Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 AI vs Z Flip5. What’s the difference?

Wondering whether to treat yourself to a new Flip6? With advancements in Galaxy AI and an impressive new processor, the Z Flip6 takes Samsung’s previous clamshell design Flip5 up a level. But you’ve probably got some questions. This article will help you discover all the differences between the 2 phones, so you can decide whether it’s time for an upgrade.

Let’s start with a quick rundown of what the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 AI has to offer:

• Best-ever Flip phone camera tech
• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
• Improved durability
• Advanced Galaxy AI

The Galaxy Z Flip5 runs on Android 13, but the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 AI runs on the latest Android 14 operating system. Not sure why that matters? No problem. Here are the main benefits of Android 14:

Android 14 on Flip6 gives you more customisable features, such as AI-generated wallpapers on both the cover screen and main display.

Staying with the personalisation theme, when you unlock the Flip5 with a PIN, you need to tap ‘OK’ to get in. Conveniently, you don’t need to do this with Android 14 on Flip6.

You also get a wider range of accessibility options on Flip6, like ‘flash feature’ which sets your phone to flash when a notification comes in. The latest version of Android also includes deeper scaling tools for users with impaired vision.

Along with usability, the latest OS handles smaller tasks that run in the background in a much smarter way. This means that the battery life on the Flip6 is more efficient than on the Flip5. 

On the Samsung Galaxy Flip6 AI, Health Connect is in the Settings menu, rather than being a separate app like it is on Flip5 – so it’s more central to your phone. Health Connect will now pull in data from other fitness apps you’ve installed, so everything is all in one place.

You get a larger 4,000mAh battery on the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI, compared to 3,700mAh on the Flip5, so battery life is improved.

But let’s be fair. Both phones have plenty of power for all-day scrolling and entertainment, and both phones have an intelligent dual battery that adapts to the way you use your phone – ensuring it’s always ready when you need it.

According to Phone Arena the Flip6 AI delivers over 16 hours of web browsing, compared to around 12 hours on the Flip5.

Need some juice fast? Both phones support Super-Fast wired charging and Fast wireless charging, so powering up is never a problem.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 AI and Z Flip5 are impressively light at just 187g, so they’re super-portable and easy to carry around. If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI has a strengthened zero-gap hinge that makes the fold much less obvious when you’re streaming and multi-tasking.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 AI comes in the same bold colours as the Galaxy Z Flip5, but there’s now a new Silver Shadow colourway.AI

Like the Flip5, damage resistant materials make the Galaxy Z Flip6 super durable. The Armour Aluminium frame and Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 screen provide strong protection from drops and scratches. 

Both the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Flip6 come with a main inside screen and a cover screen. And the displays are the same size on each device: 3.4in OLED cover screen and a 6.7in OLED main screen. The cover screen runs at 60Hz on both models and the main screen runs at 120Hz for a smooth refresh rate.

Samsung has managed to reduce the ‘crease’ in the middle of the main screen on the Flip6 by using a thicker, more scratch-resistant glass.

You’ll find that brightness has been improved on the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI, which makes it easier to use outdoors. And the minimum brightness has dropped lower, so the screen is easier on the eye if you use it in bed.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 AI has the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is an upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the Flip5. And the Flip6 is the first in the series to get vapour chamber cooling, which basically helps with throttling and is a huge benefit for gamers.

The all-new Galaxy AI features in Samsung’s Series 6 depend quite heavily on RAM and in the Flip6 you get 12GB rather than 8GB on the Flip5.

Another bonus is that Z Flip6 AI will give you 7 years of software updates, whereas the Flip5 launches with only 4 years of updates.

The improved processor on the Flip6 supports the enhanced Galaxy AI tech. In fact, many of the new usability features on the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI are based on improved AI functionality. Here’s a summary:

• Google Gemini comes fully integrated into the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI. The overlay is available by swiping the corner of the screen or through the "Hey Google" voice prompt.
• When browsing images, the Circle to Search function uses AI to provide search results from the web.
• The AI-powered ProVisual engine on the Flip6 offers image enhancement and editing improvements.
• Note Assist in the Samsung Notes app uses AI to provide translation and summaries from meeting notes, text documents, and PDFs.
• The Sketch to Image function helps you create professional-looking images out of rough sketches. 
• Suggested replies analyses your latest texts to suggest a response
• Photo Ambient changes your wallpaper in real-time based on the time of day and weather

Both the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI and Z Flip5 have 3 incredible cameras which capture brilliant shots, but you get a more advanced camera setup on the Galaxy Z Flip6. It comes with a 50MP wide-angle and 12MP ultra-wide camera on the rear, and a 10MP front camera for impressive selfies.

In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip5 has two 12MP cameras on the rear, and a 10MP front camera. The ultra-wide camera on Flip6 is a new model of sensor and offers 4K video for the first time, with better low-light performance.

Samsung is obviously pushing AI features heavily, so you also have the Generative Edit features that are available on the S24 series on Flip6. Galaxy AI-powered Auto Zoom lets you take incredible hands-free photography by automatically zooming in and out to find the best angles and compositions.

Plus, Nightography is now even better thanks to Super Night Video, which gives you sharp details, even in low light.

Just like the Flip5, the FlexCam feature uses the phone’s unique hinge to prop up the screen to capture hands free group selfies and creative shots.

With improved camera tech, advanced AI features and a next-gen processor, the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI is an impressive update to the Flip5. Why not explore our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 AI deals now and get yours on the UK’s Fastest 5G Network?*

With Three Your Way you can get a cutting-edge phone like the Galaxy Z Flip6 AI with a payment plan that suits your budget. Choose how much you pay upfront and then spread the remaining cost over 12, 24 or even 36 months if you prefer.

Why not discover more Samsung Galaxy Z Series phones to see how they compare to the Flip5 and Flip6?

Don’t forget to trade in your old phone with Three Recycle for cash towards your new Samsung phone. We’ll give you an extra £275 on top of the value of your old phone when you trade it in for the Z Flip6 AI. We’ll pay for postage and packing, and you could get paid the very next day.

Don’t forget to check out our guide to the new Galaxy Z Fold6 AI in case you prefer a vertical fold design?

*Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2024. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.