. While fun and nostalgia have their place, sometimes practicality wins. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 may not be the most exciting flip phone on the market, but it excels in reliability and performance.

Samsung's latest clamshell foldable is a modest upgrade from last year's model, priced at $1,099. It features slightly brighter inner and outer screens, a larger battery, an improved main camera, and the latest Qualcomm chipset.

The Z Flip 6's cover screen has evolved from a small display to a 3.4-inch OLED, making it more functional. However, it still doesn't match the fun factor of the Motorola Razr Plus, which boasts a larger, higher-resolution screen that wraps around the camera lenses and flash.

Samsung's cover screen is more customizable than before, allowing users to add multiple smaller widgets to a single panel. This streamlined approach is more practical, even if it lacks the playful elements found in Motorola's design.

One of the standout features of the Z Flip 6 is its reliability. The Spotify controls on the cover screen work flawlessly, unlike the sometimes glitchy experience on the Razr Plus. However, Samsung's method for approving apps to run on the cover screen is more cumbersome, requiring additional downloads and setup.

Despite these minor inconveniences, the ability to run full apps on the outer screen is a significant advantage of folding phones. It allows for quick interactions without fully opening the device, making it perfect for short tasks like starting a bike ride on Strava or sending a quick text.

Performance-wise, the Z Flip 6 holds its own. The inner screen is bright and clear, and the crease is barely noticeable. Battery life is decent, lasting a full day of heavy use, though it may not match the longevity of some slab phones.

The Z Flip 6 is water-resistant with an IP48 rating, but dust protection is limited. The upgraded 50-megapixel main camera delivers quality images, though it lacks a telephoto lens. Samsung's image processing remains superior, especially for portrait photos.

Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a solid choice for those who value reliability and practicality over novelty. While it may not be the most fun flip phone, its consistent performance and excellent software support make it a dependable option.