Galaxy AI-packed model
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 shares many specifications with the older model, but it has a better and smaller design, a better camera, and a vapor chamber to keep it cooler for longer. The latest model has 12GB of RAM and a 4,000mAh battery.
For
- Dust resistance
- New vapor chamber
- Better battery
- Improved cameras
- More RAM
Against
- No charger in the box
- Crease is still visible
- No card slot
- No DeX support
The older Flip
It may not have all the new features of the newer model, but it has most of the cool ones, including Galaxy AI (once you update it). You also get the same storage options of 256GB and 512GB and matching 6.7-inch primary and 3.4-inch cover displays. It runs Android 13 out of the box, but you can upgrade to Android 14 immediately.
For
- Same display size and resolution
- Great cover screen widgets
- Water resistance
Against
- No vapor chamber
- Inferior cameras
- No dust resistance
- No DeX support
- Cover screen takes some setting up
With the latest Galaxy Z Flip phone launch, a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5 showdown is inevitable. Comparing the specifications of the two flip phones can help you decide if the upgrades on the newer model are worth it. There are a few changes, but the two models' various specifications remain the same.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a huge camera upgrade that you'll love if you love taking pictures. In addition, you also get lots of helpful and fun Galaxy AI features. However, that doesn't mean the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a total loss.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5: Design
When pitting the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5, you can see that both phones have the traditional Galaxy Flip phone design with the camera and side buttons in the same area. They both share Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and weigh 187g. However, how different are they in terms of design?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a square design, giving it a more portable look. It measures 71.9 x 85.1 x 14.9mm when closed and 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm when open. It has enhanced Armor Aluminum and an improved IP48 rating, making it waterproof for up to 1.5 meters and 30 minutes. You can also keep your flip phone safe by not spilling liquids such as sugary drinks and cleaning liquids. However, it is not entirely dustproof. A rating of four protects against objects 1mm in size and greater.
The latest Z Flip 6 comes in splashy colors, and the frame reflects your chosen color. The colors cover the hinge, the back panel, and the rings around the camera. You can choose from options like Blue, Mint, Crafted Black, Yellow, Silver Shadow, Peach, and White. The back of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a matte finish for a less shiny look, making it 10% more scratch-resistant. It also has stronger edges and hinges, making it 10% tougher.
However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 measures 71.9 x 85.1 x 15.1mm when closed and 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm when open. The older model also has Armor Aluminum, but the newer flip phone is stronger. You won't find high dust protection on this model, but you get the same IPX8 rating to protect it from water. Like the newer model, it's waterproof for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, so you're fine if you drop it in the bathtub.
The X doesn't necessarily mean the phone is not dust-resistant but indicates that Samsung didn't test it. The Galaxy Flip 5's frame is less colorful, but you can get it in different colors, such as Mint, Graphite, Lavender, and Cream. Unlike the newer model, it has a shiny finish.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5: Display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5 comparison reveals that both models' display specifications remain the same. They both sport a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display and a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover display with a 2640 x 1080 (FHD+) resolution. The two Samsung phones also share a 120Hz refresh rate on their primary displays and a 60Hz refresh rate on the cover display.
There is a difference in the main display's peak brightness and screen refresh rate, though. The Galaxy Z Flip 6's main display peaks at 2,600 nits (matching the Galaxy Fold 6). Samsung made the display of a better Foldable Thin Glass (FTG) designed to reduce the visibility of the crease.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5's display has a more visible crease and is less bright, with a 1,750-nit peak brightness level. Samsung used Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) instead of the newer model's better FTG.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5: Hardware
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5 analysis reveals that some things remain the same in terms of hardware, such as the storage options being 256GB and 512GB, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, a 10MP selfie camera, and a 12MP ultrawide camera (both cameras with OIS).
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 surpasses its predecessor with a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, similar to the one found on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It also has 12GB RAM, an improved 4,000mAh battery, and a 50MP (f/1.8) primary camera.
The new vapor chamber reduces your worries about the phone overheating, something you won't find on the older model. The Android phone also has a 41% faster MPU handling all the AI stuff, 25% faster graphics, and a 14% faster processor.
The older Galaxy Z Flip 5 model has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 like the one on the Galaxy S23, a 12MP primary (f/1.8) camera, 8GB of RAM, and a smaller 3,700mAh battery. Neither phone has expandable storage, so it's best to go for a model with more storage than you might need.
| OS | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 14 w/ One UI 6.1 | Android 13 w/ One UI 5.1.1 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Full HD+ (2640 X 1080) adaptive 120Hz AMOLED | 6.7-inch Full HD+ (2640 X 1080) adaptive 120Hz AMOLED |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB (LPDDR5X) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| Cameras | 50MP primary camera f/1.8 w/ OIS, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera | 12MP primary camera f/1.8 w/ OIS, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera |
| Ingress protection | IP48 | IPX8 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
| Battery | 4,000mAh | 3,700mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired charging, 15W fast wireless charging 2.0, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | 25W wired charging, 10-15W fast wireless charging 2.0, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm (closed), 165 x 71.9 x 6.9mm (open) | 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1mm (closed), 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm (open) |
| Weight | 187g | 187g |
| Colors | Yellow, Silver Shadow, Mint, Blue, Crafted Black, Peach | Yellow, Green, Mint, Cream, Graphite, Grey, Lavender |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5: Software
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has Android 14 One UI 6.1 out of the box, and new Galaxy AI features such as Sketch to Image, Circle to Search, and Live Translate. You can also personalize the Flex Window with weather animations and generative wallpapers. You can also add Chat Assist, Edit Suggestions, Transcript Assist, Photo Assist, Drawing Assist, and Note Assist to the list of AI features you can use on the latest model. Like the Google Pixel 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a generous seven years of OS and security updates.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with Android 13 with One UI 5.1.1 out of the box but instantly updates to Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1. After the updates, you can enjoy Galaxy AI features such as Live Translate, Circle to Search, Interpreter, and Photo Assist without Wi-Fi for added security, just like the newer model. Unfortunately, the older mode only gives you four years of OS updates and five years of security updates.
Both Samsung Galaxy Z Flip models come with Samsung Knox Vault protection, which helps protect information against attacks that exploit security vulnerabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 5: Is it worth the upgrade?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is available now and has gone up $100 compared to the last-gen Flip 5. The Flip 6 starts at $1,100, but deals happen throughout the year so maybe you can find it during a special event!
The older Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available on Amazon for $798. Since there is no monumental difference between the two phones, you'll save some cash while getting various Galaxy AI features and decent specifications. Waiting sounds like a great idea if you only use your Galaxy Z Flip 5 phone for everyday tasks. Plus, waiting will save you some money. However, the vapor chamber for cooling and the seven-year update promise on the newer model are also very tempting.
Honestly, the menial battery upgrade, newer processor, and slightly better camera aren't worth the big bump in price. If you're looking for a proper upgrade that shows generational improvement, you'll be better off waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Seven years of OS updates
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a larger battery, seven years of OS and security updates, and a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, like the one found on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. You can also have fun with Galaxy AI features such as Circle to Search and Live Translate.
The older Galaxy Z Flip model
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 may not have the latest Snapdragon processor, but it doesn't fall too far behind with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the same 6.7-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED. After you update it, it also comes with Galaxy AI features such as Circle to Search and Live Translate.
