Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 with 50 MP camera and IPX48 introduced
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is slimmer, lighter, more robust and smarter than its 2023 predecessor. There’s also a significant upgrade to the camera system, one of the main criticisms of the Z Flip5. A Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset sits at the helm, no matter what market you’re in. The chipset also powers a variety of AI tasks and stays cool thanks to a vapor chamber for the first time in a Samsung flip phone. There’s also 12GB of RAM (compared to 8GB last year) and 256GB or 512GB of storage.
Samsung has upgraded the main camera to a 50-megapixel sensor with f/1.8 aperture and a 23-degree lens with OIS. The chip offers 2x in-sensor zoom, which increases to a factor of 10 via digital AI zoom. The 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera (123°) remains unchanged, as does the 10 MP selfie camera, also with 23 mm and 1.22 µm pixels.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 main display is now an LTPO panel (1-120 Hz), but retains the same 6.7-inch diagonal and FHD+ resolution. The Flex display is also the same size and resolution as before – 3.4 inches, 720 x 748 pixels – and still runs at 60 Hz. The maximum brightness is 1,600 nits.
Auto Zoom is an AI-powered feature for Flex mode. This is what Samsung calls the half-folded state, allowing the Galaxy Z Flip6 to act as its own tripod. The feature automatically zooms in and out to get the best shot and enables hands-free group photos. Nightography now supports video HDR. The advanced image processing features are also available in the Instagram app.
Other AI features also use the Flex Display. For example, Suggested Replies analyzes your recent messages and suggests a response to incoming messages. So you don’t have to open the phone or type on the closed device. It can also display notifications from Samsung Health. New widgets allow for even more customization, and you can have multiple widgets enabled at once.
Samsung has also further optimized the hinge to achieve a slimmer profile when closed. The Galaxy Z Flip6 measures 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm when closed and 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm when open, and weighs 187g. The Galaxy Z Flip5 was 15.1mm when closed, but the same 6.9mm when open. The other dimensions are unchanged, including the weight.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6 are also the first foldables ever to have IP48 particle protection. While this doesn’t prevent dust from entering, it should keep out larger particles. Water protection is at the same level and guarantees dry 30 minutes underwater at a depth of up to 1.5 m. It also has improved versions of Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it the most robust Z Flip yet. The device follows the example of the Galaxy S24 series and is made from recycled cobalt and rare earths as well as recycled plastic, aluminum and glass. The packaging is made from 100% recycled paper.
Like the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 will receive 7 years of operating system updates and security patches. This will go a long way in reducing electronic waste. The phone launches with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1, so Android 15 and One UI 7 will be the first major upgrade.
Samsung has at least increased the battery capacity to 4,000 mAh, a small upgrade from the 3,700 mAh of the Z Flip5. Charging is still 25 watts wired (50% in about 30 minutes) and 15 watts wireless. Connectivity includes 5G and some versions of the Samsung smartphone combine a physical SIM with an eSIM. There’s also Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 pricing
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is available in Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue and Mint. There are also some exclusive options like Crafted Black, White and Peach via Samsung.com. Pre-orders start today, with general availability starting July 24. The base 12/256GB model costs $1,100 in the US. For comparison, the Z Flip5 (8/256GB) cost $1,000 at launch. In Europe you pay the same £1,050/€1,200 as the predecessor. However, there are already various Samsung deals directly from the manufacturer.
