Aluminum frame that’s 10 percent more resistant to scratches. And unlike the Z Flip 5, which had a polished finish, the Z Flip 6 has a matte finish, which means it should be able to resist fingerprints better.
Samsung has also switched from ultra-thin glass to foldable thin glass for the inner screen to slightly improve the visibility of the crease without sacrificing its toughness. The Z Flip 6 also gets a new dual-rail hinge that doesn’t protrude as much as the Z Flip 5.
More importantly, the Z Flip 6 has an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, whereas the older Z Flip 5 has an IPX8 rating. The “X” in the IP rating means it’s not dust-resistant at all. It’s worth noting that the IP48 certification is not the true dust resistance we wanted to see in a foldable; it only offers protection from particles larger than 1mm.
Either way, I’m glad Samsung is focusing on improving the dust resistance of its foldable smartphones.
Bigger Battery to Last Longer
Battery life wasn’t necessarily one of the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s strong points. This time, Samsung managed to pack a bigger 4,000mAh battery in the Z Flip 6, which is a step up from the 3,700mAh unit in its predecessor.
The bigger battery, coupled with the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, should allow this phone to last quite a bit longer than the Z Flip 5. Even if you’re a heavy user, you can expect its battery to last you all day.
Brighter Display for Better Visibility Outdoors
The inner display on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is now much brighter, capable of reaching 2,600 nits, just likethe Galaxy S24 Ultra we reviewedin early 2024. In comparison, the Z Flip 5 delivered a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. This means you should have no trouble using the phone, even under direct sunlight.
However, the maximum brightness of the cover screen remains unchanged at 1,600 nits. That’s still bright enough, considering most people, including myself, use the outer display to check the time, notifications, widgets, etc.
Extended Software Support
In 2023, Samsung promised four years of Android updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which isn’t bad by any means. However, after taking notes from Google’s long-term plans for its Pixel 8 lineup, Samsung decided to extend its software support to seven years for its 2024 flagships.
This means the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will receive seven years of OS and security updates like the Galaxy S24 Series and the Z Fold 5. So, if you plan to use your phone for several years, the Z Flip 6 will theoretically last you till 2031. Don’t forget that Samsung is one ofthe best smartphone manufacturers for Android updates.
I’ve been using the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as my daily driver ever since it launched in mid-2023, and it has held up pretty well. But if you had to choose between these two phones, I recommend going for the newer, more durable phone with extended software support, especially if you plan to keep it around for years.
If you already own a Z Flip 5, though, these year-on-year improvements and feature additions aren’t worth the upgrade; I would wait for at least the Z Flip 7 or even the Z Flip 8.
