Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Comprehensive Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represent two pinnacle offerings from Samsung, each catering to distinct user needs. The Z Fold 6, launched in July 2024, is a foldable flagship that doubles as a phone and a tablet, while the S25 Ultra, released in February 2025, is a traditional slab-style smartphone with top-tier performance and camera capabilities. This article provides a detailed comparison of the two devices across design, display, performance, cameras, battery, software, and price, concluding with an analysis of which phone is better suited for different users.
1. Design and Build Quality
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Design: A foldable device with a 6.3-inch cover screen (22:9 aspect ratio) and a 7.6-inch inner screen when unfolded. It measures 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm (closed) and 153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm (open), weighing 239g.
- Materials: Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the cover screen and back. The inner flexible display is less durable, requiring careful handling.
- Durability: IP48 rating (water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes, limited dust protection against particles >1mm). The hinge is robust but susceptible to dust damage.
- Features: Supports an S Pen (sold separately with a case, adding bulk). Available in Pink, Navy, Silver Shadow, Black, and White (some exclusive to Samsung.com).
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Design: A traditional slab phone with rounded corners and flat sides, measuring 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighing 218g. It’s slimmer and easier to hold one-handed.
- Materials: Titanium frame with Gorilla Glass Armor 2 (front and back), offering superior scratch resistance and an anti-reflective coating.
- Durability: IP68 rating (dust-tight and water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes), making it more rugged than the Z Fold 6.
- Features: Built-in S Pen (no Bluetooth, unlike previous Ultras), enhancing productivity without additional accessories. Available in Titanium Black, Gray, Blue, Silver, White, Green, and Pink (some exclusive to Samsung.com).
Comparison: The Z Fold 6’s foldable design is innovative, offering versatility for multitasking and media consumption, but its heavier weight and thicker profile (when closed) make it less pocket-friendly. The S25 Ultra’s sleeker, lighter design is more ergonomic for one-handed use, and its titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor 2 provide better durability. The Z Fold 6’s IP48 rating is less protective against dust, a concern for its hinge, while the S25 Ultra’s IP68 rating is superior. The S25 Ultra’s built-in S Pen gives it an edge for productivity without extra purchases, unlike the Z Fold 6’s optional S Pen.
Winner: S25 Ultra for its durable, ergonomic design and built-in S Pen.
2. Display
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Cover Screen: 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2376 x 968 resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 410 PPI, 2600 nits peak brightness.
- Main Screen: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex, 2160 x 1856 resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 374 PPI, 2600 nits peak brightness, 20.9:18 aspect ratio.
- Features: Minimized crease compared to the Z Fold 5, excellent for multitasking (e.g., running three apps simultaneously). However, the inner screen’s plastic-like coating is less durable, and the crease is still noticeable.
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Screen: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ Edge, 3120 x 1440 resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 505 PPI, 2600 nits peak brightness.
- Features: Gorilla Glass Armor 2 with anti-reflective coating ensures excellent visibility in sunlight. Higher resolution and pixel density provide sharper visuals. Slightly less durable in torture tests compared to the S24 Ultra, per YouTuber JerryRigEverything.
Comparison: The Z Fold 6 offers two screens: a narrow cover display for quick tasks and a 7.6-inch inner display ideal for multitasking, gaming, and media. Its 2600-nit brightness and 120Hz refresh rate match the S25 Ultra, but the inner screen’s lower resolution (374 PPI) and visible crease detract from the experience. The S25 Ultra’s single 6.9-inch display is sharper (505 PPI) and more durable, with better color accuracy and no crease. The anti-reflective coating enhances outdoor usability. However, the Z Fold 6’s larger inner screen is a unique advantage for productivity and immersive viewing, though media apps like YouTube don’t always utilize the full screen due to black bars.
Winner: Z Fold 6 for its versatile dual-screen setup, but the S25 Ultra excels in display quality and durability.
3. Performance
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm), slightly overclocked, with an 8-core CPU and Adreno 750 GPU.
- RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage (UFS 4.0, non-expandable).
- Benchmarks: AnTuTu score of 1,772,746, suitable for gaming and multitasking, but lags behind newer chips.
- Features: Optimized for foldable multitasking, supporting split-screen and pop-up apps.
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm), with a 30% faster CPU, 40% faster NPU, and 37% faster GPU than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage (UFS 4.0, non-expandable).
- Benchmarks: AnTuTu score of 2,209,231, offering superior performance for demanding games and AI tasks. � wskazuje na web:11⁊
- Features: Enhanced Galaxy AI features, including real-time translations and photo editing, leveraging the powerful NPU.
Comparison: The S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite outperforms the Z Fold 6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, delivering faster processing, better graphics, and improved AI capabilities. Both phones have 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking, but the S25 Ultra handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing or high-end gaming with less heat and better efficiency. The Z Fold 6’s performance is still excellent, especially for multitasking on its large screen, but it falls behind in raw power.
Winner: S25 Ultra for its superior chipset and performance.
4. Cameras
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Rear Cameras: Triple setup: 50MP wide (f/1.8, OIS), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 123°), 10MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom).
- Front Cameras: 4MP under-display (inner screen, f/1.8), 10MP cover screen selfie (f/2.2).
- Features: 8K video recording, Night mode, but lacks a 5x periscope lens, limiting zoom capabilities. The under-display camera produces softer images.
- Performance: Decent for casual photography, but struggles with low-light shots and zoom compared to Ultra models. Camera score: 142 (PhoneArena).
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Rear Cameras: Quad setup: 200MP wide (f/1.7, OIS), 50MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120°), 10MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom), 50MP periscope telephoto (f/3.4, 5x optical zoom).
- Front Camera: 12MP (f/2.2, autofocus).
- Features: 8K video with enhanced stabilization, Space Zoom up to 100x, improved Night mode, and Galaxy AI photo editing (e.g., object removal). Camera score: 158 (PhoneArena).
- Performance: Exceptional for photography, with sharper details, better low-light performance, and versatile zoom.
Comparison: The S25 Ultra’s camera system is significantly superior, with a 200MP main sensor, 50MP ultrawide, and 5x periscope telephoto, offering better detail, dynamic range, and zoom capabilities. The Z Fold 6’s 50MP main sensor is capable, but its 12MP ultrawide and lack of a 5x zoom lens limit versatility. The Z Fold 6’s under-display selfie camera is a compromise, producing lower-quality images compared to the S25 Ultra’s 12MP front camera. For photography enthusiasts, especially for night sky or telescopic shots, the S25 Ultra is the clear choice, as noted in Reddit discussions.
Winner: S25 Ultra for its advanced camera system.
5. Battery and Charging
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Battery: 4400mAh dual battery, with 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
- Endurance: 5h 33min (PhoneArena battery test), 12h 42min browsing, 7h 1min video, 10h 30min gaming. Shorter battery life due to the large inner display.
- Charging: Full charge in ~1.5 hours, but slower than competitors.
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Battery: 5000mAh, with 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
- Endurance: 8h 0min (PhoneArena battery test), 20h 49min browsing, 8h 54min video, 14h 21min gaming. Lasts longer due to efficiency and larger capacity.
- Charging: Full charge in ~1 hour, significantly faster than the Z Fold 6.
Comparison: The S25 Ultra’s 5000mAh battery outperforms the Z Fold 6’s 4400mAh, offering longer endurance across browsing, video, and gaming. The S25 Ultra’s 45W charging is nearly twice as fast as the Z Fold 6’s 25W, reducing downtime. Both support wireless charging, but the Z Fold 6’s larger inner screen drains the battery faster, especially during multitasking or gaming. The S25 Ultra’s battery life is better suited for heavy users, with a PCMark battery life of 13h 51m compared to the Z Fold 6’s 12h 21m.
Winner: S25 Ultra for its larger battery and faster charging.
6. Software and Features
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1 at launch, upgradable to One UI 7 (expected April 2025). Offers 7 years of OS and security updates (until 2031).
- Features: Optimized for foldables with enhanced multitasking (split-screen, pop-up windows), Flex Mode for hands-free use, and Galaxy AI features like real-time translations and photo editing. The narrow cover screen can be limiting for typing.
- S Pen: Optional, requiring a separate case, which adds bulk.
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- OS: Android 15 with One UI 7 at launch, offering 7 years of OS and security updates (until 2032). One UI 7 introduces a cleaner interface and advanced AI features.
- Features: Galaxy AI enhancements, including Circle to Search, hands-free Live Interpreter, and AI photo edits. The built-in S Pen supports note-taking and sketching without additional accessories. Anti-reflective coating improves usability.
- S Pen: Integrated, seamless for productivity.
Comparison: Both phones offer Galaxy AI and long-term software support, but the S25 Ultra’s One UI 7 is newer and smoother, leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s NPU for faster AI processing. The Z Fold 6’s multitasking features are unmatched due to its foldable design, making it ideal for productivity tasks like editing documents or running multiple apps. However, its narrow cover screen hampers typing, and the optional S Pen is less convenient than the S25 Ultra’s built-in stylus. The S25 Ultra’s software experience is more polished for traditional smartphone use.
Winner: Z Fold 6 for multitasking, but S25 Ultra for overall software polish and S Pen integration.
7. Price and Availability
Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Price (Global): Starts at $1,899 (Ksh 245,000) for 12GB/256GB, $2,019 (Ksh 260,000) for 512GB, and $2,259 (~Ksh 292,000) for 1TB. In Kenya, prices range from Ksh 128,848–161,999 due to local discounts and trade-ins.
- Availability: Available at Samsung.com, Amazon, Jumia Kenya, and retailers like Phone Place Kenya. Trade-in offers can reduce costs by up to $1,000.
- Kenya Retail:
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Price (Global): Starts at $1,300 (Ksh 168,000) for 12GB/256GB, $1,420 (Ksh 183,000) for 512GB, and $1,660 (~Ksh 214,000) for 1TB. In Kenya, prices range from Ksh 129,999–141,999.
- Availability: Available at Samsung.com, Amazon, Jumia Kenya, and retailers like Phones Store Kenya. Trade-in offers can save up to $900.
- Kenya Retail:
Comparison: The Z Fold 6 is significantly more expensive, starting at Ksh 128,848 in Kenya, reflecting its foldable technology. The S25 Ultra, starting at Ksh 129,999, offers better value for its performance and features. Both phones are widely available, with trade-in programs reducing costs, but the Z Fold 6’s higher price may deter budget-conscious buyers. The S25 Ultra’s lower entry price makes it more accessible, especially for those who don’t need a foldable screen.
Winner: S25 Ultra for better value.
Conclusion: Which Is the Better Phone?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6:
- Strengths: The foldable design with a 7.6-inch inner screen is unmatched for multitasking, productivity, and immersive media consumption. It’s ideal for users who value a tablet-like experience in a pocketable device, such as professionals editing documents or gamers using emulators. The dual-screen setup and Flex Mode offer unique versatility, and its performance is sufficient for most tasks.
- Weaknesses: Higher price (Ksh 128,848–161,999), inferior camera system, shorter battery life, and less durable IP48 rating. The narrow cover screen and optional S Pen add inconvenience, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is outclassed by newer chips.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Strengths: Superior performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a top-tier 200MP quad-camera system, longer battery life, faster 45W charging, and a more durable IP68-rated titanium build. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display is sharper, and the built-in S Pen enhances productivity. Priced lower (Ksh 129,999–141,999), it offers better value and runs the newer One UI 7.
- Weaknesses: Lacks the foldable versatility of the Z Fold 6, making it less suited for multitasking or tablet-like tasks. Its design is iterative, with minimal changes from the S24 Ultra, which may disappoint users seeking innovation.
Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better phone for most users. It excels in performance, camera quality, battery life, durability, and value, making it a versatile flagship for photography enthusiasts, gamers, and everyday users. Its built-in S Pen and IP68 rating add practicality, and the lower price (starting at Ksh 129,999) is a significant advantage. The Z Fold 6 is a niche device, best suited for tech enthusiasts or professionals who prioritize its foldable display for multitasking or productivity tasks like note-taking or video conferencing. However, its higher cost, weaker cameras, and shorter battery life make it less appealing for the average consumer. If you don’t need the foldable form factor, the S25 Ultra is the clear winner.
Recommendation:
- Choose the S25 Ultra if you want a powerful, durable smartphone with exceptional cameras, long battery life, and a lower price. It’s ideal for most users, including those who value photography, gaming, or traditional smartphone use.
- Choose the Z Fold 6 if you need a foldable device for multitasking, productivity, or a tablet-like experience, and are willing to pay a premium (Ksh 128,848+) while accepting compromises in cameras and battery life.
For a genuine purchase in Kenya, visit:
- Galaxy Z Fold 6: Jumia Kenya, Phone Place Kenya
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Jumia Kenya, Phones Store Kenya
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