Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. OnePlus Open: Which Folding Case Should You Buy?

In the growing foldable phone market, the two main contenders are the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the OnePlus Open. Both phones offer innovative features and are aimed at tech enthusiasts who want a unique user experience. However, choosing between them can be difficult due to differences in design, performance, and other features. To help you decide which one best suits your needs, here are the comparison of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open.

Design

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the latest version of the Galaxy Z Fold series, known for its innovative design. Samsung has made improvements to the design of the Z Fold 6, focusing on reducing weight and improving durability. The device uses Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, giving it a durable and lightweight design, with a total weight of just 239 grams. Despite these improvements, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 still has a visible crease on the inner screen, an aspect that has been criticized in previous models.

Compared to it, the OnePlus Open also stands out in terms of design. This phone is slightly heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but it has a high-quality build and a 7.8-inch internal screen with no noticeable creases. The OnePlus Open uses a gapless design between the panels, which makes for a smoother experience when the device is folded.

In terms of durability, the OnePlus Open has an IPX4 rating, making it splash-proof but not water-resistant. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Screen

Both foldable phones feature AMOLED internal displays with HDR support and a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz, resulting in smooth and vibrant visuals. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a 7.6-inch internal display and a 6.3-inch external display with a high refresh rate and good color correction. However, the OnePlus Open beats the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in screen size, with an internal display of 7.8 inches and an external display of 6.3 inches.

While the OnePlus Open has a higher maximum brightness of over 2,800 nits compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 2,600 nits, the difference is small and both offer excellent screen quality.

Performance and Software

In terms of performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the most advanced chipset available for Android phones at the time of its launch. This gives it a performance advantage over the OnePlus Open, which uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, the latter has Open Canvas, which allows for quick switching between floating windows for smooth multitasking.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also offers more storage options, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage. The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is more than enough for most users. In terms of software support, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a clear advantage, with support for updates and security patches until 2031, while the OnePlus Open will get updates until 2027.

Camera

In terms of cameras, the OnePlus Open offers a solid setup of a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. This camera setup, coupled with the large Sony LYTIA-T808 sensor, delivers excellent photography capabilities and outstanding performance in a variety of lighting conditions.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6, on the other hand, has a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. It’s a similar camera setup to previous models, but Samsung has improved the camera software performance and added AI features to the images.

Special features

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence that allows you to explore information, create images, and communicate better. Features like Translator mode, which provides real-time translation on both screens, and Sketch to Image mode, which turns drawings into rich graphics, offer unique capabilities. These innovations are not yet available on the OnePlus Open, making the Galaxy Z Fold 6 an excellent option for those looking for cutting-edge technology.

On the other hand, when it comes to sound quality, the OnePlus Open stands out with its triple-speaker setup that supports Dolby Atmos, delivering powerful and deep sound. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also offers excellent sound quality, comparable to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the OnePlus Open has a slight advantage in terms of volume and quality.

Battery life and charging

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a 4,400mAh battery, the same as the previous model. While a slight increase in battery life is expected thanks to the new chipset, the OnePlus Open with a 4,805mAh battery offers better battery life compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

In terms of charging, the OnePlus Open supports 65W wired charging with SuperVOOC technology that fully charges the phone in just 43 minutes, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers 25W wired charging that takes around 80 minutes.

Price

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 goes on sale on July 24, 2024, with a base price of $1,899 for the 256GB version. By comparison, the OnePlus Open, available from October 2023, starts at $1,699 and includes 512GB of storage, making it $200 cheaper. If you opt for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 512GB, the price jumps to $2,019, which is $320 more than the OnePlus Open. Without taking into account trade-in discounts or special promotions, the OnePlus Open offers better value for money.

You Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 If…

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is perfect for you if you’re looking for a foldable phone that stands out in the age of AI, with tools like execution mode and image sketching that aren’t yet available on the OnePlus Open. Plus, the Z Fold 6 has a more rugged build with an official IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. And Samsung, for its part, also commits to seven years of software updates and security patches, keeping the device relevant until at least 2031.

You should buy the OnePlus Open if…

The OnePlus Open may be the best option if you’re looking for a foldable phone with better specs for less money. With a lower price tag and exclusive features like 65W SuperVOOC charging and Open Canvas for seamless multitasking, the OnePlus Open offers great value for money. Plus, its 16GB RAM and 512GB base storage configuration beats the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which costs $200 more. These perks make the OnePlus Open an attractive option for those who value efficiency and value.

Conclusion

Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open are top-notch devices in the foldable market. Ultimately, choosing between these two phones will come down to your priorities: If you value cutting-edge performance and advanced software support, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 may be your best option. If you’re looking for a flawless display, impeccable design, and excellent battery life, the OnePlus Open may be the perfect choice for you.