The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as one of the best phones we've seen so far. However, you might find Samsung's flagship device to be a bit by the numbers, and are considering moving on the something a bit fancier, the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Comparing flagship phones to foldable devices is always interesting. While foldables often offer a better screen and viewing experience, they also fall by the wayside in other places. The biggest issue with foldable phones, especially Samsung foldable phones, is that they're expensive.
So if you're looking to upgrade to a new device, or simply want to see how the two compare, then we have the answer here with a full breakdown.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: Specs
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: price and Availability
Starting at $1,899, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is comfortably one of the most expensive handsets around. Samsung would tell you that’s because it’s both a tablet and a phone in one, which is kind of true, but doesn’t make the initial outlay much easier to swallow.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a little bit cheaper, with the phone release at a starting price of £1,299. However, you can find some pretty good Galaxy S25 Ultra deals if you know where to look. Sadly, finding a new version of the phone can be a bit tricky, as many suppliers don't currently carry it.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design and Display
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a pretty impressive upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra in a couple of different ways. Firstly, the screen increased to 6.9 inches, as well as offering better color scores and accuracy. Meanwhile, the brightness also increased to 1,860 nits, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra only reached 1,363 nits. However, it has to be said that the screen appears to a bit a less durable on the new phone, at least compared to to a torture test by YouTuber JerryRigEverything (Zack Nelson.)
In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 also upped the display size from the prior Galaxy Z Fold 5, as well as minimized the crease seen on the inner display. However, the real improvement was the brightness of the display. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 managed to acheive a full brightness of 2,317 nits compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5's 1,535 nits.
So, let's compare what we know about the two.
As you can see, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a much better display experience, being both brighter, larger and offering a better color accuracy. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no slouch, and manages to improve in most ways over the older generation while still using much of the same hardware.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: AI & Special Features
While both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6 feature 12GB of RAM, the biggest difference is that the Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy compared to the Z Fold 6's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
As you would expect, the Galaxy S25 Ultra blasts the Galaxy Z Fold 6 out of the water when it comes to performance. However, that would be expected, as the Snapdragon 8 Elite is generally just a very powerful chip.
Another advantage that the Galaxy S25 Ultra has is that it features Samsung's new One UI 7 OS, which still hasn't appeared on other Samsung models. That means that you're getting access to a redesigned Home screen and camera app, improved Gemini and Galaxy AI and the new Now Bar.
Now, it is likely that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will have access to the update from April 7, but there's little doubt that the best experience will be on the more powerful Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: Cameras
Arguably, one of the big complaints regarding the Galaxy S25 Ultra is that it really hasn't changed much when it comes to the cameras. You get the same 200MP main sensor, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto and 12MP front shooter found on Samsung’s previous Ultra model. However, the Ultrawide has seen an increase to 50MP, which is nice.
Saying that, it's still true that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 simply can’t compete with those specs. Not only is its ultrawide the same 12MP sensor as the S24 Ultra, but it’s missing the 5x zoom periscope lens altogether.
While we haven't compared the two devices directly, we have compared the Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs the Galaxy S24 Ultra. In that contest, we found that the S24 Ultra offered a better camera experience. We also have a 200-photo contest between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra and while the results were closer than we'd have thought, the new phone took the prize.
As such, if you're looking for your next dedicated camera phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the clear winner.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: Battery & Charging
Overall the Galaxy S25 Ultra certainly takes the prize when it comes to battery size and life. The S25 Ultra features a 5,000 mAh battery compared to the 4,400 mAh seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, the real kicker is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which offer some of the best power management we've seen in a while.
We've put both phones through our Tom's Guide battery test, and the end result is pretty apparent. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 only managed around 10 hours, likely due to the brighter screen and older chip. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra managed a staggering seventeen hours thanks to the bigger battery and the new Snapdragon's power management.
Not only that, the Galaxy S25 Ultra manages a charging speed of 45W, meaning you can reach up to 71% power in around thirty minutes. Meanwhile the Galaxy Z Fold 6 maxes out at 25W, meaning you'll be waiting even longer to reach full power.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: Outlook
So which is the better phone overall? Well, it really depends on what you use your phone for. In terms of both general use and for taking images, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the clear winner. The increase power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, alongside the better cameras, puts it in the clear lead.
However, if you want a phone that offers the best streaming experience, then the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the clear winner. There 's something to be said for a larger, brighter display and foldables make for surprisingly good gaming machines as well.
If you happen to be looking to buy one of these great devices, then please check out our guide for the best Galaxy S25 Ultra cases, or the best Z Fold 6 cases, to help keep your new phone safe.
