In a surprising turn of events, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be the first in the Flip series to support the Expert RAW app, a feature previously exclusive to high-end Galaxy S and Fold models. This unexpected development challenges the conventional notion that Expert RAW requires a dedicated telephoto lens, a feature absent in the Z Flip lineup.
Traditionally, Expert RAW compatibility has been limited to devices with at least 2x optical zoom telephoto lens. The list was made of the Galaxy S24 and S23 series, S22 series, S21 Ultra, S20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 2. This requirement stemmed from the app’s focus on capturing high-quality, high-dynamic range photos in RAW format, which benefits from the versatility and detail offered by a telephoto lens.
However, Samsung has managed to overcome this limitation with the Galaxy Z Flip 6. While the phone lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, its new 50MP main sensor delivers a 2x optical-quality zoom. This allows users to capture sharper zoomed-in shots, even without a dedicated telephoto lens, fulfilling the essential requirement for Expert RAW.
The announcement, tucked away in the footnotes of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 product page, has sparked excitement among photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. It signals a new era for the Galaxy Z Flip series, elevating its capabilities beyond its stylish design and compact form factor.
A Samsung camera expert also confirmed this development in a forum post, emphasizing that the Z Flip 6 is now equipped to provide users with a richer photography experience. This includes new features like Astro Portrait, which allows for stunning portraits with starry backgrounds, further enhancing the phone’s versatility.
While the omission of this information from the main Galaxy Z Flip 6 product page may raise eyebrows, it’s clear that Samsung is pushing the boundaries of mobile photography with this unexpected move. The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s support for Expert RAW opens up a world of creative possibilities for users with the desire to capture stunning photos with professional-grade control and flexibility.
By breaking the mold and extending Expert RAW support to a device without a dedicated telephoto lens, Samsung is redefining what’s possible in mobile photography and setting a new standard for foldable smartphones.
Featured image: Samsung