Samsung’s latest powerhouses, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 6, offer cutting-edge technology and premium features. But with a significant price difference and distinct form factors, choosing between them can be challenging. This in-depth comparison analyzes their design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and software to help you determine the ultimate Samsung flagship for your needs.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the S Pen Stylus.
A person holding the open Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Design and Display: Slab vs. Foldable
The S25 Ultra and Z Fold 6 represent two distinct design philosophies. The S25 Ultra retains the classic slab form factor with refined rounded edges and a slim profile, while the Z Fold 6 embraces the innovative foldable design, transforming from a smartphone to a mini-tablet. This versatility makes the Z Fold 6 ideal for productivity and immersive content consumption.
The S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display boasts a sharp QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440) and vibrant colors. Its 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, while 2,600 nits peak brightness guarantees excellent visibility outdoors. The Z Fold 6 counters with a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display (2160 x 1856) and a 6.3-inch cover display (2376 x 968), both offering a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 2,600 nits peak brightness.
While the Z Fold 6’s unfolded display offers more screen real estate, its weight (239g) significantly surpasses the S25 Ultra’s (218g). The S25 Ultra also includes the S Pen stylus, a valuable tool for note-taking and creative tasks, which is sold separately for the Z Fold 6.
Performance: Powering the Future
The S25 Ultra boasts the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, promising significant performance gains over the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite. Samsung claims a 30% faster CPU, a 40% faster NPU, and a 37% faster GPU. Coupled with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, the S25 Ultra handles demanding tasks with ease. Its enhanced thermal management system further ensures optimal performance during intensive workloads.
The Z Fold 6 utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a powerful chip that delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and gaming. However, it cannot match the raw power of the S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Camera Showdown: Capturing the Moment
The S25 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera system, comprising a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Samsung’s advanced image processing and Galaxy AI enhancements promise stunning image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
The Z Fold 6 offers a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While capable of capturing good photos, the Z Fold 6’s camera system falls short of the S25 Ultra’s capabilities, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Battery and Charging: Endurance Test
The S25 Ultra packs a substantial 5,000mAh battery, promising impressive battery life. It supports 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The Z Fold 6, on the other hand, features a smaller 4,400mAh battery, which struggles to keep up with its demanding hardware and dual displays. Its 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging are also less impressive.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S Pen stylus.
Software and Updates: One UI Experience
Both devices run Samsung’s One UI, albeit on different Android versions. The S25 Ultra ships with One UI 7 based on Android 15, while the Z Fold 6 runs One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14. Both phones benefit from Samsung’s commitment to long-term software updates, receiving seven years of Android and security updates. The Z Fold 6 excels in multitasking, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously on its expansive display.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the Galaxy AI screen.
Multi-tasking on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Price and Availability: The Deciding Factor
The S25 Ultra offers a more accessible price point compared to the Z Fold 6. The price difference becomes even more significant when considering the higher storage variants.
Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra emerges as the overall winner, offering a compelling combination of performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and affordability. However, the Z Fold 6 remains a compelling choice for users who prioritize the unique foldable form factor and its enhanced multitasking capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
