WORDS JOSHUA VARGHESE
The first thing that must be said about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is that Samsung had no reason to make one. Their flagship S24 Ultra has no shortage of customers, yet they decided to give us a foldable phone. That is admirable innovation. They have packed a lot of tech into a slim, high-quality structure that folds into a nice, compact size. The highlight is that once open, it looks just like any other top-end smartphone. Yes, the crease is visible but does not stand out like a vegan at a barbeque. Furthermore, the metal body and overall levels of f it-and-finish reflect the standards that we have come to expect from a flagship product.
We have used our test unit for a little more than a month now and so far, we have had no doubts about its durability. It stays in place regardless of how one folds it and has shown no levels of wear yet. Feels like a Swiss knife, if I may say so. Given the noticeable gap at the fold, we have been extra careful about keeping our phone clean but it does have an IP48 rating which makes it fully waterproof. So, cleaning it under a tap is an option, albeit an extreme one, if necessary. Oh, and we appreciate the lovely blue colour. Samsung are offering an interesting palette of shades. When folded, there is not much one can do with the cover screen. It works well for a few essential functions but is limited overall in terms of capability. However, in its unfolded state, the phone has a 6.7-inch display which is amazing considering it folds to the size of a pocket square but the resolution is not as sharp as the S24 Ultra. We have not faced any problems as far as performance is concerned because the Flip 6 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset which is among the best available for Android phones.
The battery capacity is 4,000 mAh which is split between two cells. When used intensively, the phone lasts almost one day from a full charge; which is good but not as good as some other flagships but certainly not a deal-breaker. The software is seamless and intuitive to use but not as exhaustive as other Samsung phones. We particularly appreciated the Edge Panels that made navigation to frequently used apps a lot easier. One of the most significant highlights here is that Samsung have promised up to seven years of major Android OS and security updates for the Flip 6. At this time, it is not fair to expect mind-blowing camera work from a foldable because it is a relatively new design that does not offer the room to package the hardware necessary but the Flip 6 will meet most people’s requirements with the 50MP main camera. Outdoor photography has consistently yielded good results and the Flip 6 has let us explore new angles thanks to its unique construction. Low light results are also reasonably good. However, zooming is surprisingly limited.
The editing tools on offer along with the AI allows one to work on the photos in an easy way. Removing elements on the subject and reducing clutter are easier than before but adding elements is the interesting feature because the AI makes the additions extremely realistic, down to the shadows. In terms of value, the Flip 6 is an interesting purchase for someone who wants a high-performance smartphone that defies the norms. At Rs 1.22 lakh, it is the among the most innovative phones in the market where every other flagship looks like a brick. As a foldable, it has some limitations that may irk those who are used to intensively working a conventional flagship. Otherwise, there is very little to dislike about this phone. Looks good, feels good and works well. A lower price tag would only make it more irresistible.
Pricing and Availability
Rs.1,22,000. samsung.com