← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 unless you need a specialized camera. The specs tell the story: 7.6" display vs 6.5", plus it peaks at an incredible 2,600 nits brightness. In contrast, the Xperia 1 VI offers a unique 85-170mm continuous optical zoom lens that could sway photography enthusiasts. This means if you're a similar-weight user, the Xperia 1 VI could keep you powered longer, but the Z Fold6's stunning display and multitasking capabilities really shine for productivity and media consumption.

📱 Display: 7.6" vs 6.5"🔋 Battery: 4400 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.43 oz vs 6.77 oz

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

4.3
(535)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Check Amazon Price
Sony Xperia 1 VI

Sony Xperia 1 VI

4.3
(41)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
Check Amazon Price
Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
7.6" Main (unfolded) + 6.3" CoverWinner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
1–120Hz Adaptive (Main and Cover)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OISWinner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
4,400 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAhWinner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
8.43 oz (239 g)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Unfolded: 6.04" x 5.22" x 0.22" (153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm); Folded: 6.04" x 2.68" x 0.48" (153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

4.3(535)Amazon
Sony Xperia 1 VI

Sony Xperia 1 VI

4.3(41)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Rating:4.3(535)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:7.6" Main (unfolded) + 6.3" Cover
Screen Type:Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Main); Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Cover)
Resolution:Main: 1856 x 2160 pixels (QXGA+); Cover: 968 x 2376 pixels (HD+)
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz Adaptive (Main and Cover)
Peak Brightness:2,600 nits (Peak, Main and Cover)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); PDAF, OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps, 4K@60fps
Front Camera:Cover: 10MP (f/2.2); Main Under-Display: 4MP (f/1.8)
Battery:4,400 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP48 (Water resistant up to 1.5m; Protected against foreign objects >1mm, not dust tight); Armor Aluminum; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dimensions:Unfolded: 6.04" x 5.22" x 0.22" (153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm); Folded: 6.04" x 2.68" x 0.48" (153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm)
Weight:8.43 oz (239 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Galaxy AI; S Pen Support (Main screen only, sold separately); Samsung DeX

✓ Pros:

  • Refined design is thinner, lighter, and easier to hold than predecessors
  • Both Main and Cover displays hit a massive 2,600 nits peak brightness
  • Galaxy AI features are deeply integrated for productivity and translation
  • Class-leading 7-year software update commitment
  • IP48 rating provides verified water resistance and limited solid object ingress protection

✗ Cons:

  • Charging speed remains capped at 25W wired / 15W wireless
  • Camera hardware is largely unchanged from previous generation
  • Under-display camera (4MP) quality is still noticeably inferior to standard selfies
  • No integrated slot for the S Pen
  • IP48 is not fully dust-tight (sand/fine dust can still damage the hinge)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon
Sony Xperia 1 VI

Sony Xperia 1 VI

Rating:4.3(41)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models*
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Telephoto Camera:12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro
Optical Zoom:3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution)
Video Recording:4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses)
Front Camera:12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included*
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort)
Durability:IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.77 oz (192 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button

✓ Pros:

  • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
  • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
  • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
  • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
  • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use

✗ Cons:

  • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
  • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
  • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
  • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
  • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon

Which one is better?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is the better buy for most people - its massive 7.6" display crushes the Xperia 1 VI's 6.5". That said, grab the Xperia 1 VI if you need a killer camera with optical zoom - it's the photography powerhouse.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 if: you want the largest display for multitasking, you crave a peak brightness of 2,600 nits for outdoor use, or you value 7 years of software updates.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you need outstanding battery life with a 5,000mAh battery, you want a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio quality, or you frequently shoot with a versatile zoom lens.

Conclusion

There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 excels if you value refined design is thinner, lighter, and easier to hold than predecessors. Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

Affiliate disclosure

PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.