IS IT POSSIBLE that design trends are cyclical? Twenty years ago, high-top sneakers, cargo pants, bomber jackets and flip phones were all the rage. Then they disappeared off the face of the earth for a little while, but now, Y2K fashion is the biggest styling trend of 2024, and to top it all off, flip phones are having their own resurgence.
In most cases, the Y2K renaissance can be put down to nostalgia – the kids of the early 2000s are all grown up now. The clothes haven’t been revamped and there’s nothing overly innovative to speak of, but with foldable devices, the opposite is true.
In the 20 years or so since they were replaced by monolithic and increasingly not-pocket-sized smartphones, flip phones – or more accurately, a brand that makes them – have been patiently biding their time, honing their product and preparing to not just compete with the standard, non-folding smartphone, but in many ways surpass it.
Samsung has introduced its latest innovations, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, and as their names suggest, they fold and flip. Samsung has been working on foldable mobile technology for 13 years and continue to lead the market in 2024 with the introduction of Galaxy AI[1] to the segment. This is not a step back in time. Rather, these devices mark a significant leap forward in technology, integrating advanced artificial intelligence capabilities with the versatile and nostalgic form factor of foldables.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are the slimmest and lightest in the latest Galaxy Z series, boasting a perfectly symmetrical design with straight edges and a sleek finish. But can a foldable screen really hold up, you ask?
Under the hood, both models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile processor, the most advanced Snapdragon model on Samsung Z Series devices to date. AI is at the centre of both the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 with Galaxy AI finding a new home in this frame, which is why the processing chip is optimised for AI processing.
As a result, the phones can offer enhanced graphics when compared to its predecessors, improved overall performance and can boost everything from productivity and creativity to wellness – in other words, foldable phones aren’t just a gimmick, they’re cutting-edge tech in an eminently portable frame. Let’s get into their individual specs.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
The Z Fold6 – which can be distinguished by its ability to be folded horizontally or vertically depending on the direction it’s facing – is the larger of the two models. It measures 135.5 x 132.6 x 5.6mm when open and 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1mm when closed. That large screen is built to maximise productivity, but it’s the device’s AI-powered features that really set it apart.
Thanks to its use of Galaxy AI, the Z Fold6 introduces a number of features to make everyday life that little bit easier. For starters, Samsung Notes now includes Note Assist[2], which offers translation, summaries, and auto-formatting for meeting notes.
Embedded transcript capabilities also allow for transcription, translation, and summarising of voice recordings directly in Notes – editorial note: this is a writer’s dream, but we’re certain it’s just as useful in other professions. Elsewhere, the Composer[3] on Samsung Keyboard feature can generate text based on simple keywords, which means it’ll write your emails and social media captions for you.
Samsung is also using AI to level-up existing features, like the S Pen[4] experience. Now, users can draw on the foldable display and instantaneously create AI-generated images. The Circle to Search[5] feature also allows users to highlight or tap on-screen content to get instant search results.
We’re not done yet. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to speak every language on the planet? Well, thanks to the Z Fold6’s barrier-free communication capabilities, you no longer have to imagine it, because you can practically do it. The Live Translate[6] and Interpreter[7] features allow for real-time translation during phone calls.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
The Galaxy Z Flip6 is the latest catalyst in the return of the flip phone. It measures at 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm when open and a portable-friendly 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm closed. In case you couldn’t tell, that’s really small when closed. But that doesn’t mean it loses any function. Users can still use the Z Flip6 to reply to texts, check notifications, control music and check Samsung’s health app without having to completely open the device, thanks to the Super AMOLED FlexWindow – a considerable improvement from those Y2K flip phones, which were difficult to operate even when they were open.
Customisation is key with the Galaxy Z Flip6. The AI-powered Photo Ambient[8] feature can change wallpapers based on the time and weather – just like a mood ring! – and the Z Flip6 can even suggest screen layouts based on your chosen wallpaper.
As for the Flip6’s camera, FlexCam offers hands-free, versatile camera experiences, with AI-powered Auto Zoom[9] automatically finding the best framing for shots. The new 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors also provide super clear photos, while Nightography enhances low-light video capturing so you can capture any moment, at any time.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are available for pre-order now, with general availability soon to come on July 31st. Both models are available in silver shadow, with the Z Fold6 adding pink and Navy to its range, and the Z Flip6 adding yellow, blue and mint.
These foldables may lean on yesteryear for design inspiration, but don’t think for a second that it means Samsung is stuck in the past. If anything, the foldables are evidence of how Y2K charm can mesh with cutting-edge innovation, enhancing productivity and creativity, and proving that not everything is best left in the past.
[1] Certain Galaxy AI Features requires internet connection, Samsung and Google Account. AI Features will be provided free of charge until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.
[2] Requires network connection. Feature may not function on all pasted or written content.
[3] Composer feature for Chat Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. This feature is activated when a certain number of characters is met. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
[4] S Pen sold separately.
[5] Requires internet connection. May not work on all visual elements.
[6] Select languages only, requires network connection and language package download.
[7] Requires Samsung Account and language pack. Translation might not be accurate.
[8] Requires internet connection. Mobile data fees may apply.
[9] AI Zoom is applied to distances between digital zoom lengths. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
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