As mobile devices continue to evolve, productivity and multitasking have become major priorities for users. Samsung, a leader in smartphone innovation, has pushed the boundaries with its latest flagship devices: the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. While both devices are built on cutting-edge technology and deliver top-tier performance, they serve different roles when it comes to multitasking. This article explores just how well the S25 Ultra stacks up against the Z Fold 6 in day-to-day multitasking scenarios, helping you decide which device best suits your productivity needs.
Design and Form Factor
The most immediate distinction between the two devices lies in their physical design. The Galaxy S25 Ultra retains the tried-and-true candy bar shape, while the Z Fold 6 embraces a foldable design that opens into a mini tablet.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Traditional slate design with a 6.8-inch AMOLED display.
- Galaxy Z Fold 6: Foldable design featuring a 6.3-inch outer cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner foldable display.
This fundamental difference heavily impacts how each device handles multitasking. While the S25 Ultra relies on one large screen with software capabilities like split-screen, the Z Fold 6 offers a more expansive canvas that mimics small tablet workflows.
User Interface and App Management
Samsung has refined its One UI interface across its flagship devices, optimizing it to handle multitasking efficiently. Both the S25 Ultra and Z Fold 6 benefit from these software enhancements, but the Z Fold 6 takes lead with its Fold-specific features.
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra supports split-screen mode and pop-up view, allowing users to run two apps side-by-side or overlay one app over another in a resizable window. It’s particularly effective when using productivity tools, such as simultaneously reading emails while referencing a document or browsing the web.
S Pen integration is another advantage. With the precision of the stylus, users can annotate PDFs, take notes, or navigate the interface efficiently. However, screen real estate limits app sandboxing to fewer instances.
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Fold 6 elevates multitasking with its tablet-like interface. Thanks to the wide 7.6-inch inner display and improved taskbar functionality, it supports three app multi-window layouts simultaneously, along with floating windows.
- Drag and drop between apps is seamless – for instance, dragging a photo from the gallery into a chat window works like it would on a desktop.
- App continuity ensures that transitioning from the cover screen to the inner screen (and vice versa) doesn’t interrupt tasks.
- Multi-active window support allows running up to three apps with two more in floating bubbles that can be minimized or expanded instantly.
In essence, the Z Fold 6 mimics small-screen laptop behavior, making it more versatile for true multitasking scenarios.
Performance and RAM Management
Both devices boast next-gen chipsets, likely using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or similar variants, accompanied by high RAM options (typically 12-16GB).
Galaxy S25 Ultra handles background tasks with ease, keeping frequently used apps in memory and switching between them almost instantaneously. The experience is fluid, seamless, and fast even under intensive workloads like video editing or large file downloads.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 holds a slight edge in terms of multitasking thanks to its optimized RAM scheduling for multiple foreground activities. When running three or more applications concurrently, the Fold manages RAM allocation better due to its multi-window-aware process handling. This makes it particularly suited for those who frequently juggle several apps in real-time.
S Pen Productivity
Both devices support the S Pen, but with differences that affect multitasking.
- S25 Ultra: Built-in S Pen makes note-taking always accessible. Great for on-the-go professionals who require quick access to stylus features.
- Z Fold 6: Supports S Pen Fold Edition (sold separately). While limited to use on the inner display, the larger canvas is ideal for more involved tasks like sketching, marking up PDFs, or detailed note taking.
When combined with multi-window apps, the Fold becomes a powerful workstation. For example, users can read a document in one window, take notes in another, and still have a Zoom call running in a floating window.
App Optimization and Developer Support
Though both smartphones run Android with Samsung’s One UI, the foldable nature of the Z Fold 6 necessitates better optimization. Samsung has worked closely with developers to make popular apps adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and orientations.
Apps such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, Slack, and Samsung Notes provide tailored experiences on the Fold 6, optimizing space and functionality. Compared to the S25 Ultra, which can run apps side by side, the Fold delivers a more natural multi-pane interface in supporting apps.
However, some third-party apps still struggle with the larger format, occasionally defaulting to portrait mode or letterboxing. The S25 Ultra, thanks to its standard display size, remains more consistent in app compatibility across the board.
Battery and Heat Management
Multitasking naturally puts more strain on hardware. With increased RAM usage, screen-on time, and network activity, both devices need capable batteries and effective thermal solutions.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5,000 mAh battery, generally offers longer screen-on time during multitasking due to its single display architecture.
- Galaxy Z Fold 6: Slightly smaller battery (approximately 4,400 mAh), but consumes more power due to dual-screen usage and additional multitasking features.
Thermal performance is comparable, though users might experience slightly warmer temperatures on the Z Fold 6 when running three apps and video playback simultaneously. Still, both devices employ vapor chamber cooling techniques that manage heat effectively during extended usage.
Which One is Better for Multitasking?
Choosing between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Z Fold 6 for multitasking depends largely on your workflow.
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you prioritize:
- Compact, traditional smartphone experience
- Reliable split-screen multitasking
- Always-available S Pen with integrated slot
- Consistent app compatibility
Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 6 if you prioritize:
- Maximum multitasking power with triple window support
- Tablet-like experience in a portable body
- Enhanced app continuity and layout flexibility
- Creative workflows requiring larger canvas and stylus support
For power users, remote workers, and multitaskers who demand a near-laptop-like experience on a mobile device, the Z Fold 6 is unparalleled. Its ability to fluidly run multiple apps, drag and drop content across apps, and adapt screen layouts dynamically places it in a category of its own.
The S25 Ultra, while excellent in its own right, is best suited for those who need multitasking on a more casual or structured basis, without the physical demands of a foldable screen.
Final Verdict
In the end, both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are equipped for robust multitasking, but they approach it differently. The S25 Ultra excels in a traditional format with steady performance and built-in stylus support, making it a favorite for users who prefer conventional ergonomics. The Z Fold 6, with its foldable, expansive screen and enhanced multitasking tools, stands as the ultimate multitasking powerhouse.
Your choice will depend on your preference for form factor, willingness to invest in a foldable experience, and how central multitasking is to your daily mobile usage.