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Debbie Bouffler

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Smartphone Review

Updated: 5 days ago

SMARTPHONE TIER: FLAGSHIP/PRO TIER

Battery Capacity mAh: 5000



Samsung Galaxy Fold6 Smartphone Review:


Unfolding Excellence: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Innovation Meets Versatility


 

SMARTPHONE BATTERY PERFORMANCE


Based on Price: Flagship/Pro (€700+) 

Flagship/Pro Ranking #9

Graphic of the Samsung Galaxy Fold6 smartphone

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Video Review Available Soon



 

Quick Summary


The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 marks a new chapter in foldable smartphone technology, blending cutting-edge innovation with refined usability. This smartphone is designed for users who demand versatility, offering a seamless transition between a compact smartphone and a tablet-like experience. With its durable hinge mechanism, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 provides confidence in its daily use. At the same time, the improved main and cover displays ensure a top-tier viewing experience, whether you're watching videos, gaming, or multitasking.


This smartphone has a 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It provides smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals for gaming or streaming content and is just as functional when the device is folded. It is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and delivers exceptional performance across all applications.


In addition to its robust performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 includes a versatile triple-camera setup a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens, ensuring high-quality photos and videos in various conditions. The device supports 5G connectivity, wireless charging, and IP48 water resistance, including protection against solids, adding to its appeal as a premium smartphone. With its cutting-edge features, the mobile phone continues to push the boundaries of what a foldable smartphone can offer, making it a compelling choice for users who want both innovation and practicality in their mobile experience.


Pros

Cons

  • Great display and quality speakers

  • No major improvements in camera functionality

  • Powerful and feature-rich with S Pen support

  • Reasonable 1.5 days of Use battery life

  • Galaxy AI

  • A larger and wider cover screen

  • Reliable camera set-up

  • Longer charging time

  • IP48 rating dust and water resistance improved to include protection against solids



 ViserMark Labels for the Samsung Galaxy Fold6


When it comes to battery performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has been extensively tested and has received a ViserMark Battery Life rating of 1.5 days of usage or translated into 43 hours. While the overall battery performance scored 44 out of 100, it charges efficiently with a ViserMark Battery Charging Time of 1 hour and 32 minutes. The device also demonstrates a reasonable annual energy consumption of 3.3 kWh/Annum and earns a Battery Efficiency rating with 1 out of 5 leaves. These ViserMark labels suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 balances performance and power efficiency.

The ViserMark Labels for the Samsung Galaxy Fold6

 

Specification Overview - Released Date: July 2024


  • Body: Unfolded: 153.5 x 32.6 mm x5.6 mm. Folded: 153.5 x 68.1 mm x 12.1 mm Weight 239g. Folded Glass front with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, Unfolded with plastic front.

  • Display: Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ with 1856 x 2160 resolution. Cover Display: 6.3 inches Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz with 968 x 2376 resolution. IP48 water rating.

  • Operating System: Android 14, One UI 6.1.1

  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A520) with GPU Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

  • Memory: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct. Bluetooth: Yes. NFC: Yes. Loudspeaker: Yes.

  • Camera: Triple set-up - Main: 50MP (wide) 10 MP (telephoto) and 12 MP (ultrawide) with LED flash, HDR, and panorama. Video8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+

  • Front Camera: 4 MP (wide). HDR and Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

  • Battery: 4400mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless

  • Colour: Silver Shadow, Pink, Navy, Crafted Black, and White



 

Discover all the Battery Performance Test Results

Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Fold6

 








 

Smartphone Battery Performance - HOW WE TEST


ViserMark offers a comprehensive range of battery performance test results based on different criteria and benchmarks for evaluating a smartphone's performance. Our tests are performed using the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered by SmartViser's test automation solution viSer.


VWS Analytics Studio is a complementary product to the viSer Test Automation solution. It enhances the viSer user experience and is the fastest way to analyse and view smartphone test results.


We have used the interactive dashboard to show you the recent test results and translated them into ViserMark Labels.


 

Discover all the Battery Test Results

Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Fold6


 

 

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Smartphone Battery Performance - FULL TEST RESULTS AND REVIEW


ViserMark has put the Samsung Galaxy Fold6 through our testing protocol, based on real smartphone usage from 100% battery level down to power off. This includes daily activities, such as calls, web, video and music streaming, gaming, social networks, picture and video capture, and standby. All activities are executed in a defined order and timeline.

 

These test results, show how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 performed and the scores achieved.


1. Battery Performance


 The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has a Battery Performance Score of 44 out of 100. This score reflects its efficiency in balancing battery life, charging speed, and power consumption.


The ViserMark Label for Battery Performance showing a score of 44/100

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6's battery performance can be evaluated by comparing it with other Flagship/Pro devices. Here's an overview of its battery performance score.

A bar chart comparing the battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Compared to the Xiaomi 13 which has a score of 43, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip5 have the same scores of 44 and slightly outperform the Xiaomi 13, indicating that it offers better battery performance in everyday usage scenarios. The Flagship/Pro Tier average with a score of 40, ranks lower, suggesting that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is more optimised for battery performance despite its complex foldable design.


 

2. Battery Life


The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a battery life of 1.5 days of use, which is consistent with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, indicating a well-balanced power management strategy across Samsung's foldable devices.

A ViserMark Label for Battery Life displaying 1.5 Days of Use and 43 Hours for the Samsung Galaxy Fold6

However, compared to the Xiaomi 13, which delivers an impressive two days of battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 falls slightly behind. The Flagship/Pro Tier average slightly outperforms both Samsung smartphones by a small margin, achieving 1.56 days of use. It suggests that while the Z Fold6 is efficient, it might not be the top performer in battery life compared to other smartphones in this category.

A bar chart comparing the battery life in Days of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

In terms of hours, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 provides 43 hours of usage, surpassing the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6's 38 hours. This slight edge highlights the Z Fold 6's superior battery optimisation, possibly due to its larger battery capacity and more efficient power distribution. Nevertheless, the Xiaomi 13 again takes the lead with 50 hours of use, making it the most enduring mobile phone in this comparison. The Flagship/Pro Tier average, while offering more hours than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, still lags behind the Galaxy Z Fold6 with 40 hours of battery life.

A bar chart comparing the battery life in hours of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 demonstrates solid battery life performance, balancing longevity and practical usability. It outperforms the Galaxy Z Flip6 in this Samsung series, in terms of hours of use, but it still needs to reach the levels of the Xiaomi 13, which is the clear leader in both days and hours of battery life. Its consistent battery life showcases its reliability for users who need a durable, foldable smartphone. However, those prioritising maximum endurance might consider alternatives like the Xiaomi 13 as an alternative.


 

3. Battery Consumption


The Samsung Galaxy Fold6 battery life details, as analysed using SmartViser's viSer and VWS Analytics Studio, provide a technical and detailed perspective on the smartphone's battery consumption. The platform's capability to monitor and access real-time test results explains how it manages power under various daily user tasks.


The battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 shows interesting differences in various usage scenarios. Analysing the test results reveals how each device manages power during different activities, providing valuable insights for users who prioritise battery efficiency for specific everyday activities.


Across most activities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 exhibits higher current consumption (mA) compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. This trend is expected due to the Galaxy Z Fold6's more extensive display system, which demands more power, especially when the device is fully unfolded.


This is particularly evident in tasks like gaming and file transfers, where the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 consumes significantly more power, reflecting its demand for greater processing power and display. Camera usage also follows this trend, with the Galaxy Z Fold6 consuming slightly more power, likely due to the need to render images on a larger display.


These findings suggest that the Galaxy Z Flip6 is more optimised for everyday communication, making it a more power-efficient choice for users who frequently engage in these activities. When it comes to media consumption, both smartphones exhibit similar battery consumption patterns, although the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 still consumes slightly more power. This suggests that while it offers a more immersive media experience due to its larger display, it does so at the expense of higher battery usage.

A bar chart comparing the battery consumption of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip6 is more efficient for users who prioritise battery life in everyday tasks and communication, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 caters to those who value a larger screen and are willing to accept higher power consumption for a more versatile and expansive display experience.


 








 

The comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Xiaomi 13 reveals notable differences in how each phone manages battery consumption across various activities. Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold6 exhibits higher power consumption in some activities due to its larger display and more demanding hardware.


The performance differences are particularly evident in file transfers and camera usage. The Galaxy Z Fold6's larger screen and multitasking capabilities demand more power, leading to higher battery consumption. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 13 demonstrates better power efficiency, especially in communication and social media tasks. It consistently consumes less power during outgoing calls, MMS and media, optimising it for everyday use.


The Xiaomi 13 outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 regarding battery conservation during YouTube and media player usage, likely due to its smaller, less power-hungry display.

A bar chart comparing the battery consumption of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Xiaomi 13

Users who value a large, versatile screen and don’t mind a higher battery drain might prefer the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. In contrast, those who prioritise battery efficiency for daily tasks might find the Xiaomi 13 a better fit.

 








 

The battery consumption analysis of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 in comparison with the Xiaomi 13 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 - using the Flagship/Pro Tier average as a benchmark- reveals critical insights into each smartphone's power management capabilities.


The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 does not consistently consume the most battery energy in all activities. While it does show higher power consumption in some tasks, such as file transfers and social media, it is not the most power-hungry in gaming and camera usage. In fact, the Xiaomi 13 shows higher battery consumption during these particular tasks, indicating that the GalaxyZ Fold6 is more efficient in these areas.

A bar chart comparing the battery consumption of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 continues to strike a balance between the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Xiaomi 13 but with a closer performance to the Flagship/Pro Tier benchmark. Its power consumption is more moderate, particularly in gaming and camera usage, where it consumes less power than the Xiaomi 13 but more than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. This balance makes the Galaxy Z Flip6 a practical choice for users who want foldable features with relatively efficient battery usage.


 

4. Battery Efficiency


The 1 leaf rating of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 means that while it offers solid battery life and performance, it may not be the most energy-efficient option. This could be a trade-off for users who prioritise the foldable design and more significant screen display, which naturally demand more power.

A ViserMark Label for Battery Efficiency showing 1 out of 5 leaves

With a Battery Efficiency rating of 1 leaf, which places it on par with the Xiaomi 13 and the Flagship/Pro Tier average, indicates that while the Galaxy Z Fold6 is efficient, it does not stand out in energy efficiency compared to high-end smartphones. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 achieves a higher efficiency rating of 1.5 leaves, suggesting that despite its smaller battery, it is more efficient in managing power consumption. This could be due to optimised software, a smaller display, and lower power demands.

A bar chart comparing the battery efficiency of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a competitive battery efficiency in line with other flagship smartphones, it does not exceed expectations in this area. Its efficiency rating reflects the challenges of powering a large, foldable display, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritise screen size and versatility over maximum energy efficiency. However, for those looking for the most efficient mobile phone in Samsung's foldable lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 may be a better option.

 

5. Annual Energy Consumption


The annual energy consumption of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), provides an important insight into its overall energy efficiency. Lower energy consumption indicates a more efficient device, which can be crucial for users mindful of both environmental impact and long-term energy costs.


A ViserMark Label for Annual Energy Consumption displaying 3.3 kWh/Annum

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 uses 3.3 kWh of energy annually, making it slightly more efficient than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, which uses 3.4 kWh annually. Despite the Galaxy Z Fold6's larger and more complex dual-display setup, it remains competitive in energy efficiency.


The Xiaomi 13 is the most energy-efficient mobile phone in this comparison, with an annual energy consumption of 2.9 kWh. This lower consumption rate reflects Xiaomi's effective optimisation strategies, allowing it to lead in energy efficiency among the devices compared.

A bar chart comparing the annual energy consumption of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

With its impressive energy efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 strikes a good balance in energy consumption. Despite its demanding hardware features, it maintains a lower annual rate. However, for those who prioritise the lowest possible energy consumption, the Xiaomi 13 shines. It's not just a suitable choice, it's a confident choice for users who value sustainability in their tech.


 

ViserMark VERDICT


The Samsung Galaxy Fold6 - what's it like to use?


The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a unique and versatile user experience that differentiates it from traditional smartphones. Its foldable design transforms the device from a compact phone into a tablet-sized screen, giving users an expansive display for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. This flexibility makes it particularly appealing for users who need a phone that can adapt to different scenarios, from browsing the web and watching videos to managing multiple apps simultaneously.


However, the large, foldable screen and advanced hardware have trade-offs, particularly in battery consumption. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 performs efficiently in gaming and camera usage tasks, it tends to consume more power during activities like file transfers and social media. This means that users who frequently engage in these tasks may notice faster battery depletion than other devices.


Despite the challenges, this smartphone delivers a premium, high-tech experience. The device's seamless transition between a standard smartphone and a larger display mode is a standout feature, offering a level of versatility that is unparalleled in the market. For users who value the latest technology and a flexible, large display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is a compelling option that enhances productivity and entertainment in a way that few other smartphones can match.

Pros

Cons

  • Versatile foldable design between a compact phone and a tablet-sized display.

  • Higher battery consumption in file transfers and social media

  • Demonstrates better battery efficiency during gaming and camera usage making it a strong performer.

  • Heavy and bulky design

  • Premium user experience with a large, high-quality display and seamless transitions.

  • The premium features and innovative design come at a high cost,

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6?


The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is ideal for users who want innovation, versatility, and a premium smartphone experience.


Tech Enthusiasts and Early Adopters:

This smartphone is perfect for those who crave the latest in smartphone innovation. Its foldable design and advanced features offer a unique experience beyond traditional smartphones, appealing to users who enjoy exploring cutting-edge technology.


Productivity-Focused Professionals and Multitaskers:

Ideal for users who need a versatile phone for managing multiple tasks, the Z Fold6’s large, tablet-like display supports efficient multitasking, making it a strong choice for professionals and creatives who require a portable yet powerful tool for work and creative projects.


Media Enthusiasts and Flexibility Seekers:

If you consume a lot of media or value a mobile phone that can adapt to various situations, the Z Fold6 offers an immersive experience with its expansive screen. It is perfect for gaming, watching videos, or reading. Its ability to switch between a compact phone and a larger display provides unparalleled flexibility.


CONCLUSION


Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is best suited for users who want to stay at the forefront of smartphone innovation and need a smartphone that can serve multiple purposes in one sleek, foldable package.


 








 

VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)


The VCX Forum has been working with its members on the system and infrastructure as a non-profit organisation. We strive to improve our technology to develop and exchange accurate and objective quality and performance indicators, which is our ultimate goal. We will also serve as a compass for the smartphone camera industry. We appreciate your interest in the VCX Forum.


No VCX reviews are available for this smartphone.


 

Background

The Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul. It comprises numerous affiliated businesses, most united under the Samsung brand. Samsung Electronics has assembly plants and sales networks in 74 countries and employs around 290,000 people. Samsung is a major manufacturer of electronic components such as lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, image sensors, camera modules and displays for clients such as Apple, Sony, HTC and Nokia.


 

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Written By

Head and shoulder photo of Debbie Bouffler writer of this smartphone review

Debbie Bouffler is the Marketing and Communications Manager at SmartViser. She is crucial in developing the company's communication and marketing strategies. Debbie has gained extensive experience in strategic business development and marketing in various industries, which has helped her excel in her current position.


Debbie is a leader with imagination, an unmatched drive, and an infectious passion for growth and excellence, especially in the telecommunications industry.


 

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