Beyond serving as the indispensable personal communication, connectivity, and utility device of our era, your mobile phone also conveys a message about your identity. Some companies grasp this concept exceptionally well. Consider Apple, for instance, whose iPhone is designed primarily to make a lifestyle statement, surpassing all other considerations. Samsung also understands this — and nothing speaks as boldly and clearly as a folding phone, particularly the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Since Samsung introduced its first folding, book-shaped phone to the world around five years ago, the Galaxy Z Fold series has become an iconic line, equally coveted by tech enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals. In its latest iteration, Samsung has refined the style to such an extent that few devices can rival the new Z Fold 6 in terms of flaunt-ability. Moreover, this new folding phone is not merely a design marvel; Samsung has continuously enhanced its features, technology, and specifications, making the sixth generation a technological powerhouse.
Given that style remains a crucial aspect of the Z Fold 6's appeal, let's first explore what Samsung offers in this regard. In this latest version of its foldable phone, Samsung has adopted the design language of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which now serves as the common template for the Korean giant's high-end phones. The Z Fold 6 boasts a sleek, monolithic appearance with chiselled edges and a satiny, smooth finish, regardless of the color option chosen. Currently, five color options are available: pink, navy, silver shadow, and two online exclusives — white and crafted black.
Beyond aesthetics, the tactile experience of a foldable phone is essential for its success. The device must resemble a standard slab phone when folded and reveal its tablet-sized display upon unfolding. To maintain this illusion, the phone's dimensions must closely mimic those of a standard slab phone — a feat Samsung has significantly improved with the new Z Fold 6. This latest model is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, weighing 239 grams and measuring 0.48 inches thick when folded, making it indistinguishable from a slab phone and easy to carry in pockets and purses.
The cover display has been enlarged from 6.2 inches on the Z Fold 5 to 6.3 inches on the Z Fold 6. While this may seem negligible on paper, it significantly enhances usability. The Z Fold 6 is now wider and shorter than its predecessor, making tasks like two-handed typing more comfortable. Although competitors like OnePlus and Google Pixel Fold offer wider displays, Samsung strikes a balance between usability and pocket-friendly dimensions with the Z Fold 6.
Despite the larger cover screen, the main tablet screen remains 7.6 inches, both AMOLED, but it is now wider rather than taller. This change is immediately noticeable when viewing video content in full-screen mode, offering a more immersive experience. The display is also brighter than its competitors, with a peak brightness of 2,317 nits, and the center crease is less noticeable.
Samsung's continuous refinement of the folding screen, along with the addition of more layers and a sturdier hinge, contributes to these improvements. The hinge is rated for over 200,000 open-and-close cycles, ensuring longevity. Additionally, the IP48 rating makes the device highly waterproof, though improved dustproofing would be appreciated in a flagship product.
The Z Fold 6 commands a premium price, with the top-of-the-range 1TB version retailing for Dh8,699 and the 256GB entry-level model priced at Dh7,199. However, this price reflects the device's desirability and premium features. The three-lens main camera array includes a 50MP wide-angle, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3X optical zoom. The front cameras on both the cover and main screen are 4MP, but the ability to shoot selfies using the main camera by folding the phone and using the cover screen as a viewfinder makes them primarily useful for video calls.
The image quality is impressive, with excellent low-light sensitivity and stunning Portrait mode results. The numerous modes are enhanced by the AI engine, which supports various functions, from photography and image editing to text messaging and translation services. The Sketch to Image feature, using the optional Samsung S Pen for Fold, allows users to draw a simple sketch that the AI transforms into a realistic and attractive image.
Transcription and translation are among the most useful AI features. The Notes app can record meetings, transcribe them into text, and even summarize the conversation accurately. The Interpreter app enables real-time, two-way translation, bridging language gaps and connecting the world.
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an ultra-stylish, desirable, and technologically advanced device, its high price prevents it from earning a full five-star rating. However, for those who can afford it, the Z Fold 6 offers a winning combination of style, build quality, and cutting-edge features.
