Samsung has just unveiled its latest generation of foldable smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. The new model is slimmer, tougher, and smarter than last year’s Galaxy Z Flip5. Comparing the Galaxy Z Flip6 with its predecessor reveals several welcome improvements, particularly in the camera and battery departments. However, these enhancements come with a slightly higher price tag - Samsung is asking $100 more than last year. Here’s a quick hands-on look at what's different with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 vs. the Flip5:

1. Slimmer design with updated colors

At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 might seem identical to its predecessor, the Flip5. However, there are some subtle design differences. For instance, when folded, the Galaxy Z Flip6 measures 71.9 x 85.1 x 14.9 mm, making it 0.2 mm slimmer than the Galaxy Z Flip5, which measures 71.9 x 85.1 x 15.1 mm. When unfolded, both models share the same dimensions: 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9 mm. The weight remains unchanged at 187 grams (6.6 oz).

The colors available for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

A minor but notable design change is the color of the rings around the back cameras, which now match the device's color instead of being black. Available colors in most retail stores include Silver Shadow, Mint, Blue, and Yellow, with exclusive online options in Crafted Black, White, and Peach.

Some of the covers made by Samsung for Galaxy Z Flip6

The smartphone’s accessories have been updated to fit the new hinge and are available in all its new colors.

2. Brighter displays with enhanced features

Despite rumors of a larger cover display, the Galaxy Z Flip6 retains the 3.4-inch size of its predecessor. The main display now boasts increased brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits, while the cover display steps up to 1600 nits. The main display now features an LTPO panel, allowing for a dynamic refresh rate between 1 and 120 Hz.

Both displays are now brighter

The cover display still has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint some fans, but it now offers more widgets and AI-assisted features like Suggested Replies. It allows for quick texting through answers suggested based on your recent messages.

3. Improved hinge for better resistance

The Galaxy Z Flip6 also gets slightly thinner when folded thanks to its improved hinge. It offers better protection against solid objects, especially those larger than 1 mm, such as dirt from your pockets or purse, wires, or small tools. The Galaxy Z Flip6 boasts an IP48 rating, an upgrade from the IPX8 rating of its predecessor. This means it is protected against most solid particles, albeit not completely dust-tight.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 has an improved IP48 rating

Both devices can withstand water immersion up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. However, using this phone at the beach or in a pool is still not recommended.

4. Better cameras, night videos, and new Galaxy AI features

While I like the new colored rings of the cameras on the back of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, I like it more that the main camera has a better 50-megapixel sensor with 2x optical zoom. The improved camera should ideally capture better pictures both during the day and at nighttime. Samsung has also highlighted that its Night mode can now record HDR videos in low light, offering enhanced detail for nighttime videos. Additionally, Night mode is now available for Instagram stories, allowing you to share your activities on social media, even in low-light conditions.

The main camera has a new 50 Megapixel sensor

While the selfie camera remains unchanged, there are notable software enhancements. The Camera app now features FlexCam, which automatically adjusts the zoom level based on the number and size of subjects in the frame. New Galaxy AI features include Photo Ambient, which allows you to change backgrounds, move objects, or alter their color in real time. Additionally, a fun AI feature can generate drawings or pictures of yourself based on your selfies.

The Galaxy AI features are fun to use

I also saw a quick demo in which you could draw objects on the screen, to be added to your pictures, like a crown over your head, and then Galaxy AI added the object for you, and made it look like a real one, not just a drawing. You can also make rough sketches and have Galaxy AI create actual drawings from them.

5. Bigger battery

Addressing a key weakness of the Galaxy Z Flip5, the new model increases battery capacity to 4000 mAh, promising better autonomy. The battery is split between two cells with 1,097mAh and 2,790mAh, respectively.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 features a bigger battery

However, the 25 Watts charging remains slower than the competition’s, and there isn’t a charger included in the box.

6. Newer processor, more RAM

Samsung aims for the Galaxy Z Flip6 to deliver enhanced performance, equipping it with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, also found in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold6. This new processor boosts single-core and multi-core performance for apps and improves graphics performance for games, all while maintaining similar battery consumption levels. Additionally, Samsung has upgraded the RAM to 12 GB from the 8 GB offered in the Flip5, further enhancing the user experience.

Galaxy Z Flip6 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy

To keep things cool, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 benefits from a vapor chamber that should lower temperatures and minimize CPU throttling under load.

7. Extended software support, up to 7 years

Just like the Fold6, which is launched simultaneously, the Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with Samsung’s One UI version 6.1.1 preinstalled, which is based on Android 14. An important improvement is the longevity of the software support provided by Samsung for Galaxy Z Flip6, as well as Fold6. The new generation of products will receive seven major Android versions and seven years of security updates, which is a significant improvement over the four major Android updates promised for the Galaxy Z Flip5, and five years of security updates.

The software support is even better

This is an excellent choice on Samsung’s part, and I hope more vendors will follow their example.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5: Which is the winner for you?

There are a few other minor differences as well: the Galaxy Z Flip6 features recycled cobalt and rare earth elements, as well as recycled plastics, aluminum, and glass. The packaging is also made from 100% recycled paper. While these eco-friendly improvements are not noticeable during everyday use, they contribute to reducing e-waste, especially when combined with the improved software support policy.

Before wrapping up, I’d love to read your thoughts: Do you like the Galaxy Z Flip6? Do you consider it a worthy upgrade over the Galaxy Z Flip5? Share your opinion in the comments below! 😊