The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 got more right than you think — even a year later

I’ve been critical of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. The company didn’t do enough to challenge the Motorola Razr in 2024, and the Moto spent much more time in my pocket throughout the year. However, that doesn’t mean the Z Flip 6 was a bad phone — far from it. Samsung got plenty of things right, and if you’re a fan of the company, it was the best folding phone option last year.

With Galaxy Unpacked right around the corner and rumors of an improved Galaxy Z Flip 7, it’s an excellent time to look back at last year’s model to see what Samsung did well and where it can improve. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 provided a solid framework for a winning clamshell foldable. Here are the areas where Samsung is already ahead of Motorola and what the company needs to do to beat the Razr in 2025.

Read our review

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 is great but it's no longer the slam dunk foldable choice

The best one yet, but is that good enough?

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Durable design and compact form factor

Samsung makes a solid smartphone

I may prefer the styling of the Motorola Razr models, but the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a solid smartphone. Samsung did an excellent job improving the hinge on last year’s model, and I’ve yet to experience any issues with mine. By their nature, folding phones are inherently more fragile than traditional flagships. Still, I have more confidence than ever before in carrying a flip phone in my pocket without worrying about its durability. I’d like to see higher IP ratings in the future, but I know that will come with time. For now, IP48 at least provides some peace of mind against larger debris particles.

However, as much as I praise Samsung for keeping up with the times and expanding the outer display, we need to discuss Good Lock.

Clamshell foldables are more portable, and I enjoy that Samsung kept the Galaxy Z Flip 6 compact. The Motorola Razr Ultra is taller and wider than the Z Flip 6, and I’ve always found the Samsung foldable easier to use one-handed. I’m sure Samsung will improve the hinge again for 2025, but I hope the company takes styling seriously.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 feels industrial, and while that may appeal to many, it’s essential to consider that non-enthusiasts also buy clamshell folding phones, and a device that looks good plays a significant role in the buying decision. I’ve seen rumors that the company’s gorgeous Coral color is coming to the Z Flip 7 — a few saturated hues wouldn’t hurt.

Extended software support matters

Samsung does it better

Samsung is undeniably ahead of Motorola in terms of software support for its folding phones. Seven years of One UI upgrades and security patches go a long way to creating value in a device. I’ve made my peace with Motorola’s lackluster software support, but that doesn’t make it right.

Even if you don’t keep your device for seven years, the added support helps your phone hold value longer, meaning you’ll recover more money when it's time to sell. It also means Samsung has to make an effort to optimize new features for older hardware. There’s no downside to seven years of support, and I’m glad to see Samsung keep that promise on new phones.

One UI 7 isn’t for everyone, but it is an excellent upgrade. Samsung’s software desperately needed a refresh, and One UI 7 looks fantastic and runs smoothly. It’s a heavier skin of Android than most, but you pick up plenty of Samsung extras and Galaxy AI. AI isn’t a selling point of any current device, but I’ve warmed to Samsung’s Now Bar, and I’m curious to see what external screen optimizations Samsung adds to the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

The outer screen experience isn’t bad

Thankfully, Samsung is going bigger in 2025

The external screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 lags behind that of the Motorola Razr Ultra in terms of size and functionality. I can customize my Razr within moments, using all of my favorite apps on the outer panel without a complicated setup. Still, the Z Flip 6 panel is pleasant, and I treat it more like I would a smartwatch or widget monitor. I can scroll through information at a glance, and while it's a bit cramped, typing short responses in WhatsApp is fine. I’m glad Samsung is going with a 4-inch outer display on the Z Flip 7. It’ll make scrolling through apps easier, and give my thumbs some much-needed breathing room.

However, as much as I praise Samsung for keeping up with the times and expanding the outer display, we need to discuss Good Lock. It’s a powerful piece of software, and it’s essential for those who love to customize their devices. Still, I shouldn’t need to use Good Lock just to get more apps on the outer display of my Z Flip 7. I know Samsung doesn’t want to risk incompatibilities, and you will run into a few.

Not every app plays nice on the outer screen of my Motorola Razr Ultra, but the trade-off is worth it. There has to be a middle ground between the walled garden curated by Good Lock and the free-for-all that is the Razr outer display.

Samsung can get the job done

Although I still prefer the Razr over the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung isn’t far behind. We’ve seen the company release stylish phones before, and it's certainly capable of hardware innovation. Samsung’s software and support already surpass what Moto offers, and if it improves in a few other areas, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be a winner. I don’t dislike the Galaxy Z Flip series, I just wish Samsung had a better understanding of why people buy clamshell foldables.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

$950 $1100 Save $150
7.5 / 10
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM
12GB
Storage
256GB or 512GB

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is Samsung's most evolved take yet on the flip-style foldable form factor. Its 3.4-inch AMOLED cover screen supports Galaxy AI features without opening the device, along with upgraded widgets and suggested replies, but its gorgeous 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED folding display will still have you flipping the phone open quite a bit.

$1100 at Amazon $950 at Best Buy $1000 at Samsung
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