Samsung has launched the highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 6, a device that has quickly garnered significant attention.
Many enthusiasts are hailing it as an exceptional foldable phone, with some even deeming it nearly perfect.
However, despite its impressive features, there are some fundamental issues that should not be overlooked, particularly given its high price point.
Here are the key disadvantages of Galaxy Z Fold 6 that you should be aware of.
The Crease
If you are transitioning from a non-folding phone, the first thing you’ll notice is the crease.
While it’s true that creases are inherent to folding phones, and no foldable is completely crease-free, it’s surprising that some smaller brands like OnePlus have managed to significantly reduce the crease in their first-generation foldable phones. This raises questions about why Samsung, a tech giant, hasn’t achieved similar results even with their sixth-generation foldable.
The crease on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is noticeable and becomes more apparent with frequent use. It’s visible to the eye, and you can feel it when you glide your finger over the screen.
Samsung needs to improve the hinge quality to address this issue to a larger extent. It’s disappointing that despite the advancements, Samsung hasn’t managed to reduce the crease, especially when other brands have achieved this with their initial products.
The Cameras
Coming from the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, you can clearly feel the compromises made.
Firstly, the zoom range on the Z Fold 6 is limited to 30x, compared to the 100x on the S24 Ultra. Additionally, the focusing is less reliable due to the absence of the laser autofocus system found on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
While the Z Fold 6 can capture good pictures, the smaller sensor results in more graininess in low-light or artificial light conditions. The front 10MP camera delivers good quality, as expected from Samsung, but the inner selfie camera falls short.
The under-display camera, which is just 4MP, delivers subpar picture quality, especially for such an expensive phone. The 4MP resolution is already low, and the persistent faintness caused by the extra pixels over it makes it even worse.
You might argue that this camera is primarily for video calls, where quality is less critical due to compression. However, given that the phone’s appeal lies in its open state and the use of flex mode for recording videos, it’s clear that this camera is not just for video calls.
Even if used only 20-25% of the time for capturing content, the quality of the inner camera really matters.
Additionally, the camera’s resolution is so low that it cannot record 4K videos, and the video output is quite poor.
It’s puzzling that Samsung introduced this under-display camera with the Z Fold 3, received negative feedback, and yet hasn’t improved it despite having ample time.
You might also find the Nothing Phone 2a vs 2a Plus comparison interesting.
Thermals
Thermal problems are common among foldable phones because when unfolded, you light up a larger screen, which produces more heat. When folded, it’s a thicker slab, which makes it harder for that heat to escape.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience that affects gaming frame rates after prolonged sessions. Currently, when the Galaxy Z Fold 6 detects warm conditions, it reduces its brightness, making the screen difficult to see, even if it’s not extremely hot outside.
In hotter conditions, the phone can take further steps, such as refusing to open apps and displaying a message stating, “Phone needs to cool down to open the app.“
We completely understand that phones can heat up quickly in hot environments or during intensive tasks like gaming or recording 4K videos. However, this issue occurs on Z Fold 6 even when the temperature is not particularly high.
Such problems can significantly hinder your experience. Needing to open an app in an emergency and having the phone refuse to do so to prevent overheating can be very frustrating.
This issue can potentially be resolved with software updates, and it’s likely that Samsung will address it in a future update.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with a 4400 mAh battery, which is relatively small for a foldable phone featuring a 7.6-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch outer display, both with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Even for a regular phone, a 4400 mAh battery is considered undersized by today’s standards. Modern smartphones use high-quality displays with high refresh rates, powerful internals, and energy-hungry apps.
If a 4400 mAh battery is insufficient for a standard phone, it’s certainly inadequate for a foldable phone with such large screens.
With continuous usage, you will find yourself needing to charge the phone twice a day.
While the battery life might be solid initially, six months to a year down the line, as the battery degrades, the battery life on the Z Fold 6 will likely become a concern.
Additionally, the phone supports 25W wired QC2.0, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, none of which are impressive for a 2024 flagship phone.
Also, check out the specs and features of the Dangbei Mars Pro 2.
Price and Value for Money
Most of these shortcomings might be acceptable if the pricing were right, but the Galaxy Z Fold 6 costs $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,749, which is an outrageously high price.
Given this price, Samsung should have included top-tier features, such as the best camera setup, a larger battery, and a reduced crease. However, they have made only incremental improvements from the Galaxy Z Fold 5 while increasing the cost for no significant reason.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was launched at $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,199 and often becomes more affordable during deals and offers. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, despite its significantly higher price, lags behind the S24 Ultra in many aspects.
While we understand that foldable phones require more R&D, it’s hard to justify the pricing for a 6th-generation product that still has fundamental issues.
Aside from the folding features, the Z Fold 6 costs nearly double (if you can get the S24 Ultra for $1000 during deals and offers) and offers specs comparable to the base Galaxy S24.
Considering the overall features and pricing, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 does not offer good value for money.
Are These Disadvantages Significant?
Why should these disadvantages not be considered significant when investing a substantial amount in a foldable phone?
While users who specifically need features such as a flexible display, multi-window multitasking, app continuity, split-screen functionality, and adjustable screen angles might overlook these issues, the general user is likely to find them significant.
In practical use, these issues may not be overwhelming, but they could still lead to frustration at times.
Therefore, in our view, these concerns are indeed significant and impact the overall user experience in daily life.
Also, check out the Aiper Scuba S1 review.
Conclusion: Is the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is undoubtedly a good phone, but it falls short of being excellent.
While some AI features may impress, they are expected in a flagship phone in 2024. Although these AI features are useful, certain functionalities, such as adding things to face, may not perform due to recent concerns about deepfakes.
As mentioned earlier, those who specifically need the folding features will likely consider this phone regardless. However, it’s important to recognize that opting for these folding capabilities means compromising on other aspects.
Reviewers who praise the Z Fold 6 as a perfect folding phone might have different needs or usage patterns. They may carry a power bank regularly, use the cameras less, or prioritize folding features over other issues.
For the average user, who must consider every aspect given the substantial cost, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 may not be worth its current asking price unless the folding features are truly essential.
This is our honest assessment, but the final decision rests with you. If you believe this phone meets your needs and justifies the investment, it may be worth purchasing.
You can also read our FULLJA digital frame review.
FAQs
1. What are the main drawbacks of the Galaxy Z Fold 6?
Key drawbacks include the noticeable crease on the main display, a relatively small 4400 mAh battery, a poor under-display camera, and pricing that is significantly higher compared to other flagship phones. Additionally, thermal management issues may also impact the overall user experience.
2. Is the battery life of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 sufficient for daily use?
The 4400 mAh battery may not be sufficient for heavy daily use, particularly given the large, high-refresh-rate screens. You will need to charge the phone more frequently, and battery life may degrade faster over time.
3. What should you consider before buying the Galaxy Z Fold 6?
Consider whether you need the foldable features and if you’re willing to compromise on aspects like battery life, camera performance, and pricing. Assess if the unique benefits of the foldable design outweigh the potential drawbacks and cost.
4. What improvements does the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offer over its predecessor?
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features incremental improvements over its predecessor, including a more refined design and enhanced software capabilities. However, hardware changes are minimal, with most upgrades being iterative rather than groundbreaking.
5. Should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 6 if you are not interested in foldable features?
If foldable features are not a priority for you, there is no need to opt for the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Other flagship phones offer better performance, camera quality, and overall value for money without the compromises associated with foldable designs.
6. How does the Galaxy Z Fold 6 handle software multitasking and app continuity?
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 excels in software multitasking with its multi-window and split-screen functionalities. App continuity facilitates a seamless transition between the cover and main screens, significantly enhancing productivity and usability. This is arguably the standout feature of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
7. Can you use the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a stylus or other accessories?
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 does not include a dedicated stylus, but it is compatible with certain third-party styluses and accessories. Be sure to verify compatibility and support for any additional accessories you plan to use.
8. How does the Galaxy Z Fold 6 perform in terms of durability?
While the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is designed with durability in mind, foldable phones naturally face challenges related to screen longevity and hinge wear. The device undergoes rigorous durability testing, but it’s important to handle it with care to minimize potential issues.
These are the key disadvantages of Galaxy Z Fold 6. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask us in the comments section.
You might also want to check out the RedMagic 9 Pro specs and features.
Additionally, we’d love to hear your thoughts whether you agree or disagree with the points mentioned above.
