I have had a number of Z Fold phones over the years, and with every new phone comes improvements.
But having recently been lucky enough to be loaned a Z Fold 6 for a few months by the Samsung Members Community team.
I wasn't expecting to notice much going from the Z Fold 5 to the Z Fold 6.
Yes there are the obvious differences. But going back to the Z Fold 5 after a few months made the differences more obvious.
Think the photo shows the one thing I noticed immediately.
The crease in the middle of the Z Fold 5 screen is much more noticeable.
Now I know the Z Fold 5 has had over a year of use, which might have made the crease more pronounced over time. What the Z Fold 6 will be like long term I'm not sure.
Really to be honest you get used to it quite quickly. But the Z Fold 6 is definitely much flatter.
Speaking of flatter.
The frame on the Z Fold 6 is squared and doesn't have the rounded sides that the Z Fold 5 has.
I have to be honest and say I prefer the Z Fold 5.
I prefer the look of the Z Fold 6. But my chubby big fingers and no nails did find it more awkward to open the Z Fold 6.
Wasn't something that bothered me too much as putting a case on the phone helps.
Just more of an observation really.
Speaking of opening the phone.
Could be the Z Fold 6 is newer, but I don't remember the Z Fold 5 being as stiff to open.
I know sometimes resistance is needed to use flex mode. But I did find the phone over difficult to open easily.
Something that could ease over long term use I guess.
But thr Z Fold 5 is just right really.
Now on to the looks of the phones.
Although fairly similar, the Z Fold 6 has a more modern look. But the Z Fold 5 is that much more restrained and not so bold looking in a way.
It's subjective and for me I slightly prefer the look of the Z Fold 5.
But I like the titanium colour of the Z Fold 6.
As I say it's personal preference.
But the Z Fold 6 is better in the respective that the screens are more squared. Definitely helps giving it a larger look.
The front screen especially makes things better for using.
I did find I used the front screen quite a lot during my use of the Z Fold 6.
More than I use the Z Fold 5.
Though typing long messages I used the inner screen. I still found it a bit too narrow for my hands.
But I can see someone with smaller hands getting on much better with the screen.
The inner screen was less noticeable in all honesty.
Was more aestheticly pleasing to the eye really.
The advantage of the squared off frame is holding the phone. For me it made it easier to hold the phone with one hand.
Another thing I noticed was the weight of the Z Fold 5.
On paper it looks like only a tiny amount of weight.
But going from the Z Fold 6 to the Z Fold 5. You notice straight away the extra weight and thickness of the Z Fold 5.
Really didn't expect to notice that so much.
You definitely notice the weight in the pocket of the Z Fold 5 over the Z Fold 6.
The Titanium frame definitely makes a difference and will be more durable long term.
I'm not crazy about the slot for the speakers over the Z Fold 5. It looks better, but I found I had to clean out the slots occasionally.
In conclusion. On paper the Z Fold 6 is a minor upgrade.
But on paper the specs don't tell the whole story.
Actually using the phone you realise all those small changes add up to a definite improvement overall.
I would have to say that it's a decent upgrade.
Other aspects like the cameras I have posted about in other posts here.
But purely on design, it's a definite difference and I shall miss the Z Fold 6 now I've had to send it back.
But its thanks to the Samsung Members Community team like @SocietyGirl and @Lucy C for the opportunity to be given the chance.
