Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs Z Fold 5: how different is Samsung's new folding phone?

Ahead of Samsung's summer Unpacked event – where the company revealed its Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra and more – I was fortunate enough to handle the company's latest and best folding phones at a behind-closed-doors preview event.

There's the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip 6, which I've previewed in a separate feature, and this, the big daddy of the line-up: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6. Here I'll explore what's new with this latest foldable and how it differs from the earlier Z Fold 5. 

I suspect it will be music to many people's ears that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has actioned one of the most user-requested design changes: it's got a new aspect ratio, so is wider and less tall. However, the minor dimension change might not be enough to satisfy everyone. 

Here's my initial take on how the Galaxy Z Fold 6 stacks up against the Z Fold 5 and whether it's enough of a change year on year – especially with stiff competition from the likes of the OnePlus Open and other foldables.

Galaxy Z Fold 6 v Z Fold 5: Design

I've often heard people say that the Z Fold 5 is too tall and narrow. In its folded position its cover display isn't an echo of the best Android phones at the flagship end of the scale. Well, the Z Fold 6 is here to try and set the record straight. 

With a less tall and wider cover display, I can see how the Z Fold 6 is taking a step in the right direction. That said, this is a really minor adjustment: we're talking a 1.4mm height reduction and 2.7mm width expansion (in its unfolded position; the cover display is only 1mm wider in the closed position). 

Just how much difference does that make in use? I found it marginal, really, as it's not a total overhaul of aspect ratio really. But, as Samsung has also trimmed the Z Fold 6 down (it's just 5.6mm thick/thin) the latest device is really lightweight as foldables go – indeed, it's almost the same weight as the flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Elsewhere the Armor Aluminum frame is said to be 10% stronger than before, with greater scratch resistance, while the use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 remains the same between the two devices. Still, this is a tough cookie of a foldable. 

As is the case year on year, Samsung has introduced some new colours for the 2024 model: Silver Shadow is the calling card, a sort of silvery-black, while Pink and Navy firm up the other two options. Samsung.com exclusives will also offer Crafted Black and White, if you're looking for a more classic look. 

Galaxy Z Fold 6 v Z Fold 5: Displays

Inevitably the displays of the Z Fold 6 and earlier Z Fold 5 are different, owed to the aspect ratio change. 

There are further additions, too, as while there's no sharpness increase nor refresh rate enhancement, the brightness is up – now at 2600 nits peak, up from 1750 peak in the Z Fold 5. 

That's all good: the Z Fold has long offered a great display experience (so long as you don't try and peel off the protective layer, which breaks the device), both cover display and internal. It's just with the Z Fold 6 you get a slightly less 'square' experience.

Galaxy Z Fold 6 v Z Fold 5: Cameras

Here's one area where the differences crawl to a stop though: the Z Fold 6's cameras are identical to the Z Fold 5's. That means the very same triple-lens arrangement on the rear (albeit with a different design aesthetic), with an under-display selfie camera within the unfolded display and a cover display selfie camera as the secondary. 

While I wouldn't have expected major changes here, as cameras can really challenge the physical space requirements in a phone's design, it's a shame that the optical zoom doesn't see a boost – look at the S24 Ultra, for example, and that offers higher-resolution main and telephoto cameras, so Samsung's foldable is a step behind in that regard. 

I suspect the 'Galaxy Z Fold 7' will be the device iteration that will bring new camera upgrades, because with the Z Fold 6 it's simply an echo of its predecessor – which isn't necessarily a bad thing, given how good those already are, it's just one area where more was expected. 

Galaxy Z Fold 6 v Z Fold 5: Key spec

The physical aspect ratio adjustment has meant other internal design tweaks for the Z Fold 6 too: there's a vapour chamber, which is 1.6x larger than its predecessor for improved cooling. 

That's paired with a generational upgrade in processor terms: the 'made for Samsung' version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 flagship is inside the Z Fold 6 – here in Gen 3 compared to the Z Flip 5's Gen 2. 

There's a greater focus on artificial intelligence capabilities, which is all part of Samsung's Galaxy AI prerogative. Examples include Note Assist offering summaries and transcriptions, and Interpreter delivering real-time translation and transcription in both audio and written forms. 

Battery capacities are one and the same for both devices, the assumption being that life in the newer Z Fold 6 ought to be improved thanks to the vapour chamber and newer processor. Charging speeds remain the same for both, so no speed boost there.

More battery would equal more weight though – and I think it's great that Samsung has managed to produce a foldable that's akin to any given flagship in terms of size and scale. It makes it a more enticing proposition overall. 

Galaxy Z Flip 6 v Z Flip 5: Conclusion

So there you have it: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 brings a less 'square' shape to its internal display, answering one of the biggest requests from many users. However, it's not a major aspect ratio change – meaning, for me, one of the biggest benefits of the new foldable is actually the lighter weight overall. 

At the time of writing I only have UK pricing to hand, which sees the Z Fold 6 marginally increase its day-one asking price by £50. There's no skipping the fact that foldables are still very expensive: and with a £1,799 ($1,899 / AU$2,749) asking price being the lowest (for 256GB storage), it's worth noting that the OnePlus Open was a couple of hundred less even at launch.

It's clear that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an improvement over its predecessor – but it's a slight improvement rather than a total reimagination. Not one for the upgraders, then, but those wanting a flagship foldable may find this new version's nips and tucks strike the right balance of screen size and aspect ratio.