Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: Flip or not?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy Z Flip 6 look strikingly similar until you flip the foldable. Is this the only difference between these two phones? No, it is not. Both are extremely expensive phones, but outside of the looks and branding, there are a lot of significant differences between the two that set them apart. But, they also share a similar price point, which may mean you find yourself choosing between the two of them when it’s time to upgrade.

While they share a sleek design and premium materials, the usability and features set these two phones apart. Let’s compare these two phones and find out which you should buy.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: specs

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: design and display

The Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy Z Flip 6 offer distinct design and display approaches, catering to different user preferences.

The Galaxy S25 Plus features a traditional smartphone form factor with a large, vibrant 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This screen boasts a resolution that delivers sharp, vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in a seamless and immersive viewing experience for everything from gaming to streaming videos. Its sleek design and slim profile enhance its aesthetic appeal and make it comfortable to hold for extended periods, allowing users to navigate with ease. The S25 Plus has advanced display features, such as a high refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness, which benefits gamers and multimedia enthusiasts alike.

In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 embraces an innovative foldable design, proudly featuring a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that folds in half. This remarkable engineering allows the device to transform into a compact and pocketable form when closed, making it ideal for users who value portability without sacrificing a full-screen experience. When unfolded, it reveals a stunning display that captures attention with its vibrant colors and impressive quality, perfect for viewing content or multitasking. The Z Flip 6 also boasts a cover screen, significantly enhancing its functionality. Users can quickly access notifications, reply to messages, and control music playback without fully opening the device, thus offering convenience and efficiency in daily tasks.

Both devices utilize high-quality display technology, ensuring exceptional viewing experiences; however, the Z Flip 6’s foldable nature and larger cover screen introduce a unique and versatile user experience, appealing to those who appreciate both style and practicality in their technology. Whether users prefer the refined design of the S25 Plus or the innovative approach of the Z Flip 6, both smartphones provide exciting features tailored to modern lifestyles.

You’ll find they are pretty similar when comparing the Galaxy S25 Plus display to the traditional Galaxy Z Flip 6 display. However, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 also features a cover display, which adds an extra element that you might find appealing. This gives that phone the edge.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: performance

The Galaxy S25 Plus and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 deliver impressive performance for users, but the newer Galaxy S25 Plus has a notable edge. This is primarily due to its advanced hardware configuration, designed to meet the demands of today’s applications and multitasking needs.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, an advanced processor known for its superior speed and efficiency. This chip incorporates enhancements that improve graphic rendering, AI capabilities, and overall computing power. In contrast, the Z Flip 6 has the slightly older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Although the Gen 3 has proven to be a capable performer, it does not quite match the raw power or the efficiency of the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Benchmark tests highlight the performance differences, showing that the S25 Plus consistently excels in CPU-intensive tasks, graphics rendering, and gaming scenarios. For instance, when running demanding applications like high-end mobile games or video editing software, the S25 Plus maintains smoother frame rates and quicker load times.

While both devices handle everyday tasks effortlessly, with capabilities such as web browsing, social media usage, and media playback, the Galaxy S25 Plus’s superior performance makes it particularly appealing for users who engage in more demanding applications or use their phones for gaming or productivity tasks. Ultimately, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6 remains stylish and capable, the Galaxy S25 Plus is the more powerful option for those seeking cutting-edge performance.

One wildcard: The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an IP48 rating, while the Galaxy S25 Plus boasts an IP68 rating. IP68 is completely dust-tight, providing superior dust protection, while IP48 only guards against larger objects but not fine dust. Both ratings indicate water resistance, but IP68 offers better security, especially in dusty environments. If dust isn’t a concern, IP48 may be adequate. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for water protection details.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: cameras

Samsung has kept the camera specifications of the Galaxy S25 Plus consistent with those of the Galaxy S24 Plus. However, introducing a newer, more powerful chip enhances camera performance by improving image processing speeds and overall quality.

The Galaxy S25 Plus features a versatile 50MP primary camera that captures sharp, detailed photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The 12MP ultrawide-angle sensor offers an impressive 120-degree field of view, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes or large group shots without stepping back. The 10MP telephoto camera also provides 3x optical zoom, making it easier to take clear shots of distant subjects without losing detail. The 12MP front camera is designed for high-resolution selfies and video calls, ensuring that self-portraits and virtual meetings look great.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cameras are decent but not exceptional, balancing performance and usability. The standout feature is the 50MP primary camera, which excels in various lighting conditions and produces vibrant images with outstanding clarity. This camera is paired with a 12MP ultrawide sensor that offers a wide 123-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots without fitting everyone into a tighter frame.

The device features a 10MP selfie camera at the top of the inner display for selfies. This camera performs admirably, allowing users to capture flattering self-portraits with accurate skin tones and commendable detail.

Overall, a newer chip and a more robust camera system make the Galaxy S25 Plus the winner.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: battery and charging

The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a battery capacity of 4900mAh, significantly more significant than the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s battery, which is 4,000mAh. This increased capacity translates to noticeably longer battery life, making it capable of lasting a full day even with heavy use, such as streaming videos, gaming, and multitasking between apps.

Regarding charging capabilities, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers advanced wired charging features, including faster charging speeds of up to 45W. These allow the device to charge from 0 to 100% in under an hour, which is particularly useful for users who are always on the go and may not have time to wait for their device to charge.

Both models support wireless charging, but the efficiency remains comparable. Each phone can charge up to 15W wirelessly. Additionally, both devices support reverse wireless charging, meaning you can use them to charge other compatible devices or accessories, enhancing their versatility.

Overall, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is compact and stylish, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a more practical battery solution for those prioritizing longevity and charging speed. Thus, it is a solid choice for power users.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: software and support

The Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra are the first Samsung devices to feature Android 15 and the company’s One UI 7. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 comes with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1, but it will support future software upgrades as they become available.

Both models are promised seven years of software updates and bug fixes, ensuring that your phone will be supported for an extended period, regardless of which model you choose.

One important note is that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is an older device, so those seven years started ticking down earlier. In other words, the Galaxy S25 Plus will support one more version of Android than the other model.

Winner: Tie

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: availability and price

You can currently pre-order the Galaxy S25 Plus, available with 256GB or 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, starting at approximately $1,000. The available colors include Mint, Icy Blue, Silver Shadow, and Navy. Additionally, you can find Blue Black, Coral Red, and Pink Gold on the Samsung website.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also offers 256GB or 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, starting at $1,100. It is widely available in Blue, Yellow, Mint, and Silver Shadow, while Crafted Black, Peach, and White are exclusive to the Samsung website.

As an older device, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is likely more straightforward to find for purchase. However, once the Galaxy S25 Plus becomes widely available, it should also be easy to find. Before purchasing either phone, be sure to look for discounts and trade-in specials to help reduce the overall cost.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6: which should you choose?

If you have narrowed your smartphone options down to these two models, there’s one key question to consider: do you want a flip phone? If the answer is no, then your choice is straightforward: go for the newer Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus. This model features a better processor and camera system, supports Android 15 and One UI 7, and comes at a slightly lower price.

However, if owning a flip phone is important to you, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the way to go. It has the same display as the S25 Plus, comparable storage and RAM, and boasts an impressive processor. Plus, it, of course, includes a cover display.

The bottom line: you can’t go wrong with either of these phones.

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus:

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: