Z FLIP 6: 5 MAJOR PROBLEMS LONG TERM REVIEW!

Summary

In this review of the Samsung Z Flip 6, the reviewer highlights five major issues with the device. First, the inner display creaks and feels more fragile than previous models. Second, the dust-resistant claims are called into question due to small gaps in the design. Third, despite a larger battery and a more efficient processor, the battery life and charging speed remain unimpressive. Fourth, while the camera has improved, graininess in low light and overly smooth AI post-processing detract from its quality. Lastly, the lack of DeX mode and S Pen support limits the phone's potential for content creators. Despite these drawbacks, the Z Flip 6 still offers substantial upgrades overall.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Samsung Z Flip 6 is a significant upgrade over the Z Flip 5 in terms of design but has notable issues.
• 🔨 The inner display of the Z Flip 6 is more prone to cracking and makes a concerning creaking noise, signaling potential durability problems.
• 💨 Despite the IP48 dust resistance rating, the Z Flip 6 still allows dust to enter through a small gap between the displays, undermining its dust-proof claims.
• 📱 The Z Flip 6's battery life is similar to the Z Flip 5, with no significant improvement despite a larger battery and a more efficient processor.
• ⚡ Charging speed for the Z Flip 6 maxes out at 18-20W, well below the advertised 25W, with charging times around 80 minutes for a full charge.
• 📸 The camera, although improved, still has issues with grainy photos in low-light situations and overly smoothed images due to post-processing AI.
• ❌ The post-processing feature that smooths out grain can't be turned off, which results in photos losing sharpness and detail.
• 🖋️ The Z Flip 6 lacks S Pen compatibility, which would have improved functionality, particularly for content creators and multitasking.
• 💻 There is no DeX support on the Z Flip 6, meaning users cannot easily transition to a desktop-like experience, which would be useful for productivity and content creation.
• 🎮 The Z Flip 6 cannot cast mobile games to a TV, limiting the gaming experience despite having a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
• 📦 The Z Flip 6's design includes a flat bezel that offers better closure, but dust resistance remains a concern due to the gap in the corner of the phone.

Q & A

What is the biggest concern regarding the inner display of the Samsung Z Flip 6?

The main concern with the Z Flip 6's inner display is the creaking noise it makes when opened, suggesting the glass might be bending too far. This could indicate durability issues, and there’s a risk that dust particles could cause the glass to shatter.

Is the Samsung Z Flip 6 really dust resistant as claimed by Samsung?

No, despite its IP48 dust resistance rating, the Z Flip 6 is not fully dustproof. A small gap between the displays allows dust particles smaller than 1mm to slip inside, potentially damaging the device over time.

How does the Z Flip 6's battery performance compare to its predecessor?

Although the Z Flip 6 has a slightly larger battery than the Z Flip 5, there is no significant improvement in daily battery life. Users still report needing to charge the device during the day despite the new, more battery-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

What issue does the Z Flip 6 have with its fast charging capability?

The Z Flip 6 claims to support 25W fast charging, but in testing, it caps at 18W, resulting in slower charging times than advertised.

What problems have users reported with the Z Flip 6's camera performance?

Users have reported significant graininess in low-light photos, which is worsened by the phone's AI post-processing feature that smooths out the grain, making the photos look over-processed and smeared. There’s also no option to turn off this AI feature.

Does the Z Flip 6 have improvements in camera quality compared to the Z Flip 5?

Yes, the Z Flip 6 features a 50MP camera with 2x optical zoom, offering an overall better camera experience than the Z Flip 5. However, it still falls short in low-light conditions and suffers from post-processing issues.

Why is the Z Flip 6 not considered a great choice for content creators?

The Z Flip 6 lacks features like Samsung’s DeX (desktop mode) and S Pen compatibility, which are available on other Samsung devices like the S23 and S24 Ultra. These features would significantly benefit content creators by improving multitasking and editing capabilities.

What is the missing feature in the Z Flip 6 that could enhance its multitasking experience?

The Z Flip 6 lacks DeX, which would allow users to connect the phone to a monitor and use it like a desktop. This feature, combined with S Pen compatibility, could enhance productivity and content creation, but it's not available on the Z Flip 6.

How does the Z Flip 6 compare to the S24 Ultra for content creators?

The Z Flip 6 falls behind the S24 Ultra for content creators because the S24 Ultra supports DeX, S Pen, and better multitasking capabilities. These features make it more suitable for editing photos, videos, and handling content creation tasks more effectively.

What is Samsung’s marketing strategy for the Z Flip 6 and how does it affect its appeal?

Samsung markets the Z Flip 6 as a foldable phone for content creators. However, without essential features like DeX and S Pen compatibility, it’s not the most practical choice for this audience, especially when other flagship phones like the S23 and S24 Ultra offer these capabilities.