Upgrading from the Z Fold3—should I get the Z Fold6 or the S24 Ultra?

[Nikeesha]

As it says on the tin.

I recognize that it's hard to compare the two devices, as they're two different creatures. But I'm having a tough time making a solid decision, so I thought I'd ask for some opinions. Already put in my pre-order for the Fold6, though I'm still sort of on the fence.

I adore my Fold—had it since 2022. The experience is unlike any other, and I love being able to switch between two different form factors. I mostly use the outer screen, with the inner screen being reserved for watching videos/movies and multitasking (or showing images to others—makes it feel like an event, haha). Plus, I do like taking handwritten notes and sketching, so the extra real estate is good for that. As with a lot of people, the inner screen protector peeled off, but other than that (and a couple of scrapes on the hinge), it's in very good condition.

The main reasons why I'm even considering the S24 Ultra are battery life and cameras. I don't mind the cameras on my Fold all that much (all my serious photography happens on my DSLR), and I've been able to keep my phone running throughout most days without feeling like I'm at risk of my phone dying. But I do wonder if there's enough of a difference between the Fold3 and either of the new flagships to where my experience would be notably improved either way.

Is the jump from the Fold3 to the 6 a solid enough improvement, esp. with regards to camera and battery? Has anyone switched from the Fold3 or 4 to the S24 Ultra and felt like it was a better choice? (If it makes any difference, after messing around with discounts, I was able to get the Fold6 down to around $765 before tax; haven't checked very closely with the Ultra).

Thanks!

[Rob99]

I had the Fold 5 and really liked it. Swore I would never go back to a 'standard' phone. Then, the S24 Ultra was released, and I found myself feeling angry that the Fold had 'inferior' cameras (despite having really good cameras on the Fold), so I got the S24, and I was disappointed. I really missed the big screen (kind of the whole point of the Fold!). The camera, despite being 200 Mp, was no better in my opinion, I was actually disappointed in the S24 camera. So I'm now waiting for my Fold 6. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but if you fell in love with Fold like me, you will be really disappointed going back to a smaller device, even though it is supposedly better. As for battery life. I never had a problem with either phone, Samsung batteries are very good, in my opinion, I get 2 days out of both phones. Hope this helps.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @Nikeesha 

Welcome to the Samsung Community Forum Section for Uk  / Eu members. 

I owned the Fold³ from it's launch date, and really liked what that phone brought to the table, especially multi tasking,  split screen options and media consumption. 

I decided to trade that phone in back to Samsung when the Samsung Galaxy s²³ Ultra was launched as I wanted to go back to a slab style phone, as that model took me back to nearly what the Samsung Note series was before the Note series was fazed out. 

Then I also purchased the Samsung Galaxy s²⁴ Ultra as that phone introduced the flat screen back which is what the Note Series was about. 

I did miss the form factor of the Fold for a while but as with most things one adapts.

I had no issues with the Folds cameras at all. 

Would I ever go back to a Fold 🤔  Definitely if the time was right for me personally. 

In the end it's a personal preference and decision , and at least Samsung provides a decent cooling off period to change one's mind. 

Do let us know how you decide to proceed. 

If i can be of any further help please don't hesitate to ask  😎 

[Obsydian]

It sounds like you have Folded 😎 and given you mentioned the Fold camera is not a major obstacle, the Fold6 would be a BIG step up from a Fold3.

I started with a Fold3, and upgraded to the Fold4 (as the outer screen was a tiny bit bigger), but found the Fold5 and Fold6 don't offer the camera I want for a top-end phone, but both small but worthwhile iterative improvements you will surely notice over the Fold3.

That said at the moment i am considering ditching my Fold4 for the S24 Ultra, but ideally i would like to retain the Fold4 as a mini tablet.

[Artindoril]

Thanks. Just confirmed my thoughts. I had a similar decision due to the issues with the fold 4. Have a fold 6 turning up tomorrow, as wasn't sure I could go back to a slab.

Having heard it's hard, good to know I made the right choice.

[Paulzx]

There is another thing to consider with the fold. The hinges are developing problems. This is problematic under the warranty situation because samsung do not offer extended warranty for flip phones..which means out of warranty, you're facing a hefty bill to repair the hinge. It's not right, we're basically field testing these folding devices at full price. I loved my fold 4 but I'm selling it after a warranty repair because it's probably going to develop the same fault again. These devices are not robust enough to go on sale to the public

[FrozenFrog]

I have Samsung Z FOLD2 which cost 2 laptops £1200. What surprised me was that there are no more updates for this device. I have the Samsung Fold4, and it will be on its deathbed soon. You know one thing, the best way is to buy cheap mobile phones that do a lot of things and this Samsung company forgets that consumers are in charge. And when consumers became unhappy, they turned to other brands, of which there are many out there. Samsung takes care because those who buy expensive devices may be punished or turn to other mobile brands in the market, which is abundant.

[Dmanfish]

Hello NikeeshaCan you send me info on where you found a New Galaxy Fold 6 for less than $800. Thank you. Brian -

Dmanfish@Comcast.net 

Richmond, Virginia, USA