Are Samsung’s latest folding smartphones just a repeat of the previous models? Well, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 does have some interesting camera upgrades when compared to the Z Flip 5. But how much do these upgrades actually enhance the quality of the photos taken with the phone?
We decided to put the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to the test in a camera comparison against the Z Flip 5 to see if it truly lives up to being a worthy successor.
Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 5 camera specs
We first need to understand what has changed with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 this year. The Z Flip 6 now features cameras that match the Galaxy S24 Plus, including a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12MP wide-angle camera — a significant upgrade from the dual 12MP cameras on the Z Flip 5. Additionally, there’s optical image stabilization and an “optical quality” 2x zoom. The front cameras remain the same with 10MP, fixed focus, and an f/2.2 aperture.
Aside from camera hardware, there are other improvements that could make a difference. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Samsung’s ProVisual Engine to optimize photos. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Both phones support various Galaxy AI modes for the camera, but we won’t delve into those in this comparison.
Both phones feature FlexCam mode with the Cover screen for hands-free selfies and support gesture control. Though the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 5 have identical cover screens in terms of resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, the differences in photo quality are likely due to the main camera sensors.
All photos were taken over several days in auto mode, examined on a monitor, and resized for online viewing.
Main camera
The main camera on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 may not drastically differ from the one on the Z Flip 5, but there are noticeable improvements in the photos. While both cameras produce similar images in many conditions, closer inspection reveals enhancements made by Samsung in the Z Flip 6.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 comes out on top
In our camera comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 outshines the Z Flip 5, winning in the main camera and 2x zoom categories while tying in the rest. Even in categories where it didn’t win, there were noticeable improvements, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to enhancing the camera quality. The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s noise reduction feature stands out in most scenarios, adding to its overall appeal. While it may not warrant an immediate upgrade, especially with the higher price tag, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 proves to be a step up from its predecessor.
