Samsung Unpacked just opened the doors to a slew of new and exciting tech, including two new wearable devices. The event also showcased the latest flagship foldable Samsung smartphones, like the Samsung Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Meant to work like an old-school flip phone with a modern AI-powered twist, the new Z Flip 6 isn’t your dad’s old Motorola Razr — heck, even the Razr isn’t your parents’ old flip phone.

Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked July 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Smart Ring, more

If you want to dive back into the flip phone universe or upgrade from an older device, you may consider both the Z Flip 6 and the previous generation, the Z Flip 5. Since Samsung is giving us a largely iterative update, you may not need the latest device and could probably afford to save some cash and go for the Z Flip 5, but both models have their advantages. Let’s explore how they square up.

Specifications

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 if…

1. You want a better camera

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 may be an iterative upgrade, but the camera takes a big leap forward from the previous model’s 12MP main camera to a 50MP one. The new 50MP wide-angle camera supports 2x optical zoom and AI-powered zoom with up to 10x. 

The FlexCam is also getting an update with new creative features like Auto Zoom, which automatically adjusts the image framing by detecting the subject and zooming in and out to find the best framing option. 

2. You want to dive into more AI features

Galaxy AI is fully integrated into the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, with new features coming to the FlexWindow and an AI-forward Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. 

While the 3.4-inch FlexWindow offers new widgets and notification options, it also gives users access to new Galaxy AI features without opening the Z Flip 6. Users can quickly reply to texts with suggested replies, which use AI to analyze the context of the text conversation and give accurate suggestions. 

Also: The best foldable phones (and how they compare)

The Flip 6 also features an AI-powered wallpaper option that changes in real-time. The Photo Ambient feature changes the wallpaper depending on the time and weather and can even analyze your wallpaper to suggest where to place the clock and change the frame color.

3. You’re a bit clumsy

If you’re looking to get a new flip phone and are choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Flip 5, there’s one less obvious feature you should consider, especially if you’re a bit clumsy, like I am. 

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 are the first foldable phones to get a formal dustproofing score. Though most flagship devices boast an IP68 rating for water resistance and dustproofing, older Samsung foldables have an IPX8 rating. The Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 now have an IP48 rating, which means they can resist dust particles larger than 1mm in size.

This may not sound like a big deal, but other foldables on the market, including the latest Motorola Razr Plus (2024), OnePlus Open, Google Pixel Fold, and previous Samsung foldables have an IPX8 rating or lower. IPX8 indicates that devices can resist continuous water immersion of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. 

Foldable smartphones aren’t as dust-tight and water-resistant as flagship Samsung S24 devices or iPhones because they’ve got more hinges and small crevices that can hold particles. 

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 if…

1. You want to wait for a bigger upgrade

Samsung has only made a few upgrades to its flip phone this time after making some big advancements to performance and the hinge with the Flip 4 and Flip 5.  

The Z Flip 5’s Flex Hinge gave the device the more solid feel of a smartphone unit rather than a device split in two halves, one of the biggest problems with foldables. The hinge also made the device thinner when folded and it was a quieter mechanism than in previous versions. 

Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Three features I love

Waiting for a bigger upgrade also means you could get the Galaxy Z Flip 5 for a discounted price. It’s already $100 cheaper than the Z Flip 6, starting at $1000 at its full price, but the launch of a new model is sure to drive that cost down, though you can already get up to $500 in trade-in credit.

2. You want a specific (discontinued) color

Though Samsung is releasing the Z Flip 6 in six colors, including new Peach and White options, it’s also discontinuing the Lavender and Green colors we saw with the Z Flip 5. While color isn’t a big deal to many smartphone users, it can be more important for foldable fans, who mostly see the device’s exterior when the phone is closed.

If you’re not excited about the new colors and prefer the Lavender or Green options, it’s probably best to stick with the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Alternatives to consider

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