Why I chose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 over the new iPhone 16

I’ve been the reputed ‘iPhone ambassador’ in my group for as long as I can remember, fiercely defending it in every debate about Android vs. iOS. But then came the flip phones, and suddenly, I found myself on the other side. Who doesn’t love the idea of grabbing eyeballs every time you whip out your phone? 

But as fancy as they may sound, flip phones have long been associated with the prettiest trophy in our homes- one that boosts the aesthetics of your house, but doesn’t come in handy on a day-to-day basis. However, Samsung has changed this notion.  

Samsung first introduced its Galaxy Z Flip in 2020, marking a new era in the smartphone world, and they’ve only been refining it ever since. Fast forward to now, and I got my hands on the latest Galaxy Z Flip 6, which is making waves in both tech and fashion circles. To put it simply: flipping sides has never felt so good. At first glance, the phone screams retro fun—hello, 90s vibes! But beyond the cool factor of it flipping shut, there’s a lot more to love, especially if you’re all about style and functionality. The compact, glossy design screams elegance, and that satisfying snap when it folds shut is just the beginning of what makes this phone a game-changer.

Before I dive deeper, I have to admit—I’m no tech expert. This is purely based on your average customer’s experience. My main focus when buying a phone is always the camera. However, after playing around with the Galaxy Z Flip 6, I can confidently say that along with its stellar 50MP dual cameras and clever design, this phone has a lot more to offer than just a pretty face. And it tempts you to unfold new features, every single day.

First Impressions

My first foray into the world of flip phones was with the Z Flip 4 back in 2022, and while I was impressed, I was also nervous—would the hinge last? Would the screen get damaged? This time around, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, priced around ₹1,09,998, feels even more polished and refined. One of my initial concerns was the fold—would you see or feel the crease where the screen bends? While it’s there, it’s much less noticeable than before, and it fades into the background when you’re immersed in using the phone. The phone definitely has the world of creators and fashion fanatics in a chokehold, including me. And the cast of Emily in Paris 4 couldn’t agree more. *those who know, know*

Design & Display

Samsung has truly elevated the design this time. The sleek aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 make it feel luxurious, and the new colour options like Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender add a touch of elegance. Compact enough to fit in any pocket or purse, it opens up to reveal a stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything from scrolling to streaming incredibly smooth, with vibrant colours that pop off the screen.

The Flex Mode is where the Z Flip 6 really shines. Half-open, it’s perfect for hands-free selfies, video calls, or binge-watching your favourite show on the go. Plus, the 3.4-inch cover display gives you quick access to notifications, messages, and widgets without needing to open the phone completely. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

Performance & Features

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, making it a powerhouse. Whether you’re multitasking, switching between apps, or editing a bunch of videos in a go, like me, it handles everything without a buffer. Boasting a 3,700mAh battery, which might appear modest compared to other flagship models, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 delivers around 10 hours of continuous use and extends up to 17 hours with more mindful usage. Plus, when it’s time to recharge, the 25W fast charging has your back, ensuring you’re up and running quickly. The brand has introduced a game-changer integrated vapor chamber cooling system in Z Flip 6 for the first time. It effectively keeps the phone cool, even under heavy usage. While I did notice a slight warmth during intense gaming sessions, it never reached uncomfortable levels.

Sketch to Image

The Fold 6 I’m testing introduces a cool feature called ‘Sketch to Image.’ Simply draw a rough sketch on a photo or a blank note, and the phone’s generative AI will magically transform it into a detailed image. Whether you’re looking to add a new furry friend to your solo kitty’s life or just want to see your doodles come to life, this AI tool is both fascinating and addictive. Interestingly enough, I also generated my AI sketch by a real-time photo of mine. Next time you see me glued to my Fold 6, I might just be busy channeling my inner Picasso and designing a whimsical wallpaper—like a painting of coral reefs mixed with ice cream cones.

The camera magic

Now, let’s talk about my favourite part- the camera! The dual 50 MP rear cameras (wide and ultrawide) are solid performers. Photos are sharp, vibrant, and packed with detail, even in low light. And thanks to the foldable design, you can experiment with unique shooting angles. This upgrade offers sharper images, credit goes to its higher resolution and quad-pixel binning. While regular photos remain at 12MP, you’ll enjoy better low-light performance and dynamic range. You can also manually switch to 50MP for even more detail. And when you’re feeling fancy, switch to the Flex Mode for a hands-free, perfectly angled shot. 

Of course, there are some caveats. At a starting price that’s definitely premium, you’re paying for the cutting-edge tech. And while the Z Flip 6 is more durable than its predecessors with its IPX8 water resistance and enhanced hinge, you’ll likely still want to be extra careful with that foldable display. Given the fact that this phone has made me rethink my long-standing loyalty to iPhones, you can give a shot to the Z Flip 6. It might just flip your world upside down (pun intended) —in the best way possible.

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