Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Release Date: When Can You Buy it?

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the most expensive foldable phones on the market right now, with a hike from the previous Galaxy model leaving the upgraded version costing a pretty pricey $2,749.

The latest flagship foldable from Samsung doesn't come with a huge number of significant changes, which may spark disappointment if you're hoping to make a revolutionary phone upgrade. However, it does offer a few design tweaks, performance improvements, and new Galaxy AI features that are sure to get folding phones fans excited.

Keep reading as we explore all of the important details on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as it launches in Australia, including key dates for the debut of this foldable smartphone, along with its main features.

When Was the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Released?

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 was revealed at Samsung's July 2024 Galaxy Unpacked, a biannual event that details the brand's upcoming launches.

Their flagship foldable phone was announced alongside the Z Flip 6, a device that's much smaller when closed and conveniently slides into your pocket or bag. Other announcements included the Buds3 series, the Galaxy Watch 7, and the new Galaxy Ring device for daily health and wellness tracking.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 officially became available for pre-order on July 11 and launched on July 31 in Australia, with the UK and US being able to access it a week earlier on July 24. This means that you can make the most of its new features right now, such as the stronger hinge design and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

Fold 6 Key Features: Galaxy AI, Cameras, Design, & More

From AI camera app features to an improved processor, here are some of the key features you'll experience by investing in the newly-released Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Design

It may look almost identical, but the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is slightly shorter and wider than the previous model. This reduces the cover screen size by 0.1 inches, which actually makes it much easier to use when shut. The device also has a lighter design, weighing just 239 grams to make it incredibly pocket-friendly

The upgraded dual-rail hinge has better shock-absorbing properties, which folds out at various angles to reveal a 7.6" main display and 6.3" cover screen. Combined with a stronger Armour Aluminium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass for the front and back, this makes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 significantly more durable than previous models in the series.

The frame and hinge are also wrapped in a new matte coating that makes the design much more sleek. Choose from pink, navy, and silver shadow colour options, or online exclusives including white and crafted black.

Processor and Battery Life

One particularly significant upgrade that comes with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the inclusion of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, an advanced central and graphic processor that enhances the gaming experience. It also has a 1.6x larger vapour chamber cooling system, which is designed to deliver a better performance for longer periods when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

While it may only have 400 mAh more power than the Fold 5, thanks to its improved processor, the Galaxy Fold 6 features an all-day battery life. However, the device does have a slightly slow charging speed of 35 watts, which drops even lower during wireless charging, although it can reach 50% power levels in approximately 30 minutes.

Camera System

Before its release, experts speculated that Samsung may be including the 200 MP main camera from the S24 Ultra in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 design. However, it features the same 50 MP main camera as the Fold 5, plus a 10x telephoto camera with a 3x zoom.

A new function is the 12 MP ultra-wide camera with a dedicated image signal processing unit, which is great at capturing HDR photos in low light.

The high-resolution camera system comes courtesy of Samsung's upgraded ProVisual Engine, a suite of AI-powered tools that balance colours and contrasts better, while also enhancing the zoomed-in region of your photos.

Galaxy AI Features

As Samsung's version of advanced artificial intelligence technology, Galaxy AI already works well on the S24 series.

While functions such as Generative Edit allow you to get creative with a photograph using artificial intelligence technology, they have been adapted for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to work across its foldable cover screen and main display.

Some of the main AI features you'll find on this year's model include:

• Circle to Search: Circle an image or block of text with your finger or S Pen and Galaxy AI will scan the internet for you, displaying search queries on the tablet-sized screen when folded out.
• Interpreter App: Listens to real-time conversations in-person or during calls and shows language translations on both screens.
• Sketch to Image: After folding out the screen and drawing a sketch, Samsung's Sketch to Image feature will transform it into a real image.
• Note Assist: Efficiently summarises any notes you make on the Samsung Notes app and transcribes recordings.
• Smart Select: This AI-powered image overlay and selection tool can be used to edit images across both screens.

Should You Buy the Newly Released Galaxy Z Fold 6?

Overall, it's clear that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is quite an investment compared with similar, yet cheaper models, such as the Google Pixel Fold. Despite its price tag, this high-end device certainly provides one of the best foldable phone experiences, particularly for newcomers yet to delve into the market.

Unsure whether the higher cost is worth the new performance and Galaxy AI features? We'd suggest waiting for the next addition to Samsung's folding phone range to see what upgrades they've got up their sleeves. 

However, if you're looking for a tablet-sized, yet slim and pocket-friendly phone, this foldable phone is one of the most advanced Android phones available on the market today.

If you do make the investment, you'll want to ensure you get your money's worth and prolong the lifespan of your phone as much as possible. That's why we'd always recommend purchasing a shockproof case from Ghostek to keep your device protected from dirt, debris, scratches, and accidental drops.

Discover a comprehensive collection of durable cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, featuring shock-absorbing technologies, military-grade drop-proofing, raised camera edges, and multi-layered designs for the ultimate protection.