After attending Samsung’s launch event in Paris, I spent a full day roaming the streets with their most popular foldable phone model, the Z Flip 6.
This year’s model has an upgraded look and feel, with a less visible screen crease.
The most significant improvement comes in the form of a big quality boost to the cameras.
The main advantage of a flip-style phone is that you can use the main cameras to capture a majority of your shots, including selfies.
There’s also what Samsung calls “Flex Mode,” which allows you to leave the phone half-open for versatile shooting options. The phone itself sort of becomes a tripod; no additional hardware is necessary to take hands-free shots. A feature called “Auto Frame” uses AI to hone in on subjects while you’re taking videos hands-free, though it’s not always perfect.
You can also hold the phone half open, like an old-school camcorder, to shoot videos. While there’s no optical zoom, you can still zoom in digitally, and the range and quality are decent.
Overall, videos and photos from the Z Flip 6 are great for the casual user.
New AI features include “Portrait Studio,” which transforms faces into styles like comic, 3D cartoon, watercolor, and sketch. The results can be hit or miss, but it’s a fun feature to play with.
Two more upgrades this year: the cover screen can do more, and the battery on the Flip is the biggest yet.
At $1,100, the Flip 6 is $100 more than last year’s model.
It’s fun, compact, and different – and those might be just the reasons to get it.
While it may not be for everyone, its unique form factor and improved features make it an intriguing option in the smartphone market.