Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 with Advanced Galaxy AI and Google Gemini

At its Unpacked 2024 event, Samsung introduced the latest iterations of its foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Both models are slimmer and lighter than their predecessors, with the Fold 6 featuring an eagerly anticipated update to its front display aspect ratio. The new devices come with higher starting prices: $1,900 for the Fold and $1,100 for the Flip, each seeing a $100 increase from earlier versions.

The highlight of these new devices is their emphasis on artificial intelligence. Samsung's press release, titled "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Elevate Galaxy AI to New Heights," mentions AI 25 times. Central to their AI capabilities is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which also powered the Galaxy S24.

The Galaxy S24, launched in January, kicked off Samsung’s Galaxy AI initiative. This year has seen a surge in mobile AI integrations, with similar developments from Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Google plays a significant role in Samsung's AI enhancements, particularly with the introduction of the Circle to Search feature.

This feature allows users to access the Gemini overlay by swiping the screen corner or using the “Hey Google” command. Gemini integrates seamlessly with popular Google apps, providing real-time assistance for tasks like travel planning, hotel bookings, and navigating famous landmarks via Google Maps. Additionally, Gemini can offer detailed information about a K-pop music video while watching it on the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s expansive screen.

Google is gradually replacing its Assistant with Gemini, though the latter is still being perfected. Samsung’s decision to adopt Gemini underscores the absence of its own large language models (LLMs). Apple, too, is partnering with OpenAI for advanced off-device queries.

Samsung's Galaxy AI, initially focused on imaging with the S24, now extends to the Notes app. New features include transcribing, translating, and summarizing voice recordings, improved PDF translations, and a predictive text function in Samsung Keyboard. Galaxy AI also aims to mimic the user’s writing style, particularly for social media, by analyzing past posts.

While there are no groundbreaking AI advancements, the shift to a squarer internal aspect ratio on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 shows Samsung’s responsiveness to consumer preferences. Competing foldables from Google and OnePlus/Oppo have proven that these devices can be user-friendly and not overly tall. Despite Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market, it remains influenced by market trends. The foldable category is still in its early stages and continues to evolve.

Both phones are available for preorder now, with shipping starting on July 24.