Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Review – First Impressions count

The flip folding smartphone market has so much going for it right now, Samsung leads the way and has done for many years but with competition hot on their heels we’ve got a lot to cover over the weeks ahead when it comes to considering a flip phone.

We’ll do an in-depth Z Flip6 Review and we’ll put it head to head with it’s competition too.

Today, I wanted to share my first thoughts on the latest Galaxy Z Flip 6 having grabbed one as we walked out of the launch event two weeks ago in Paris.

I’ve long been a fan of the “flip folding” form factor because it gives me a normal smartphone in regular use but then compactly fits in the pocket and has usability even when closed.

I think in reality what Samsung has done with the Flip6 is iterate on last year – there’s no clear revolution here let’s be honest.

But – there are two core factors I think they’ve nailed that will appeal to many.

How is the battery life on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6?

Firstly, battery life.

They’ve packed more battery in to give you a longer life on each charge. It could be said that previous Samsung Flip phones might struggle to get what we define as an all-day battery life. For me that’s going 6am-11pm without the anxiety of a low battery warning.

The Z Flip6 does that well. It’s certainly not more than a day, but it’s a solid all-day, much like pretty much every other phone out on the market.

Previous generations fell short of what could be considered a basic benchmark. Today, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is getting me through every day with ease.

Have they improved the camera on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6?

This is where Samsung did their best listening. You can’t release a smartphone without a serious camera these days – that’s one of the core functions of the device.

For the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung really upped the game. Putting a Galaxy S24 level main camera on board, at 50MP it’s a big leap from the 12MP in the Flip 5.

Alongside that is a 12MP Ultra Wide.

I didn’t do specific camera tests, instead, here’s shots I’ve taken for my own purpose over the last two weeks.

They capture the colour and detail very well, and are very impressive.

However, I did feel like I missed the Zoom I might have using an S24 or iPhone. I think people these days are looking for a 2x at least – feels like an obvious choice for a future release – if they’re not going to go full front screen, then throw another lens on it.

Day to day use of the Galaxy Z Flip6

I did struggle to do an iPhone to Galaxy Smart Switch, being told each time that storage was an issue, even when I tried to only move WhatsApp. Frustrating, but after a week you really find your place with the apps you need and get it all sorted.

Battery life is fantastic, the camera impressive, just missing that telephoto zoom.

Form factor wise this thing is perfect. It’s thin when open but doesn’t feel bulky when shut. In the pocket it feels very small, i think because it’s not a large device when shut and so I think you’ve got more flexibility when you walk etc.

I’m sure the Flip6 is slightly more squared off around the edges and I love the design overall.

Sadly adding a case to these phones really bulks them up, so I’d be keeping it bare and taking care personally.

Finally, Samsung’s AI push is important to them, their boss TM Roh says they are an AI Phone company – I didn’t use any of the AI features in my daily use. The only thing I tested was their “Suggested Replies” on the cover screen and while they certainly held the context of the conversation together – they were never quite for me.

Overall thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Love it. Wish it was $1,499 not $1,799 but I think that’s me living in the past. A great step forward on the camera, and the design looks good, build is premium.

I think Samsung need to push their front screen to the limit as Motorola has done with the Razr, and I’d consider a telephoto lens on the camera too for a next generation.

If you’ve been using a traditional smartphone all these years and have wondered about a flip – do it, they are great! Love love love the Flip phone!

MORE REVIEWS: For another Aussie perspective on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 – read what Alice has to say at GadgetGuy.com.au